Oklahoma State vs. West Virginia | Position Grades

Zachary LowNovember 3, 2016 No Comments

For the sixth time in Mike Gundy’s career as head coach at Oklahoma State, the Cowboys beat a top-10 team. The win was also Gundy’s 100th of his career, and it was good enough to get the Cowboys into the top 25 and back into the Big 12 title hunt.

Offense

Quarterbacks: Mason Rudolph had another incredible game throwing 26/36 for 273 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also rushed for a two-yard touchdown on a quarterback sneak. Rudolph also had my favorite play of the game when he escaped a pretty much guaranteed sack to throw an absolute dime.  Overall Grade | A+

Offensive Line: The offensive line was not very successful in helping to establish the run game, but they did probably their best job all season at protecting the quarterback. Rudolph was only sacked once, a season-low for the Cowboys. Overall Grade | A-

Running Backs: After a number of 100-yard games, Justice Hill only tallied 54 yards on 19 carries as the Cowboys rushed for a mere 85 yards on 31 carries. The run game was not necessary for the offense to be successful, although they clearly could have used it as the redzone offense struggled early in the game. Overall Grade | B-

Receivers: James Washington is an absolute machine, as he once again reached triple digits in receiving yards with 117 on six receptions. Jalen McCleskey had another successful week catching a team-high 11 passes for 66 yards and a touchdown, and Chris Lacy added three catches for 31 yards and two touchdowns. Overall Grade | A

Coaching: Play calling was questionable at times early in the game, especially as the offense failed to score a touchdown in the first quarter despite two redzone trips. However, as the game went on, some good adjustments were made, and the offense was much more successful. Overall Grade | B+

Offensive Player of the Game

QB Mason Rudolph: Rudolph continues to flourish in his best season yet, and when given a shot on a big stage against a top-10 team, he performed in a grand fashion. If he keeps up these types of efforts, the Cowboys could find themselves contending for a Big 12 title come Bedlam in December.

Defense

Defensive Line: The defensive line had an interesting game as they allowed the Mountaineers to rush for 209 yards, but Vincent Taylor and Co. pestered Skyler Clark all afternoon, sacking him three times.  Overall Grade | B+

Linebackers: Chad Whittener lead the team with 13 tackles and one sack, and Kevin Henry had a game-sealing interception late in the fourth quarter. They really need to work on not allowing opposing running backs get past the second level of defense, though. Overall Grade | B

Secondary: The secondary had one of its better outings this season, holding Skyler Clark to 24/39 passing for 212 yards and a touchdown. Without a doubt, one of the highlighs of the entire game was Ramon Richards’s interception and huge return. Overall Grade | A

Coaching: West Virginia does not have the type of offense that has been typical in Morgantown over the last few years, but Skyler Clark is a solid dual-threat quarterback, and Glenn Spencer did a good job at preparing  Overall Grade | A

Defensive Player of the Game

DT Vincent Taylor: Taylor made some serious noise as ate Skyler Clark’s lunch all day. Taylor ended with 6 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.

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