Position Battle: Cowboy’s Offensive Line vs. Red Raiders’ Defensive Front

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are preparing for their conference opener on Saturday, and if the series’ history against Texas Tech is any indication, offense will be at the forefront. Since 2010, the Cowboys have averaged 52 points against the Red Raiders.

When it comes to their run game, the Cowboys have averaged 5.7 yards per carry this season, but that stat is partly skewed by a 431-yard rushing performance against Missouri State. OSU averages 180 rushing yards per game, which is third in the Big 12. They face a Texas Tech front that returned all but one from 2017, but as TTU has shown in the past, experience doesn’t always translate to success on defense.

The Red Raiders have been giving up an average 4.4 yards per carry this season, but Ole Miss was able to establish the run in the two teams’ season opener. The Rebels ran for 210 yards on only 28 carries, gashing the Raiders to a 47-27 victory.

The matchup of the Cowboys’ offensive line and the Red Raiders’ defensive front will be a major position battle. The Cowboys’ line hasn’t looked as strong as it did last year but it has been improving. The Raiders use a three-man front that allows their second-level defenders to flow to the ball. The front features Kolin Hill, Tony Jones and Eli Howard, who combined for 21.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks last season.

If OSU can have a big day on the ground, that will take pressure will be off of Taylor Cornelius and allow the offense to feature some of its best talent. Plus, that will give the Pokes consistency on drives, which will allow them to give the defense some time to rest on the sideline.