Chuba Hubbard doesn't mind and can handle the extra workload

Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard doesn't mind, and can certainly handle the large amount of carries he's had this season

STILLWATER -- Through the first four weeks of the season, Chuba Hubbard has led the nation in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. He's currently sitting at 642 yards and nine touchdowns. The next closest is Colorado State's Marvin Kinsey Jr. in yardage and SMU's Xavier Jones in touchdowns.

The only problem with Hubbard's 642 yards through the first four games is that he's had 103 carries (!). He started the season with 26 carries against Oregon State, had some ball security issues against McNeese and finished with eight carries. Then against Tulsa and Texas, Hubbard combined for 69 carries for 377 yards and five touchdowns, 37 of said carries came against Texas.

"I'm good," said Hubbard. "Obviously, Texas was a great defense. They flew around and they did a great job. They're very physical but that's football. I was definitely sore. I think everyone was but I feel good right now. I'm ready for Kansas State." 

It's going to be interesting to see how the offensive coaching staff is going to use Hubbard this week. Sure, he's a workhorse at 6-1, 207-pounds, but even Mike Gundy knows that he's getting too many carries. But when it comes to the current state of the running back room with injuries and the backups they have, it's an interesting dynamic.

"That is five more than I thought was too many," Gundy said about Hubbard's 37 carries against Texas. "It has been a conversation and we want to keep him healthy. We want him to be fresh, but he is clearly the best runner. We do what we think we need to do to score us the most points."

It will be interesting to see just how much the Cowboy staff uses him this weekend against Kansas State because they're ranked No. 57 in the country in rushing defense as they've allowed just 137.3 yards and four rushing touchdowns through the first four games.

"They're very physical and they know what they're doing," said Hubbard. "There are talented guys on any team. Every team is going to have a great defense, so you have to bring it every single week. If we don't bring it this week, we could end up just like last week."

Oklahoma State and Kansas State square up for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff on ESPN+ in the Cowboys' Big 12 home opener this Saturday.