The Kansas Jayhawks looked to play the role of spoiler in their homecoming game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in week eight. The Jayhawks came into the game at 1-5 on the season, looking for their first win the Big 12. The Cowboys came into the game at 4-2, looking to win their third Big 12 game. Now let’s take a look at the game recap and takeaways from Oklahoma State’s win over Kansas.
Takeaways from Oklahoma State’s Win over Kansas
Game Recap
Oklahoma State came into this game against Kansas as a 23 point favorite, according to ESPN. The Jayhawks put up a good fight in the first half against the Cowboys. Quarterback Montell Cozart got off to a hot start with a 68-yard touchdown pass to receiver LaQuvionte Gonzalez, to give the Jayhawks an early seven point lead. The Cowboys responded with a one yard touchdown run by Chris Carson, on the following drive. Both teams would trade field goal to start off the second quarter. Yet, the Cowboys would score before halftime to take a 17-13 lead. Kansas would start to fall apart in the second half, as their three turnovers led to a 27-7 Oklahoma State run to finish off the game. The Cowboys would come away with a 44-20 win, to cover the spread.
Quarterback Mason Rudolph had a quiet but efficient day with 220 passing yards and one touchdown. Leading receiver James Washington had his worst game of the season with only two receptions for 10 yards. However, running back Justice Hill had a big day with 162 yards rushing and one touchdown. Carson also had a productive day with over 80 total yards and three touchdowns, as he returned from a hand injury. Furthermore, the Cowboys defense forced three turnovers on the game to offset the large amount of total yards they gave up to the Jayhawks at 454.
Justice Hill is the Real Deal
Hill has already eclipsed the Cowboys leading rusher, Carson, from last season. He has 565 rushing yards to go along with four touchdowns this season. His yards per carry is also at a very impressive average of 5.2. Also, he was the main source of the Cowboys offense against Kansas. Three of the last four games have seen Hill rush for over 100 yards. His elusiveness has given the Oklahoma State offense a new dimension that has not been present since Joseph Randle in the 2012 season. Both Hill and Carson averaged 7.4 yards per carry and combined for over 210 yards and three touchdowns. If Hill continues his play at this level, the Cowboys could have one of the most dynamic offenses in the Big 12.
Mason Rudolph Still Struggles on the Road
Rudolph did not have a bad game by any means on Saturday. However, the stats show how big of difference playing on the road makes for Rudolph. He has thrown for 13 touchdowns and only one interception at home, compared to one touchdown and one interception on the road. The Cowboys will need him to step up his play away from Stillwater. Key road games against TCU, Oklahoma, and Kansas State, will test Rudolph’s progress. However, he is still on pace for his best season yet. His touchdown to interception ratio, which is 14 touchdowns to only two interceptions, is among the best in the Big 12. He also has an impressive completion percentage this season at 62.4 percent, and a good number of passing yards at 2,259. Rudolph’s play remains the biggest x-factor to Oklahoma State’s success this season.
Up Next
Undefeated West Virginia, is up next for the Cowboys. They host the Mountaineers this Saturday at 11 a.m. CT. Oklahoma State sits at 5-2 (3-1 in the Big 12). West Virginia comes into this game at 6-0 (3-0 in the Big 12).
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