Four Downs: How much can Oklahoma State's third-down defense sway outcome vs. Texas Tech?
STILLWATER — After shutting out Texas Tech in last year’s matchup, Oklahoma State will try to follow up with another strong defensive performance against a more potent Red Raider offense.
Tech is averaging 35.0 points and 362.2 passing yards per game, while the Cowboys are allowing 23.2 points and 285.2 passing yards.
So the Pokes will be tested, particularly in a secondary that is still gaining experience.
Here’s a look at some intriguing aspects of the game in this week’s edition of Four Downs:
Oklahoma State football: Can Texas Tech hold off the Cowboys' daunting defensive front?
First Down: Matchup that Matters
OSU defensive end Tyler Lacy vs. Tech left tackle Caleb Rogers: The Red Raiders have allowed 18 sacks this season, among the worst in the country, and the majority of those have come from the offensive line’s left side. While Lacy will line up in a variety of positions, he’s most frequently setting up opposite either the left guard or left tackle, so Rogers will have the challenge of blocking the Cowboys’ most impactful defensive player, while also getting a look at faster edge rushers like Brock Martin, Collin Oliver and Trace Ford.
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Second Down: Number to Know
24.1%: That’s the rate at which OSU is allowing opponents to convert on third down this season, ranking seventh nationally. On the flip side, Tech ranks 108th in third-down conversion percentage at 33.8. The Cowboys were the best team in the country on third down in 2020, and ranked third last year. Combining those two seasons with this year’s performance so far, OSU is allowing third-down conversions only 27.2 percent of the time over its past 29 games.
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Third Down: Cowboy in the Crosshairs
OSU kick returner: Whoever it is — likely either Brennan Presley or Jaden Nixon — the Cowboy’s return man has become a significant weapon this season. Nixon had the 98-yard touchdown and Presley had a 50-yard return last week as well. OSU is a top-10 team in return yards, averaging 31.3 per attempt.
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Fourth Down: Uni-Guess
Black-Black-Gray: An all-black ensemble would be the most authentic throwback look to salute Ring of Honor recipient Bob Fenimore. But you know OSU is saving that for the black-out game next month. So this seems like the next-best option, with the matte helmet and OSU brand logo.
'Once-in-a-lifetime guy': Bob Fenimore takes place Oklahoma State football's Ring of Honor
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football: Can Cowboys' third-down defense change game?
