Oklahoma State and West Virginia are set to clash in a crucial Big 12 matchup on Saturday. Standing at 0-2 in Big 12 play, each game from here on out is pretty much an elimination game for the Cowboys in terms of the Big 12 championship race. The Mountaineers come to Stillwater with a 1-0 conference record, having beaten Kansas two weeks ago. Their looking to prove their merit as a contender by picking up a win in their first conference road game.
This game will feature a battle between two talented offenses and struggling defenses. Oklahoma State has shown flashes of offensive brilliance but has struggled with consistency, while West Virginia has a strong running game led by CJ Donaldson.
On the defensive side, Oklahoma State has made strides in recent weeks, while West Virginia has struggled to limit turnovers. The home-field advantage for Oklahoma State could also be a factor in this matchup.
Overall, this game promises to be a competitive contest with plenty of implications for both teams’ postseason hopes. Here are five things to keep an eye on.
Oklahoma State’s Offensive Consistency: Oklahoma State’s offense has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency throughout the season. The Cowboys lead the Big 12 in both fewest sacks allowed and fewest tackles for loss allowed, demonstrating their effective pass protection. Their passing offense is also ranked No. 11 in the FBS, averaging 320.6 passing yards per game.
One of the highlights of the Cowboys’ offense has been the performance of wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, who has led the team in receiving yards in four of five games this season. His ability to create big plays and stretch the field has been a vital part of Oklahoma State’s success.
However, running back Ollie Gordon has not been as productive as he was in the previous season. He is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry and has struggled to reach the 100-yard rushing mark. Getting Gordon going will be essential for Oklahoma State to establish a balanced offense and maintain consistency on drives.
West Virginia’s Running Game: West Virginia possesses a potent running game led by the talented CJ Donaldson Jr. Ranked No. 8 in the Big 12 for rushing yards per carry (5.57) and No. 9 in rushing yards per game (71.0), Donaldson’s ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact makes him a formidable force.
The Mountaineers have a history of success when they can establish a strong running game. Under Neal Brown, West Virginia is 29-9 when rushing for at least 100 yards. This statistic highlights the importance of their running game in their offensive strategy.
Additionally, West Virginia boasts a deep backfield with three players ranked in the top 16 in rushing in the Big 12. This depth provides them with flexibility and options on the ground, making it difficult for defenses to contain their running attack.
Oklahoma State’s Defensive Improvement: Oklahoma State has made strides on defense in recent weeks. The Cowboys have shown improvement in various areas, including forcing turnovers, defending the red zone, and limiting the pass. However, those will all be put to the test on Saturday.
The Mountaineers are efficient in the passing game, averaging 13.85 yards per passing completion. Quarterback, Garrett Greene, is a talented player who can make plays with his arm and legs.
Oklahoma State’s defense will need to remain focused and disciplined to contain West Virginia’s offense. Their ability to limit big plays and create turnovers will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game.
Oklahoma State ranks among the top three in the Big 12 and Top 25 in the FBS in turnovers gained, passes intercepted, and red zone defense. They are also ranked fourth in the conference in third down defense. The Cowboys have to continue to own these areas of the game in order to limit West Virginia’s offensive production and be in a position to win.
West Virginia’s Turnovers: The Mountaineers have struggled with turnovers this season, which has been a significant factor in their inconsistent play. WVU is averaging two turnovers per game, which can be costly in close matchups.
While West Virginia is looking to avoid costly mistakes, Oklahoma State doesn’t want to give the Mountaineer offense any extra opportunities either. The Cowboys have a turnover margin of +2, ranking them 51st nationally, but have struggled with turnovers themselves this season, giving the ball away a total of seven times.
Home Field Advantage: Oklahoma State has a strong home-field advantage, playing in front of passionate and supportive fans. Since the beginning of the 2020 season, the Cowboys are 25-4 at home, a top-five home wins total in the FBS during that period.
The energy and enthusiasm of the crowd can create a challenging environment for visiting teams. Oklahoma State’s home-field advantage has been a significant factor in their success over the past few seasons.
For the first time in program history, Oklahoma State sold every ticket for every home football game prior to the start of the season. This demonstrates the strong support from the fan base and creates a vibrant atmosphere for games at Boone Pickens Stadium.
Follow us on Twitter: @SportsHeartland