OSU’s Biggest Issue During Losing Streak Is at Least Correctable

Oklahoma State has struggled lately, suffering five losses in the team’s last six games. There are many factors that have played into these results, including strength of opponent, youth, and sloppy play. The Cowboys have been particularly guilty of the latter, and there have been occasions where turnovers have come at all too high a count.

The Cowboys are currently averaging 15.6 turnovers per game, which places them at No. 304 in the country and second-to-last in the Big 12 in the category. They are yet to finish a contest without double-digit turnovers and recorded 18, their second-highest total of the season, in their recent loss to Nebraska. Additionally, the Cowboys are also tied for last in the conference in turnover-to-assist ratio at 0.9.

Although transfer guard Michael Weathers has become one of the Cowboys’ biggest scoring threats, he’s also been a bit careless with the ball. Weathers leads the Big 12 in turnovers with 33 in nine games. He has yet to play a game (in which his playing time exceeds three minutes) and finish turnover-free.

This should come as little surprise. As a freshman for Miami (Ohio) in 2016-17 (he sat out last season at OSU), Weathers led the the MAC with 146 TOs, which was good for second-most nationally. ?

Fortunately for the Pokes, they have been able to get some of those back by forcing turnovers themselves. Their opponent is giving the ball away an average of 15.2 times per game. The Cowboys fortunately have two non-conference games left to cut down on the sloppiness before Big 12 play begins. It certainly isn’t the Cowboys only, or even most prominent, issue right now. But it’s one that will only be exacerbated against Big 12 opponents unless focused on beforehand.