Quarterback to Back: OSU’s All-Time Senior faces the Nation’s Leading Frosh

The Cowboys will square off against the Hokies with each team trying to add to its streak of 10-win seasons. Most of the preview banter has centered on a strength vs. strength matchup between Oklahoma State’s high-powered offense facing a stingy defense and secondary that leads the nation in opponent pass completion rate, just 46.9 percent allowed.

But let’s take a look at an intriguing QB matchup with two playmakers on opposite ends of their collegiate careers.

Josh Jackson burst onto to the scene hanging 235 passing yards, 101 rushing yards and two total TDs on West Virginia in the thrilling season opener. He’s been pretty efficient within the offense VT runs for most of the year but has battled injuries of his own as well as some of his supporting cast on the way to a 9-3 record. A win for Jackson and the Hokies on Thursday would create some momentum heading into his sophomore year.

Let’s see how the two QBs stack up by the numbers.

The style difference is evident but the matchup is more than just a contrast in offensive philosophies. Rudolph owns over 30 Oklahoma State records and has the best wide receiving corps in America to throw to. It is led by Biletnikoff winner James Washington, who is just 69 Camping World Bowl yards shy of owning his own record as OSU’s all-time receiver.

Jackson — who’s already passed Michael Vick for most passing yards by a first-year Hokie — leads all freshmen nationally (2,743 passing yards) and completions (214) and ranks second in passing TDs (19) and passer rating (138.3).

Unfortunately for him, he will be without his top target, Virginia Tech’s all-time receiver Cam Phillips, who is out with a sports hernia. Jackson will have to lean on his younger wideouts like freshman Sean Savoy and sophomore Eric Kumah for a boost. Savoy had a career-high nine catches for 139 yards and a score against Boston College this year.

Jackson will also be without starting left tackle Yosuah Nijman who has missed much of the second half of the year after sustaining a leg injury. It’s a loss that coincided with an increase in sacks allowed (eight to Miami, Georgia Tech and Pitt). It also contributed to a 2-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio for Jackson over the last four games, including back-to-back losses to Miami and Georgia Tech. On Tuesday, head coach Justin Fuente announced that he does not expect Nijman to be ready for the bowl game Thursday.

Further compounding matters for the freshman QB will be a Hokie running game that has struggled to find consistency all season. Although VT rushed for 202 yards on Virginia’s hapless defense in its season finale, the Hokies have failed to reach 4 yards per carry in any one game since the start of conference play.

Virginia Tech will be without leading rusher, junior Travon McMillian, who is transferring from the program. McMillian only logged three carries in the last two games but the lost depth means the freshman QB is the Hokie’s second-leading rusher. Jackson has the ability to beat you with his legs but hasn’t rushed for 100 yards since the season opener.

A side-by-side comparison favors OSU’s veteran that Mike Gundy called the most-decorated player to come through Stillwater since Barry Sanders, at least at this point in the their careers. While one signal caller is looking for a little redemption in his Cowboy curtain call, the other is looking to solidify himself moving forward and use this exhibition as a launching pad for the future.