South Alabama Debriefing: More Questions than Answers for OSU Entering Week 3

Oklahoma State is two-thirds of the way through its non-conference schedule and is unscathed with a combined 113-30 scoring margin to show for it. But the real test comes in Week 3.

Before we start looking forward to Boise State, let’s debrief the happenings of OSU’s win over South Alabama.

The Short Story

The Cowboys swept the floor with a Sun Belt opponent, but when the clock turned zero, there was plenty left that the home team needed to clean up.

Taylor Cornelius put up some big numbers — again — and even showed some improvements. But he missed some throws, a few more reads and gave away the ball more times than he scored it.

OSU’s receivers shined, while its running backs came down to earth from last week’s performance. Its defense was mostly good, and always really active and disruptive.

Who Earned a Marshal Badge?

Offense: Tylan Wallace

So the highest-rated wide receiver prospect to sign with Oklahoma State since Dez looked like the highest-rated wide receiver prospect to sign with Oklahoma State? Cool.

Tylan. ? pic.twitter.com/auc9UKNRsH

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) September 9, 2018

Tylan (along with Tyron Johnson) posted a career game with 10 catches for 166 yards and a score, and led the Cowboys’ offense in the air while it struggled on the ground.

Also receiving votes: Tyron Johnson, Justice Hill, Dillon Stoner

Defense: Devin Harper

We’ll give this to the redshirt sophomore who took it back and cashed it in for six.

After appearing in 11 games (mostly on special teams) as a redshirt freshman, Harper figures to be a featured backer in Jim Knowles’ defense and he’s already taking that step forward. Harper also grabbed five tackles and a 0.5 tackle for loss.

Also receiving votes: Malcolm Rodriguez, A.J. Green, Brock Martin

Questions for Week 3

Somehow after two blowouts to start the season, we have more questions about OSU now than before the season opener. Can Taylor Cornelius continue to improve his decision making? Can OSU’s offensive line make lanes for its thoroughbreds run through? Why does OSU stink at special teams?

These are questions that won’t be answered until next week and later into the season, but I know for a fact that OSU can’t afford a sloppy performance like Saturday night’s if it wants to bridle the Broncos of Boise State.

Play of the Game

After a toiling 10-month search, Oklahoma State’s offense has found missing wide receiver Tyron Johnson.

It’s amazing what can happen when you get an elite talent the ball. Welcome to the 2018 season Tyron Johnson.

— Carson Cunningham (@KOCOCarson) September 9, 2018

The Bag Man opened it up for this — the first of many chunk plays for the Cowboys — going 60 yards and setting up the Cowboys’ first score.