Oklahoma State remains undefeated on the season as they rolled through non-conference play. They beat Central Arkansas, Texas-San Antonio and Central Michigan to start their season which makes their 3-0 record must less unimpressive. Now they prepare for their first real test of the season as they head to Austin to face the Texans Longhorns that are trying to create some momentum after suffering a loss to California.
Oklahoma State has looked impressive regardless of the lack of competition. The team is currently averaging 41.7 points per game while also ranking high in scoring defense. In the team's game last week, they forced seven turnovers while getting 217 rushing yards thanks to Chris Carson who was only averaging 3.6 yards per carry before getting 104 yards in the third game. Their offense has done a good job of remaining balanced as quarterback Mason Rudolph has been one of the more efficient players in college football. He went 17 of 23 last week for 280 yards and two touchdowns. He is currently averaging 10.5 yards per pass which is keeping the offense rolling.
The Cowboys have their first test of Big 12 play. The Longhorns did get exposed defensively last week, but are gaining momentum on offense. Jerrod Heard appears to be the favorite at the quarterback position. He got his second start of the season as he accumulated 527 yards on offense. He put together a record-breaking performance for the Longhorns, but the defense simply could not match it. They gave up 500-plus yards of offense for the second time in three games. Opponents are converting 56.3 percent of their third downs which is not good when facing a big opponent like Oklahoma State.
"An amazing performance by Jerrod," coach Charlie Strong said, via ESPN.com. "You don't want that to be overshadowed ... (But) we have to get the defense fixed, and we have to get it fixed right away."
The Big 12 is looking competitive this season as six of the conference's teams are ranked at the moment. Texas is trying to keep pace, but facing the efficient offense of the Cowboys might break their streak of conference-opening wins.
