Pokes defensive line preparing for Kansas State rushing attack

Oklahoma State's defensive line will face an old school rushing attack by Kansas State

STILLWATER -- Oklahoma State is entering its Big 12 home opener off the first loss to Texas in Austin since 2008. Their next challenge? A tough, top-25 Kansas State team that will give the Pokes a different look than it's had all season: grind it out.

"Just being physical," said defensive tackle Cameron Murray on facing the K-State offense. "We're changing some things up we did last week versus Texas; we can't use the same game plan. Kansas State is really physical though, so we have to come out of the stance and be real physical with them to show that we're not scared or anything like that. Biggest thing is stopping the run."

Kansas State has started the season 3-0 and have beat those three opponents by an average score of 44.00 to 12.67. As far as rushing the ball, it's far more important to the Wildcat offense. They've picked up 40 rushing first downs on the season compared to 30 passing, and have rushed the ball 151 times for 840 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Through the air? Just 40 of 59 for 523 yards and four touchdowns.

So, how will the Oklahoma State defensive line take all of  that into account knowing there's depth issues?

"Just take into account that you've got to put it in your head that you're going to play a lot of snaps," said Murray. "Sometimes you get tired, you've just got to push through that and fight. We've focused on discipline and toughness, so you've got to be tough in those moments. It's going to be a long game, they're a good team and we're a good team, so just showing that we have the toughness to keep fighting all game long, we'll be pretty good"

One of the good things about the Pokes' defensive line is that they have sophomore Israel Antwine back in action for the first time this season as he made his debut against Texas.

Gundy mentioned during his weekly Monday press conference that Antwine played well, he's just not quite in game shape yet. He's practiced with the team since the start of fall camp, just haven't had the chance to play. So, as the season progresses, Antwine should become more and more adjusted to the speed and physicality of the Big 12.

Also starting to earn some stripes is redshirt freshman Samuela Tuihalamaka. He recorded one tackle against Oregon State and one against McNeese, but he recorded six against Tulsa and four against Texas.

With depth issues along the front seven, it's guys like Antwine, Tuihalamaka and certainly Cameron Murray that are going to help make the difference.