Can Oklahoma State Continue Improved Ground Game?
The Oklahoma State Cowboys ousted the Kansas State Wildcats 29-21 in a matchup that was controlled by Oklahoma State since the beginning of the game. Kansas State had scored in every opening drive of the season, but the Cowboys defense shut them down to start this game.
Following the early stop, the Cowboys, and Ollie Gordon in particular, cashed in on a two-yard touchdown to get things moving. It was the Cowboys' run game that scored to open the game, giving them momentum and opening up the offense.
Coming into this game, Kansas State's best defensive trait was its run defense. Even if the Cowboys had been running the ball well all season, finding success on the ground would have been a challenge. But they hadn't been having a good season, yet they found a way.
Gordon is the team's lead running back, securing most of the snaps. He had 18 carries for 136 yards and a touchdown. The production was enough to allow the Cowboys to consistently kick field goals and continue building separation against Kansas State, which would ultimately be too much for the Wildcats, who fell short of a comeback attempt.
So, is the improved run game here to stay? The offense line's impact was impressive. They allowed Gordon to be able to find gaps and get into space, which is something he thrives in.
"I feel like we definitely should have come out stronger earlier in the season coming out, opening drives and that's something we really emphasized this week in practice," senior offensive lineman Preston Wilson said.
Again, the offense started quickly, and the offensive line blocking up front for Gordon helped open things up early.
"Ollie played a great game. It was awesome to see us be able to open up and be able to change the run game a little bit," Preston said. "Huge shoutout to him for executing, being able to cut back and figure out where to go. He had a lot of big runs that were really game-changers."
It appears the Cowboys understand that getting Ollie Gordon the ball is going to be what works. They've got that down, and he and the offensive line were able to have good chemistry against a solid run defense. Whether or not it continues into next week's matchup against Kansas will be incredibly telling.
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