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

AMES, IA - OCTOBER 26: The Oklahoma State Cowboys celebrate after winning 34-27 over the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Oklahoma State Cowboys won 34-27 over the Iowa State Cyclones.(Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - OCTOBER 26: The Oklahoma State Cowboys celebrate after winning 34-27 over the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Oklahoma State Cowboys won 34-27 over the Iowa State Cyclones.(Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

2. Contain Max Duggan

TCU freshman quarterback Max Duggan had a career-best day in the Week 9 win against Texas, throwing for 272 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed 11 yards for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to ice the game for the Horned Frogs.

The Cowboys defensive unit saved the day against Iowa State last week. If not for senior linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez’s interception of Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy, Iowa State might have driven down the field to take the lead. Instead, a game-changing switch in momentum ended up giving Oklahoma State the 34-27 win.

Against Iowa State, OSU’s defense was largely bend-but-don’t-break. The Cowboys surrendered 448 yards of offense to the Cyclones, most of which was through the air. Five different Cyclone wideouts caught four passes or more as Purdy launched the ball 63 times.

OSU, however, forced three interceptions from Purdy without generating a significant pass rush. Maintaining position on the run-pass options and staying home on reverses will be crucial for Cowboy defenders. If not, a balanced TCU offense that is rediscovering the talents of Jalen Reagor could wreak havoc.