Defensive Line Segment: Defense Dominates In Win

It is no secret that the Oklahoma State defense was the star of the show Saturday vs. Texas, something Cowboy fans aren’t exactly accustomed to. It held Texas to 150 yards under their average on the way to a defensive slugfest win and move to 6-1.

One of the most impressive stats of the day was Texas being held to 42 yards on a 1.3-yard per carry average. Although the Longhorns’ run game was struggling somewhat coming in, anytime you hold any team to those type of numbers, you’re pretty thrilled, let alone Texas. For the second time in three games, the Oklahoma State defense has held their opponent under 55 yards rushing and 2.1 yards per carry.

The defense was credited with three sacks (2.5 from the defensive line) and nine tackles for loss, and provided constant pressure on QB Sam Ehlinger. The pass rush forced Ehlinger into many throws early, in addition to causing a game-sealing interception in the end zone.

The tape shows a dominant performance. It was tough sledding trying to find areas of criticism. With the addition of guys like Justin Phillips and Calvin Bundage being more involved in the pass rush, it has suddenly become a strength of the Oklahoma State defense.

Film Observations:

1. Oklahoma State’s stunt game up front was a huge success against Texas’ young offensive line. This stunt didn’t go exactly as planned, but it served it’s purpose — to free up Tralund Webber for the QB hurry.

2. Here is another stunt that was successful. Trey Carter is driving right on the outside shoulder of the right guard and makes a nice play for the sack/fumble. However, the play was set up by Jordan Brailford who takes three steps up-field to draw the right tackle (Derek Kerstetter, former Oklahoma State commit) far enough out of position to open up a crease for Carter. This is good team defensive line play and a nice stunt drawn up.

3. This was another big play by Jordan Brailford, beating the left tackle with a speed rush on the outside for the sack. However, watch Trey Carter in the middle take on a double team and cause disruption in the middle of the pocket.  Prevents Ehlinger from stepping up into the pocket, subsequently giving Brailford a great angle at the sack.

4. This was Darrion Daniels best game of his career. It may not show up in the box score, but he was so disruptive in the middle of that Texas line. Here he has an excellent push on the bull rush, then stacks and sheds for a critical 2-yard loss to force a third down.

5. This is the same situation as the Carter sack/fumble, but insert Darrion Daniels. Again you will notice it involves Jordan Brailford. He is starting to affect the game even when he doesn’t directly make a play because of his speed. Daniels gets pressure easily and forces the QB to bounce outside the pocket.

This was one of the better defensive performances in the Gundy area, and it was great timing as the offense sputtered all day.  As the young Oklahoma State corner backs continue to develop, it will continue to open up opportunities for Glenn Spencer to be more aggressive up front. I thought A.J. Green was fantastic, and had the best game of his career. Rodarius Williams was already making huge strides in previous games. That duo is really coming along. They will certainly be needed in addition to a great game by the defensive line vs. West Virginia, who will bring the best passing attack Oklahoma State has seen to date.