Line Segment: OSU’s O-Line Stepped up in Big Win

After Oklahoma State’s dominating win over Baylor, there was a lot to celebrate. The offensive line was no different as they dominated in both pass protection and run blocking for majority of the game.

Anytime you play a Power 5 opponent (albeit a winless one) and average 7.3 yards per carry and allow zero sacks you have to be pleased. Baylor certainly didn’t bring a solid D-line to the table, as they currently sit tied for 78th in sacks (oddly enough tied with Oklahoma State) and 119th in run defense. However, you take the wins where you can get them.

Baylor was officially credited with zero sacks, zero QB hurries, and there were many instances in my film review of Rudolph having all day to throw the ball. The Oklahoma State run game was solid, going for 276 yards and 5 TDs. It was a very clean game from the O-line perspective, as I thought the unit played one of their best games of the year.

Teven Jenkins and Johnny Wilson have played really well given the circumstances, and the coaching staff has to love the fact that they can rely on these players in case guys like Brad Lundblade are out several more weeks. Zach Crabtree certainly looked more comfortable out there this past week than against Texas Tech with his turf toe injury, and the left side of the line was steady. In the next few weeks, OSU will face some higher-level defensive fronts, so quality play out of this group will be critical to Oklahoma State’s success.

One new wrinkle to the OSU offense that we saw against Baylor was the wildcat formation, as I can’t remember that being run since possibly last year against Central Michigan. This has to be a reaction to the lackluster goal-line run game showing in Lubbock and will hopefully kick-start a power run game. Although it’s not my favorite play due to its predictability, it’s really successful given the fact that you pick up a numbers advantage. My guess is that the coaching staff didn’t feel confident in their short-yardage run game, and needed to add another wrinkle for the back half of the season.

Here are some notes I took during film review.

This isn’t necessarily offensive line related, but it still bothers me. You can’t block down, leave a free rusher, then cut back to his side. This is an inside zone play that should be designed to run to the left right in behind Marcus Keyes. It’s a first down if that happens.

This is the wildcat formation I was referring to above. It served its purpose and moved the chains. However the line didn’t particularly get a good push, something to monitor as the season goes along.

Here was one of the few mistakes I found made by Johnny Wilson. This is a really tough reach block given the D-line alignment, and he can’t slide to get the block fast enough. The play is blown up for a 2-yard loss.

I think I could’ve linked about 15 of these videos, but I figured I would choose just one for the sake of the GIFS.com servers. Excellent pocket here, Rudolph slides to the left to actually buy more time. Pass protection was excellent all day.

One note about the pass protection, I did see this unit struggle with a few stunts up front. In this example it is Teven Jenkins, who doesn’t recognize the twist and lets a free rusher get through.

Solid game by the O-line. They have a big test this week against Texas — which might have one of the best defensive lines in the Big 12. Texas is only giving up 117 yards per game on the ground so Oklahoma State will certainly be in for a challenge this week in Austin.