Five Things We Learned in Oklahoma State’s Rout of TCU

The real question is what didn’t we learn on Saturday when OSU lit up TCU in Boone’s house. Here are five things we definitely learned.

1. The defensive depth is insane (KP)

Ryan Simmons out. Jimmy Bean out. Kevin Peterson hobbled. Ashton Lampkin not right. And Oklahoma State had no issues holding one of the two or three most explosive offenses in the country in check to the tune of 1.7 points per drive.

TCU came into today averaging 3.54 points per drive, 3rd in the country. Today they scored 1.7 points/drive, which would be 96th. #Spencer

— Dave Hudson (@okc_dave) November 8, 2015

For OSU to have a great defensive line and linebackers is mind-blowing in and of itself for lifelong OSU fans. But to be deep, too? That’s a dream.

2. The home crowd advantage is real (KB)

I went to the game on Saturday, and it was by far the loudest game I’ve ever been to. The “9 and O! postgame chant was incredible, but that was just a small glimpse of the raucous environment from the game.

All we do is win. 9-0. #GoPokes pic.twitter.com/z711XF7a0X

— Kaid Kinzie (@KaidKinzie) November 8, 2015

3. James Washington has separated himself (KP)

It’s coming at the right time, too. One of OSU’s “weaknesses” is that it didn’t have a guy you had to gameplan around on offense. Now? The WR depth actually starts to matter because of Washington’s sudden explosion. ISU, Baylor and OU have to try and take No. 28 out of the picture which means Marcell Ateman, Big Hands Sheperd and Jhajuan Seales can step in if he’s erased. That’s big.

“He’s put together two tremendous games, back-to-back,” said offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich. “That’s the big thing is that he’s consistent. The thing is, if they double cover him, somebody else has single coverage and we said earlier in the week, we have to find the single coverage matchups and throw to the one-on-one. Our guys are going to win those a majority of the time. That’s where we have to go with the ball.”

4. We don’t need a RB1 (KB)

Coming into the year, I predicted Chris Carson would be a 1,000 yard feature back. Raymond Taylor, Chris Carson, Rennie Childs, and Jeff Carr have all showed flashes of talent that have convinced me they can be the starter, but the committee approach has been just as effective.

Saturday, Ray Tay lead all rushers with 28 yards – followed by Mason Rudolph (26), Rennie Childs (14), and Chris Carson (11).

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

5. Oklahoma State looks like a playoff team (KP)

I’m not sure it had happened all season (maybe against UTSA), but the team I watched on Saturday afternoon looked like a College Football Playoff team. I’m not sure if they’ll end up getting there, but at least we know that gear exists because we didn’t know it for sure up until this point.