2. Both teams combine for more than 500 rushing yards
Running back depth might be the most underrated part of this matchup. Each squad has a starting rusher that ranks among the best in the Big 12. Sophomore Oklahoma State running back Justice Hill is easily on pace to eclipse the 1,142 yards he had last season.
West Virginia has a starting running back of its own in senior Justin Crawford that is very efficient. Crawford averages more than 6.0 yards per carry, with seven touchdowns this year. Sophomore Kennedy McKoy is a strong option out of the backfield as well.
Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich seems set on giving Hill a huge workload every game. Hill took 33 carries for 117 yards and no touchdowns against the Longhorns. Freshman J.D. King is backing Hill up this year.
Both teams have been vulnerable to the run at times this season. The run defense is the weak point to attack. West Virginia can take a page out of TCU’s playbook from what Frogs running back Darius Anderson was able to do to the Pokes.