Line Segment: OSU’s DL Struggles to Create Pressure

Up to this point, the defensive line has been the consistent component to the Oklahoma State defense, even when the overall performance was up and down. A perfect example was that even when the defense surrendered 62 points to Oklahoma, the defensive line was still able to generate five sacks.

That wasn’t the case this past week, as I saw a line get roughed up pretty good by Iowa State. That included enabling a third-string QB to come in and feel comfortable in the pocket, while moving the ball up and down the field with little resistance at times.

The strange part is there were drives where you could see the push and the quality of play that we have been used to all year. But then drives where the consistency just wasn’t there.

The rush defense wasn’t bad, when you take into consideration that close to 25 percent of the yards given up where due to a combination of David Montgomery being a freak in the open field (he leads the nation in forced missed tackles) and missed tackles due to poor tackling by defenders. Iowa State ended up with 29 rushes 105 yards and 3.6 yards per carry.

These are numbers you can certainly live with, I think the part that was frustrating was the manner in which they gave up those yards. There were several instances where the Oklahoma State defense should have had Montgomery for a loss and he was able to break free for a big gain.

Oklahoma State’s inability to generate consistent pass rush, was by far the least inspiring part of the film review. It enabled a QB who had little to no experience to operate with plenty of time in the pocket. In total Iowa State had 47 drop backs and only in three instances was there pressure based off the box score — two sacks and one QB hurry. However, my count was actual six where a rusher impacted the throw, so it’s slightly better than what is displayed on paper.

Whether it’s three or six, that number needs to be much higher especially considering how much the secondary has struggled the last two weeks. It isn’t in the position to carry a lackluster pass rush.

The most consistent player for OSU’s defense to this point had been DeQuinton Osborne, but for the first time this season he didn’t have a tackle. He was more productive than the box score shows, but doesn’t take away from the fact that Osborne and the rest of the defensive line had one of their least productive days as a unit against Iowa State.

It wasn’t all negative, as both Jordan Brailford and Cole Walterscheid continue to separate themselves as the two best defensive end’s on the team. They’re a nice duo as Brailford has an incredible burst off the snap and is a good pass rusher, paired with Walterscheid who plays strong side DE well. The duo combined for seven tackles, three tackles for loss and a QB hurry.

But the MVP of the defense has to be Trey Carter, who has had somewhat of a quiet season. Carter finished with both a sack and a QB hurry, and was a disrupting force in the middle when he was on the field.

Film Observations:

1. I could’ve linked a lot of plays like these. Checking down to David Montgomery is never a bad idea, but QB could’ve surveyed the defense for a lot longer. Clean pocket, with no rush in sight. There were a lot of clean pockets for both of ISU quarterbacks on Saturday.

2. Cole Walterscheid is really coming along nicely. He has a nice inside move on a designed line slant and makes the tackle for loss.

3. This is pretty simple football here. The right guard does a nice job of getting outside of Carter and pinning him inside, same with the right tackle sealing Owens to the outside. Opening up a nice lane for a pulling guard and tackle, with Montgomery right behind. I know Tralund Webber is responsible for the backside, but if I’m him I’m forgetting all about that and trying to blow Montgomery up (prove me wrong Kyle Kempt). He hesitates for the exchange and is too late to make the play.

4. This is great penetration by both Osborne and Walterscheid, allows the backers to come in and make the play once the middle is clogged and has to bounce outside.

5. Nice speed rush by Jarrell Owens. He takes a great angle here, coming in right on the outside shoulder of the right tackle. I didn’t see enough of this, even if it was on a fluke 3-man rush.

6. I think this was the worst play from the line all day. Montgomery has all day to survey the entire line of scrimmage before picking a hole for an 8-yard gain. This is an eternity, someone has to shed and make a play!

7. This is the kind of aggressiveness I wanted to see from Webber in GIF No. 3. I’m having a tough time trying to figure out if this was intentionally blocked this way, as sometimes the pulling guard is responsible for the play side DE. Regardless, Brailford goes straight for Montgomery and blows the play up for a big loss. This is how you make teams pay for leaving linemen unblocked off the snap.

8. Clean pocket with all day to throw. QB forces throw into coverage, and bails out the defense. There was no one within 4 yards of the QB. He had plenty of time to wait for another receiver to get open.

9. Trey Carter came to play in the fourth quarter. Takes on a double team and forces a quick throw.

10. Jordan Brailford has some serious quickness off the line of scrimmage. Great balance as well to be able to bend under the right tackle without sacrificing speed or his rush lane.

11. Oklahoma State has had a lot of success with this stunt. Trey Carter hits the perfect spot, right on the inside shoulder of the right tackle.  Once the right guard has to pull off to take on the DE coming around it opens up a big passing lane as the tackle is out of position. Great play by Carter that should’ve ended the game (that’s another story).

Overall a pretty below average performance. The defensive line has a big test upcoming as Kansas State and their power running game will certainly test the physicality of OSU’s defense.