Could the #13 BYU Cougars Be on Upset Watch Against Strong Oklahoma State Squad?

The BYU Cougars have an arguably tough contest this week against the Oklahoma State Cowboys who have underachieved up to this point.

The Cowboys are currently 3-3 with three straight losses in the Big 12 Conference that have truly stung. Offensively, the team has struggled to gain any sort of momentum of the past three losses in the conference. However, the Cowboys are looking to get back on track and just might be able to do so against the Cougars this weekend.

The BYU Cougars are currently nine-point favorites over the Oklahoma State Cowboys at home in Provo, Utah. The Cougars just recently defeated the Arizona Wildcats, 41-19, behind a strong defensive performance. BYU will need to continue the strong performances on defense in order to shutdown the Oklahoma State Cowboys offense.

While the Cowboys might be on a three-game losing streak and may have difficulties getting the run offense off the ground, they are still dangerous. Cowboys running back Ollie Gordon II was heavily considered the top returning college running back.

Gordon II has been largely contained this season, averaging 3.8 yards per carry for 384 yards and four touchdowns. The running back is due for a big performance and could do so against the tough Cougars defense.

BYU has allowed more passing yards than rushing yards this season but has also managed to take the ball away from the offense often. With the Oklahoma State Cowboys struggling with accuracy through the air, Gordon II could finally see 20 or more carries against the Cougars. If Gordon II is fed the ball like it appears he will be, the BYU Cougars defense could be in for a tough night.

BYU Cougars Must Pressure Oklahoma State Cowboys Offense All Game Long

The reality of the upcoming game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys for the BYU Cougars is that the Cougars cannot let the opposing offense breathe.

When the Cowboys are comfortable, the team manages to find ways to move the ball down the field and ultimately score. In big wins over Arkansas and Tulsa, quarterback Alan Bowman was not sacked and only hurried a handful of times. With a relatively clean pocket, Bowman recorded six touchdowns and two interceptions.

Bowman is a solid quarterback, but this deep into his collegiate career his accuracy has started to take a serious dip. Bowman has struggled to throw the best of balls, with a 59.3% completion rate and eight interceptions. Bowman has been sacked just three times, all of which have come in the recent losses for the team.

The offensive line has struggled this year specially in the run for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Due to this, the team has been much more inclined to throw the ball and get rid of the football as quick as possible. If the BYU Cougars defense can manage to send quick pressure, the Cowboys likely will not be able to get the offense off the ground.

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