Oklahoma State can make up for losing out on a Big 12 title with a marquee win over a former conference foe Friday, when the No. 13 Cowboys meet No. 8 Missouri in the AT&T Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Three things the Pokes much do to pick up the 11th win:
1. Attack Missouri’s run defense: You saw what Tre Mason did to this defense last month, right? The Auburn back became a Heisman finalist thanks to his domination of this Mizzou front (46 carries, 304 yards, 4 TDs). OSU can have similar success but will need contributions from several backs, including Desmond Roland, Jeremy Smith and maybe even Kye Staley. And don’t forget Clint Chelf, who’s capable of breaking big runs off the zone read. The Pokes need all hands on deck to get their run game going and attack a defense that, prior to the SEC title game, was holding teams to 119 rush yards per game.
2. Protect Chelf: Nobody needs a month of preparation to know that Missouri’s Michael Sam and the rest of the Tigers' defensive line are a disruptive, problematic unit. Missouri ranked among the top 15 nationally in sacks with 38 this season and is more than capable of getting to Oklahoma State’s senior quarterback. His offensive line must protect their passer and preserve their tempo against what should be a great challenge.
3. Get those pistols firing: The best we’ve seen Oklahoma State this season was when Baylor came to Stillwater on Nov. 23. The Cowboys came out firing, attacking the Bears’ defense like nobody had before and stifling Bryce Petty. The momentum built and a 14-3 halftime lead quickly became 35-3. Mike Gundy broke out a few trick plays, but the rest was no fluke. Oklahoma State needs to be the aggressor and regain that confidence tonight.
