Cowboys Near the Top of Big 12 in Red Zone Offense, Defense

Oklahoma State isn’t in the top of the FBS in many statistical categories, but it has been efficient in two categories in particular. The Cowboys have found relative success in the red zone both on offense and defense, and it’s helped them in many of the wins they recorded in 2018.

OSU is tied for 24th in the country in red zone offense. The Cowboys are scoring on 89 percent of their red zone appearances. This is their highest amount since the 2015-2016 season, where the Cowboys’ package quarterback J.W. Walsh led the team in rushing touchdowns with 13 (most of which coming in the red zone).

OSU quarterback Taylor Cornelius has played a large role in this feat, as he has 10 touchdowns on the season and has been a large part of the team’s red-zone offense this year.

On the other side, the Cowboys are No. 10 in the country in red zone defense, holding opposing teams’ red-zone scoring to under 73 percent. Coincidentally, the Cowboys were No. 11 in the same statistic in 2017, giving up just over 73 percent of red-zone tries.

Big 12 teams have a wide variance in this statistic. Iowa State and Texas are at No. 4 and 5, respectively. Oklahoma, on the other hand, is second-to-last in the FBS (No. 128), allowing opponents to score 95 percent of the time in the red zone.

Obviously, this season’s result has been less than desirable, but this gives each unit something to build upon not only in the coming bowl game but in 2019 and beyond.