Three Things to Look for Against Kansas State

For the Cowboys, Kansas State presents a very tough matchup this weekend in Stillwater. “I’ve been really impressed with their defense so far,” Gundy said at his weekly press conference. “They’ve got experience at the corner spots.”

Here are three things I’m looking for this weekend in Stillwater.

3. K-State run defense

Kansas State ranks No. 8 in rushing defense according to NCAA statistics, allowing only 2.37 yards per rush this season for a total of 235 yards through three games. The run offense has been dreadful for the Pokes thus far, and the Kansas State defense will be a tough matchup with the big men up front.

2. More Rennie

I’m pro Chris Carson so long as he’s healthy; but with ankle or leg injuries, those have a chance to linger. I think we’ll see Carson this weekend, but I think it will be more of a committee approach with Rennie being the back to benefit the most.“I liked his aggressiveness, how he kept his pads down and ran hard,” Gundy said. “I would anticipate [Carson] being ready to play [this weekend], but Rennie should be able to carry the ball 20 times comfortably.

1. Mason Rudolph’s bounce back

On Monday, Gundy said of Rudolph, “He didn’t fall off as much as you would think.” He continued, “I know the general feel with the public was that on a scale of 1 to 10, he was a 3. But he was really a 5.”

He survived his first Gundy quarterback carousel, but can he bounce back, both mentally and physically? I’m not concerned about No. 2, but he faces a tough test this weekend. For as highly touted as Oklahoma State’s defense has been, they’ve allowed seven total touchdowns through four games. Through three games for the fighting Snyder’s, they have only given up 3 total touchdowns.