Oklahoma State football: 3 keys to victory vs. TCU in Week 10

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WACO, TX – NOVEMBER 3: Chuba Hubbard #30 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys breaks free against the Baylor Bears during the first half of an NCAA football game at McLane Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

3. Pokes’ offensive line must set the tone

TCU enters Saturday’s game against the Pokes with the Big 12’s best rushing defense and top-ranked defense overall. The Horned Frogs allow just a little more than 100 yards on the ground per game, while the Cowboys average more than 263 rushing yards per game.

Contrast the Horned Frogs’ front seven with the nation’s leading rusher in OSU running back Chuba Hubbard, and you’ve got a strength vs. strength matchup that will likely determine the game’s winner. Without a consistent push from up front, Hubbard won’t be able to break tackles in the open field to break a big play.

Much of the Cowboys’ chances to succeed depend on freshman quarterback Spencer Sanders and his ability to take care of the football. Only one turnover against Iowa State (as compared to eight in the previous two games combined) was the telling stat. Sanders is mobile, but significant pocket protection is necessary against the TCU defensive line.

The productive Sanders-to-Wallace connection through the air will benefit from enough pass protection from OSU’s offensive line.

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