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Game 2 Grades: Defense, Wide Outs Impress, O-Line Takes Step Back

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Another lowly opponent, another convincing victory for Oklahoma State.

The Cowboys dominated South Alabama on Saturday, but the Jaguars were able to find a few chinks in the barb wired armor. Here are my grades for Week 2.

Offensive Line: C+

After Week 1, I gave OSU’s O-Line a B+, but Saturday was a step back. The Cowboys struggled running the ball, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. They struggled protecting the quarterback, giving up four sacks. And, they struggled in goal-line scenarios, something that also gave the team troubles last week.

I imagine some of this had to do with USA’s “stop the run at all cost” mindset it seemed to have, but regardless, it wasn’t the best look for the guys in the trenches.

Wide Receivers: A

I think people knew how good Tyron Johnson was going to be, and there was a lot of hope for Tylan Wallace’s potential, but who would’ve thought in Week 2 the tandem would combine for 303 receiving yards?

Johnson was a playmaker against the Jaguars, finding space and ripping off big runs after catches. Wallace is a gamer. The sophomore showed no fear on his myriad fade routes, taking on anyone USA put in front of him. He also put down some huge blocks.

Taylor Cornelius: B

Last week I gave Taylor Cornelius a B-, and I think he took a step in the right direction Saturday. Sure, the one touchdown and two interceptions was a little concerning, but he looked more free out there.

He threw for 128 more yards on the same number of completions, as the USA defense allowed him to use his outside receivers much more than he was able to in Week 1 (Thus Johnson’s and Wallace’s high marks).

Defense: A-

I was immensely impressed with Jim Knowles’ defense Saturday. The group really only gave up one big drive, the Jaguars first scoring drive where they went 75 yards in nine plays. Other than that, the only time the defense got scored on was when the OSU special team let USA start on OSU’s 31. The Jaguars’ third drive of the game ended after three plays and negative 19 yards.

Special Teams: C

This was a definite low point for the Cowboys. I mentioned the punting mishap, where Matt Hockett got a punt stuffed, but there were also a lot of questionable punt return plays.

It all started with Dillon Stoner having to dive on a ball after it bounced off one of his teammates. It was a heads-up play from Stoner, but it was a situation you’d rather not be in. The Cowboys also had to start on their 1-yard line after Stoner let a punt bounce, and toward the end of the game, Landon Wolff called a fair catch and ran into a teammate. A lot of sketchy things were happening back there.

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