D’Eriq King Draws Jalen Hurts Comparison Entering Cheez-It Bowl

D’Eriq King made many Hurricane fans happy this weekend when he announced he would return to Miami for a super senior season.

Luckily for Oklahoma State, the Cowboys likely won’t see King next season, but they do have to figure out a way to slow him down Tuesday. King’s Hurricanes take on the Pokes in the Cheez-It Bowl at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, and in the lead up to the game, King drew a comparison to an old rival for OSU.

“D’Eriq King reminds me of, last year, Jalen hurts,” OSU defensive end Tyler Lacy said. “He reminds me of him, running the ball and trying to get downfield and do something with his legs. He also can just sit back in the pocket and release the ball.”

The Cowboys struggled against Hurts in 2019. Hurts went 13-for-16 with 163 yards and a touchdown in Bedlam. He also ran for 61 yards and another TD. Heck, he even caught a 4-yard touchdown pass.

OSU’s defense is a season wiser, though, and has played much better in 2020, so if the King-Hurts comparison is legit, it will be interesting to see how far the Cowboys’ defense has come.

King transferred to Miami from Houston this offseason and has been dominant for The U. He has completed 64% of his passes for 2,573 yards and 22 touchdowns while throwing just five interceptions. He is also the ‘Canes leading rusher with 520 yards and another four scores.

“He’s extremely mobile,” OSU defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. “He’s a guy who can make plays with his arm, make all the throws. His arm talent is high. I don’t think there’s anything he can’t do. He stresses a defense in all aspects and is really a complete quarterback when it comes to the modern day college football game.”

If OSU wants to end a wacky 2020 on a high note, stopping King (or even containing King) will be a big part in that.