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Oklahoma State Football: 5 bold predictions for November 2019

By John Scimeca

STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 19: Wide receiver Jordan McCray #12 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys wraps his hands around a touchdown pass over his shoulder against cornerback Raleigh Texada #13 of the Baylor University Bears in the first quarter on October 19, 2019 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 19: Wide receiver Jordan McCray #12 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys wraps his hands around a touchdown pass over his shoulder against cornerback Raleigh Texada #13 of the Baylor University Bears in the first quarter on October 19, 2019 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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STILLWATER, OK – SEPTEMBER 28: Defensive end Brock Martin #40 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys celebrates his fumble recovery with cornerback A.J. Green #4 and linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga #11 against the Kansas State Cowboys in the first quarter on September 28, 2019 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK – SEPTEMBER 28: Defensive end Brock Martin #40 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys celebrates his fumble recovery with cornerback A.J. Green #4 and linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga #11 against the Kansas State Cowboys in the first quarter on September 28, 2019 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

3. OSU secondary stiffens

Through the first two months of the 2019 season, OSU’s defense has surrendered 274.1 passing yards per game, the third-worst mark in the Big 12.

In terms of turnover margin, OSU has seven more giveaways than takeaways, averaging nearly one full turnover per game. This ranks as the 10th-worst in the nation, behind only three other Power 5 teams. Of the nine teams with a worse turnover differential, only two (Hawaii and Central Michigan) also have a winning record, like OSU. The Cowboys’ turnover differential ranks as last among Big 12 teams.

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Considering the talent in OSU’s defensive secondary, the month of November is about time for this turnover disadvantage to change.

As a team, OSU has amassed 14 sacks total through its first eight games. This is only seventh-best out of the 10 teams in the pass-happy confines of the Big 12. Part of a secondary’s pursuit of forcing turnovers is a consistent pass rush, as too much blitzing can put pressure on defenders in man-to-man coverage.

OSU has two talented corners in Rodarius Williams and A.J. Green. Against some of the potent offenses that OSU will face in November — including that of Jalen Hurts and Oklahoma — providing support to two defensive playmakers in order to force more turnovers will be key to OSU’s winning chances.

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