Offensively the two teams are pretty comparable on the surface. The Cowboys are able to get to the red zone much more often than Texas despite the Longhorns averaging better starting field position and more yards per drive. The big play rate is really the only real differentiating cause, since Texas goes three and out less an Oklahoma state as well. The Pokes offense just isn't the same high octane unit it has been in recent memory, as we can see below:
The QBs for OK State have only averaged 6.9 and 6.6 yards per play on the ground and passing. The only reciever with a yards per play mark greater than 15 is Brandon Sheperd, and almost all of that has come from his kick returns. The ground game is just average in the conference in the yards per caryr area and yards per game, ranking fifth in both categories.
The story of this game will come down to the defense. Oklahoma State's unit is vastly underrated, forcing a lot of punts and keeping teams from reach the red zone. The only area of concern has been the inability to get after the QB, where the best pass rusher is DT Calvin Barnett, a senior form Tulsa. The Texas defense has been getting better each week though, after basically being a dumpster fire prior to Greg Robinson taking over. They've increased their negative plays forced rate drmatically, and its shown up in trending for yards surrendered per game and yards per play.
If Texas' defense can keep OK State down, their own offense has been solid enough to keep this game interesting. If the defense though reverts to its early season form, this game is going to get out of hand since the Texas passing offense leads something to be desired.
No comments:
Post a Comment