WVU HC Neal Brown Previews Oklahoma State, Compliments Growth

The Oklahoma State Cowboys look to continue off their momentum built by two upset wins in a row, coming against Kansas State and Kansas. The Cowboys have taken a step on both sides of the ball, which allowed the upset wins, and West Virginia head coach Neal Brown understands just that, which he expressed in his weekly presser where he previewed the game.

"I think Oklahoma State is one of the hottest teams in the country. I really credit Coach Gundy and his staff. They had a low point," Brown said. "They've rebounded well. ...You can tell, during that bye week, they went back and really simplified what they were doing." 

On both sides of the ball, the Cowboys are nearly unrecognizable considering where they were as a team to start the season. No run-game, missed tackles and poorly distributing the ball to playmakers. Everything has seen a turn for the better, though.

"You can tell they're playing with a lot of confidence right now. Offensively, when you look at them, they're focused on running the football. That's something they didn't do a whole lot early," Brown said.

Feeding Ollie Gordon has seemingly paid off, as he's hit the century mark of yards in the ground game in each game starting with Iowa State. He's been crucial to the Cowboys' turnaround but has had help from the entire team.

"They settled on a quarterback. [Bowman's] been through the league. He's experienced," Brown said."He's settled down, he's throwing the ball well. He's playing better in the past couple weeks."

Brown went on to compliment Gordon, the receivers and the offensive line. This is a true testament to the turnaround Kasey Dunn's offense has seen over the past few weeks after a putrid start.

Now, Brennan Presley is involved, Rashod Owens looks good and Jaden Bray has continued to move the ball. The offensive line has improved in both the run game and helping block for Bowman, allowing him to spread the ball. 

It's not just the offense that has led the team's turnaround after the bye week, though. 

"[The defense has] made a lot of progress," Brown said. "I think it starts with how they're playing up front. They've got really good length and they're playing fundamental football. ...And then at linebacker. I think this may be the most talented group we've played."

To start the season, missed tackles were a big part of the defensive woes. Against Kansas, where the Cowboys defeated the No. 23 team 39-32, they missed just three tackles. They also strung together a shutout in the final five possessions for Kansas. 

West Virginia's coach is prepared for a good Oklahoma State team, and both teams have been pretty equal in the box score on the season. A close, hard-fought battle is on the way in Morgantown. The Cowboys take on the Mountaineers on Saturday in a game in which West Virginia is slightly favored to win. 

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