The Oklahoma State Cowboys are looking to move to 5-2 on the season. They will need a victory against Kansas in Lawrence this weekend to do so. The Jayhawks would move to 2-5, if they could pull off the upset against the Cowboys. Oklahoma State are currently a 24 point favorite, according to Odds Shark. The Cowboys are coming off a bye week, whereas the Jayhawks lost to the Baylor Bears last week by a score of 49-7. Now let’s take a look at the Oklahoma State vs. Kansas week eight preview.
Oklahoma State vs. Kansas Week Eight Preview
Why Oklahoma State Should Win
The Cowboys are currently on a two game winning streak (wins over Iowa State and Texas). Their only two losses are from Central Michigan and Baylor. If they can avoid slipping up against Kansas on the road then they will head into their week nine game against West Virginia at 5-2. Quarterback Mason Rudolph has had a productive season so far averaging 339 passing yards per game with 13 passing touchdowns on the year. Furthermore, the Cowboys need to keep improving their running game with true freshman Justice Hill. Their running game is still averaging 129.7 yards per game, which is still not good.
Taking advantage of the Jayhawks turnover prone offense could also be a big key to success. With an impressive turnover margin of plus-five, the Cowboys defense could have a big day. Oklahoma State is overall the more talented team, and should take advantage of an easy week against the last place team in the Big 12.
How Kansas Could Scare the Cowboys
The Jayhawks have lost five games in a row since winning their season opener against Rhode Island from the FCS. They looked very competitive in a 24-23 loss to TCU in week six. However, a 42 point loss to Baylor erased any progress that may have been made by the Jayhawks. Quarterback Ryan Willis has been turnover prone, as he has thrown three touchdowns compared to seven interceptions. The running game hasn’t looked much better. Leading rusher Ke’aun Kinner is averaging only 44 yards per game. Kansas’ entire team is only averaging 94.8 yards per game. Facing a Cowboys front seven that has looked stout this year led by defensive tackle Vincent Taylor could mean trouble for Kansas.
However, while it is easy to focus on the negatives from the Jayhawks season so far, there is a possibility of giving Oklahoma State a scare on Saturday. The last time the Cowboys traveled to Lawrence, they came away with a close 27-20 victory. If the Cowboys come out flat like they did against Central Michigan earlier in the season, then they could let Kansas hang around for long enough to give them a window for victory. If Willis and Kinner can lead an effective offense, without turning the ball over, they might find a spark that hasn’t really been there this season. Willis will have to find receiver Steven Sims Jr. if the Jayhawks want to be successful. He leads the team 453 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Finally, if defensive back Fish Smithson can have a big day, that might spark the Kansas defense to get a few turnovers off of Rudolph. The outlook for the Jayhawks isn’t great. But don’t count out a team that was a missed field goal away from beating the TCU Horned Frogs in Lawrence.
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