Film Study: The Two Guys to Watch on Kansas’ Defense

The Oklahoma State Cowboys shouldn’t be concerned headed into their regular season finale against Kansas, and they should be able to have relative ease moving the ball against the Jayhawks. Still, there are two players in particular that the Cowboys surely looked at in their evaluation and game plan. Although there isn’t a ton of high-end talent on the Jayhawks’ defense, juniors Dorance Armstrong and Joe Dineen have been the two most important defensive players for Kansas this season.

Defensive end Dorance Armstrong hasn’t quite lived up to his All-American season from 2016, but the junior has still provided considerable production from the edge. Armstrong has 9.5 tackles for loss this season and leads the teams in forced fumbles. Although he collected 10 sacks last year, Armstrong has only been able to record two in 2017, but he’s still shown the ability to rush the passer.

Linebacker Joe Dineen has also played a key role on the Jayhawks’ defense. Dineen leads the nation in solo tackles with 124 and is first on the team with 20 tackles for loss. He’s had to shoulder the tackling load for the Jayhawks once ball carriers pass the first level. Fortunately for him, playing the run is his biggest strength.

Other than those two players, the Jayhawk defense is mediocre at best. Kansas is No. 70 in the country in rushing defense, giving up a little over 170 yards per game. If Armstrong and Dineen do end up getting blocked, the chances of the run busting open are high.

The Cowboys should be able to lean on sophomore running back Justice Hill to control this game and give the offense consistency after an up-and-down performance against Kansas State. Expect other backs like LD Brown and J.D. King to get involved at some point as well.

Do you think the Cowboys’ running game will outshine their passing offense? Leave your opinions in the comments below!