How Oklahoma State may look to attack Texas
On paper, it seems straight-forward. The Oklahoma State offense has not run the ball well conventionally this season, while the Texas defense has been the best in the Big 12 against the run (allowing just 3.28 yards per carry).
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So the thinking goes, Oklahoma State must beat Texas by taking to the air, by Spencer Sanders bringing his A-game as a passer. Advantage Texas!
But reality is never that simple.
Sure, Texas may limit the Cowboys’ rushing attack, but at what cost?
Other teams this season have used the Horns’ focus on run-stopping to hunt and peck their way down the field passing. Successful teams have focused on those easy throws in an effort to essentially replace their run game.
That strategy has worked for some opponents, just not always to completion.
For example, the strategy clearly worked for the offenses of UTSA, Texas Tech and Iowa State to varying degrees. Yet the Horns were 2-1 in those contests.
Unfortunately, I think such a strategy plays right into the hands of Oklahoma State, just like it did for Iowa State and their limited rushing attack.
Like Iowa State, the Cowboys already know their run game is not what it has been in the recent past, so focusing on the short passing game as a replacement is likely a welcome request.
Now, I’m not saying Texas is going to lose this game, nor am I saying that the Texas D will get decimated. But it’s something to be cognizant of and not be surprised by on Saturday.
We want the Texas D that ultimately showed a spine against Iowa State and UTSA, not the one who got overwhelmed by Texas Tech.
The Texas D needs to find a way to mix up its coverages, to mix up its defense because opponents are seeing a pattern of sorts that can be exposed.
I know this is not a new concept to Texas fans. It’s just that I think it takes on a particular importance this week when the opponent clearly isn’t as strong of a running team as they have been in the past and are already looking for other ways to move the ball successfully.
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The Texas passing game needs to get back on track this weekend. It sputtered last Saturday.
Whether that’s because of the Cyclones dropping eight into coverage, a receiver drop or a missed pass, the Horns unquestionably need more through the air to keep defenses honest.
Look for Steve Sarkisian to try to get Quinn Ewers more comfortable earlier in this contest.
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T. Boone Pickens Stadium is the only true East-West field in college football. Other stadiums, like DKR, run North-South.
That means the effect of the wind can sometimes be accentuated, especially if it’s in the 10-15 mph range that is expected at kickoff.
So don’t be surprised if special teams plays an outsized role Saturday.
Whether that’s a short or long punt that changes field position, perhaps a kickoff that won’t make the end zone and gets returned, or even limiting or expanding the distance on field goal attempts, it could all come into play.
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Joe wrote a nice piece yesterday on where Bijan Robinson might end up on the final tally for Longhorn rushers of all-time. Bijan has 3,000 career rushing yards squarely in his sights.
But don’t forget about Roschon Johnson also potentially eclipsing the 2,000-yard mark. The senior leader from Port Neches is already at 1,930 career rushing yards.
In 1988, Darron Norris was the back-up to Eric Metcalf and finished with more than 2,000 rushing yards. However, Norris was not always the back-up earlier in his career. He led the team in rushing attempts as a sophomore and also had more than Metcalf when both were freshman.
That’s all to say, what Johnson is set to accomplish is a college football rarity.
