Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State at Kansas: What to Watch for

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Kansas football team return home this week for a homecoming matchup against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. What should fans look for?

Will Clint Bowen’s defense continue to overachieve?

At Memorial Stadium, the Kansas football defense has been nothing but stingy. Against Rhode Island, Ohio, and TCU, the KU defense has allowed only 360 yards per game. The pass defense has been especially good, allowing only 141 yards per game through the air. They’ll need to be just as good this week against a very good Oklahoma State passing attack. Mason Rudolph is one of the better quarterbacks in the Big 12, having completed 62% of his throws for over 2000 yards. He’s also one of the best at not turning the ball over, as he as 13 touchdowns and only two interceptions on the year.

The Cowboys’ most dangerous weapon on offense is undoubtedly wide receiver James Washington. Washington is third in the Big 12 in receptions with 36 and second in yards with 731, an average of 20 yards per catch. He’s also caught six touchdowns. There’s nobody on KU, or any other defense in the Big 12, that can match Washington’s speed and ability to catch the football. Safeties Fish Smithson, Michael Lee, and Bazie Bates IV have to provide coverage over the top to help corners Brandon Stewart and Marnez Ogletree defend the talented receiver.

What about the quarterback position?

On offense, the Jayhawks struggled mightily last week against Baylor. They managed only 219 total yards, while turning it over five times. Ryan Willis had one of his worst games as a collegian, going 10/19 for only 89 yards and three interceptions. Whoever is at quarterback will need to drastically improve that production to be competitive against the high-powered Cowboy offense.

For the quarterback to get that production, the Kansas offensive line will have to overachieve against the Cowboy front. Defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer’s defense is third in the Big 12 in sacks with 18. Because of that, it would not surprise me to see Montell Cozart get some snaps for Kansas. Cozart is somewhat more mobile than Willis, and Beaty might find that a worthwhile tradeoff.

Can Kansas compete in the turnover battle?

So far in 2016, the Jayhawks are -11 in the turnover margin, last in the country. Oklahoma State is 37th at +2 against FBS competition. “We’re going to have to work to force some turnovers, though, because you’ve got to get those guys off schedule.” David Beaty said in his weekly conference today. Beaty elaborated on that point, saying that “throwing the ball to the other team has been the problem…and that’s not ok.”

Oklahoma State forces more than its share of turnovers, at 1.8 per game. Kansas has to cut down on its 4 giveaways per game, or this homecoming matchup could turn into a blowout. Kansas has to improve upon its 1.6 takeaways per game, which could be difficult against the Cowboys lack of propensity to turn the ball over, at 1.4 per game.

Bottom Line

On paper, this is not a good matchup for Kansas. However, if KU can drastically improve turnover numbers and Oklahoma State look passed the Jayhawks, anything can happen. I think Vegas has the line about right at KU +24. My pick for the final score: 45-20 Cowboys.