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

1. Win the special teams battle

In what many anticipated to be a closely contested game, special teams from both sides can easily make the difference. A big shift in momentum or an untimely miscue can shift the entire dynamic of a game.

TCU’s Jalen Reagor is an electrifying talent, ranking third in the nation as a punt returner. The junior from Waxahachie, Tex. averages 19.3 yards per punt return this season and topped 1,000 receiving yards last year.

OSU kicker Matt Ammendola has been as sure-footed as they come, going for 12-for-12 on field goals through the Cowboys’ first eight games this year. He’s hit three field goals from 40+ yards, including two last week in the win against Iowa State. The 5-foot-9 senior has also connected on 34 of 35 extra point attempts in 2019.

Against a strong TCU defense, the battle for field position will be more pronounced than it may be in other Big 12 games. OSU will be hard-pressed to win if Ammendola doesn’t maintain his top-notch accuracy and if the punt coverage team gives Reagor too much room. Kansas found out the hard way earlier this year, for example, in giving up a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown to Reagor.