Minimizing Big Plays Will Be Key against the Red Raiders

The Oklahoma State Cowboys prepare for their conference opener against the Texas Tech Red Raiders this Saturday, and although the Raiders lost key contributors like Dylan Cantrell and Nic Shimonek, they’ve found success with new players at key positions. Freshman Alan Bowman leads a potent Red Raider offense that has picked up right where they left off last year. The Red Raiders are currently third in the Big 12 in yards per pass attempt, trailing Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Additionally, they’ve averaged over 11 yards per pass and thrown for a combined 1,024 yards in the past two contests.

The Cowboys, on the other hand, have been holding their opponents to only 5.4 yards per pass. They limited Boise State’s big-play ability last Saturday and only allowed two plays of more than 25 yards. The key for Saturday is minimizing Texas Tech’s big-play ability.

Although Bowman is only a freshman, he has a talented receiving corps to lean on. The Red Raiders have four receivers with a double-digit reception total, and all four of there averaging over 10 yards per reception. Antoine Wesley, who leads the corps in receptions, has an absurd 18-yard reception average on the season.

If the Cowboys can limit the Red Raiders’ big passing plays, and defend the pass as well has they have thus far, they shouldn’t have an issue pulling away in the second half. But, as we’ve seen the last time Tech visited Stillwater, they can hang around if the defense plays too passive.

The Cowboys have done an excellent job toeing the line between aggressive and safe, picking and choosing the right times and plays to bring pressure and play tight to the receivers. Texas Tech will provide defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and the defense with a good test for what defending a Big 12 team will be like.