What kind of success will Oklahoma State's offense have vs. Iowa State's stout defense?
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STILLWATER — Oklahoma State’s last two weeks have been less than ideal.
But the Cowboys still have a chance to redeem the season and even make it back to the Big 12 title game. First, they must take down Iowa State.
Here are three players to watch, two big questions and one wild prediction:
Oklahoma State football rewind:Tackling trouble, Garret Rangel's stats & redshirt tracker
3 players to watch in OSU vs. Iowa State
➤Defensive lineman Tyler Lacy: The Cowboys’ 6-foot-4, 285-pound super-senior is crucial to their success up front, both in the pass rush and against the run. Lacy has bounced from defensive end to tackle throughout the season, using his size and athleticism to his advantage. He’s second on the line with 27 tackles. But he’s also dealing with a lower leg injury that hampered him at Kansas.
➤Defensive back Jabbar Muhammad: Another Cowboy playing multiple spots, Muhammad has been a cornerback and safety this season, playing well at both. He first played safety — primarily covering a slot receiver — against Texas with Thomas Harper sidelined. Muhammad did it again last week at Kansas with Harper out. OSU coach Mike Gundy said he would like to get Muhammad back to one spot. It’s unknown if that will happen this week. If Muhammad is back at cornerback, he’ll have a tough task with Iowa State star Xavier Hutchinson.
➤Offensive lineman Preston Wilson: The Cyclones run a three-man defensive front, often putting a nose guard on the center. Wilson has experience with that. The veteran had a strong day against Baylor star Siaki Ika. The Cyclones don’t necessarily have someone of that caliber, but are still dangerous up front. Plus, Wilson’s experience and calming presence will be crucial for freshman quarterback Garret Rangel, should he make a second straight start for the injured Spencer Sanders.
More:Oklahoma State football bowl projections vary wildly with three games left in season
2 big questions in OSU vs. Iowa State
➤Will the Cowboys right the ship? The Cowboys last lost three straight games to end the 2015 season. This two-game skid is similar in one way — a top-10 team falling into a funk. When OSU lost to Baylor in 2015, it was ranked No. 4 overall. Then it lost to OU. Then it lost the Sugar Bowl. The bottom did not fall out as harshly as it has the past two weeks. The Cowboys were not very competitive. They walked away embarrassed but ready to prove that was not the true talent of the team.
➤Can the offense find success against the Big 12’s leading defense? The Cyclones might not have the record to show it, but their defense is dynamic. They are ninth nationally, allowing just 16.3 points per game. They are 12th nationally in passing yards allowed (173.9) and 18th in rushing defense (110.6). That adds up to being 10th in total defense. Against a Cowboys offense that has mustered just 16 points in two weeks and is likely starting a freshman quarterback, that could be treacherous. But OSU was encouraged by its run game a week ago and really impressed with Rangel after his initial struggles.
More:Who will start at QB for Oklahoma State football? Mike Gundy isn't ready to say just yet.
1 wild prediction in OSU vs. Iowa State
➤Three different OSU receivers catch a touchdown. The Cowboys are going to have to find a way to score. Why not through the air with Rangel? The true freshman showed a strong passing ability last week and with OSU’s struggles to consistently run the football, this is likely the path to the end zone. Look for Rangel to spread the love.
Jacob Unruh covers college sports for The Oklahoman. You can send your story ideas to him at junruh@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @jacobunruh. Support his work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What kind of success will OSU's offense have vs. Iowa State's defense?
