What to Watch for Against Kansas

Oklahoma State heads into homecoming against an 0-6 Kansas Jayhawks team as 34-point favorites to win. Despite the overwhelming odds, Oklahoma State still has plenty of reason to come out and execute with precision. Here are a few things to watch for against Kansas.

3. Offensive struggles

Believe it or not, a team that has been a consistent bottom-feeder in the Big 12 has given the Cowboys fits offensively over the last few years. Last season, the Cowboys needed late game heroics from Tyreek Hill to overcome a dull day offensively that produced only 275 total yards in Lawrence. If they come out sluggish, as they’ve been want to do this season and in previous matchups with the Jayhawks, can they overcome it?

2. Special teams

The special teams has been phenomenal in both the punt game and kicking game with Zach Sinor and Ben ‘Ice Pirate’ Grogan locking down the positions, but the return game has been lacking. True freshmen Jeff Carr and Jalen McCleskey are both learning the kick and punt return specialist position and adjusting to the next level, but the blocking hasn’t been where it needs to be either. Coming off a bye week, have the Cowboys made any adjustments in the blocking scheme to allow McCleskey room to showcase his 4.3 speed?

1. Running game

I’d be remiss not to mention what appears to be one of the most glaring weaknesses for this team thus far this season. Coming off a bye week and Mike Gundy reportedly devoting extra practice time to fix the offensive line and blocking, it will be interesting to see just how improved, if any, the blocking and running game is. Facing a team that has allowed 560 total yards per game this season – ranking fifth worst in the FBS – it’s not unfair to expect a big time offensive day from the Pokes, including at least a moderate improvement in the running game.