Three Things We’re Looking for From Oklahoma State in the Camping World Bowl

It’s been more than one month since Oklahoma State last played football that mattered. On Thursday, though, it will play its final game of the season in Orlando against Virginia Tech for Camping World Bowl bragging rights.

Since thumping Kansas to end the regular season on a high note, the Cowboys have had plenty of time to prepare for their 2017 season finale. But despite entering the game as one of Vegas’ bowl season darlings, OSU has a stiff challenge ahead against a pesky Virginia Tech defense.

“With Virginia Tech, you know, you see a defense that’s given up 13.5 points a game over a 12 game season, so they’ve had tremendous success and very good inside,” said Mike Gundy on Wednesday. “They’re long at the corner position, safeties are good cover guys, and they’ve earned those statistics. And then, offensively, they’re sound in what they do. They’re smart. They make good decisions. They’re very well coached.”

Virginia Tech’s got a talented, yet young, offensive unit that will be without its top two skill position players in the bowl game. So all signs say OSU shouldn’t have too many troubles as a favorite.

Shouldn’t. 

But let’s cut the chit-chat and get into three things I’ll be watching as the Pokies play the Hokies.

1. Freshman coming into their own

This is the game where I think we see the true freshmen — specifically J.D. King and Tylan Wallace — really come into their own.

Do we want to see James Washington and Justice Hill go for a combined 400+? Yes. Might it happen? Yes. But I think there will be a concerted effort to get the youngsters heavily involved in this one, simply so OSU can establish confidence and momentum for their young cornerstones to build on going into the offseason. Both will be major pieces for the Pokes in 2018.

2. Rudolph to Washington, one last time

This game truly marks the end of an era of the most productive QB-WR tandem Oklahoma State has ever produced. The Rudolph to Washington connection has been something special since it was conceived on a cold night in Waco in 2014, and this will be the last time — barring a draft day miracle (please Lawd ?) — we see this special connection again.

While I think No. 2 spreads around the love to guys like Marcell Ateman and Chris Lacy, I also think he’ll make sure No. 28 gets his fill before the evening ends. Washington’s 68 yards away from tying Rashaun Woods’ all-time receiving yards record at Oklahoma State, so getting his top target to 69 on the night would be a nice way to go out with a bang.

3. Will the defense bounce back?

Mike Yurcich can roll out of the bed and craft together a 30-burger on any given afternoon, but the question mark all season — specifically in November — was whether the defense could get stops.

Against a Virginia Tech unit that will be without its top two skill talents, I tend to think the answer will be yes. And by golly, it should be yes. But if it’s one particular area I have little confidence in it’s the defense (and special teams).

The Cowboy D allowed 41.5 points per game in November but is in line for a major bounce back on Thursday.