Oklahoma State University Athletics
Game Notes - Cowboys Face Texas Tech in Lubbock
October 28, 2013 | Cowboy Football
Oct. 28, 2013
Complete Release in PDF Format
Cowboy Football This Week
at No. 15/15 Texas Tech
6 p.m. | Nov. 2, 2013 | Jones AT&T Stadium (60,454 cap.)
Television: FOX (Gus Johnson, Charles Davis and Kristina Pink)
Radio: Cowboy Radio Network (Dave Hunziker, John Holcomb and Robert Allen)
National Radio: None
Internet: okstate.com
Satellite Radio: Sirius Channel 85 | XM Channel 85
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The Basics
The Oklahoma State football team (6-1 overall; 3-1 Big 12) travels to Lubbock to battle Texas Tech (7-1 overall; 4-1 Big 12) at 6 p.m. Saturday in Jones AT&T Stadium.
On the Air
Saturday's game can be seen live on FOX, with Gus Johnson, Charles Davis and Kristina Pink on the call.
The game will also be carried live on the Cowboy Radio Network, with Dave Hunziker handling play-by-play, John Holcomb providing analysis and Robert Allen reporting from the sideline.
In The Polls
Oklahoma State enters Saturday's game at Texas Tech ranked No. 18 in this week's Associated Press poll and No. 12 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. The Red Raiders are ranked No. 15 in both polls. Texas Tech is the first ranked opponent Oklahoma State has faced this season.
An Oklahoma State Win Would...
• Be the Cowboys' fifth straight over the Red Raiders and their third straight in Lubbock. OSU two most recent trips to Jones AT&T Stadium resulted in a 34-17 win in 2010 and a 66-6 win in 2011.
• Make OSU the first team to win three straight games over Texas Tech in Lubbock since Nebraska in 1994, 1996 and 2000.
• Mark the longest winning streak (five) for either team in the all-time series between the Cowboys and Red Raiders, surpassing the previous mark of four set by OSU from 1945-49 and again from 2009 through the present and by Texas Tech from 1989-98.
• Improve the Cowboys to 7-1 on the year, marking the fourth time in the last six seasons that OSU has started the season with a 7-1 record or better through its first eight games. Prior to Mike Gundy taking the head coaching position at OSU, the Cowboys had only five 7-1 starts between 1945 and 2005.
• Improve the Cowboys to 7-3 in their last 10 games against ranked opponents.
• Improve the Cowboys to 4-3 in their last seven games played against ranked opponents away from Boone Pickens Stadium.
Notable Streaks Entering the Texas Tech Game
• Oklahoma State has scored 20 or more points in 46 consecutive games dating back to the start of the 2010 season. That streak is the longest active streak in the country and the second-longest since Division I split into the FBS/FCS in 1978, trailing only USC's 63 straight games of 20 or more points from Sept. 2, 2002 through Nov. 25, 2006.
• OSU has at least one touchdown drive of faster than two minutes in each of its last 29 games and in 45 of its last 46 contests.
• Linebacker Shaun Lewis has started 39 straight games. Linebacker Caleb Lavey and safety Daytawion Lowe have each started 33 straight games, respectively.
The Series
Despite Oklahoma State winning each of its last four and five of its last six meetings with Texas Tech, the Red Raiders still hold a 21-16-3 all-time series lead over the Cowboys, including a 12-4-3 advantage over OSU in Lubbock. Mike Gundy is 6-2 all-time vs. Texas Tech and 2-2 in Lubbock, while first-year Red Raider coach Kliff Kingsbury gets his first head-coaching decision vs. Oklahoma State this week.
A High-Powered History
If recent history is any indicator, expect fireworks when Oklahoma State and Texas Tech clash on Saturday. Some notable matchups between the two:
1988 - Oklahoma State 45, Texas Tech 42 (game played in Tokyo, Japan)
Just nine hours after being announced as the winner of the Heisman Trophy, Barry Sanders carried 42 times for 257 yards and four touchdowns and added four catches for 79 yards in lifting the Cowboys to victory. From the 6:32 mark of the second quarter through the 7:43 mark of the game, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech combined to score on 11 of 12 possessions. The two teams finished with a combined 1,194 yards of offense.
2003 in Stillwater - Oklahoma State 51, Texas Tech 49
Oklahoma State held a 48-21 lead entering the fourth quarter, but Texas Tech stormed back to cut the lead to 51-49 after a B.J. Symons-to-Wes Welker touchdown pass with 3:51 left. The Cowboys failed on a fake punt attempt on the ensuing drive to give the Red Raiders the ball on their own 35 yard line with 2:08 to play and a very real chance to take the lead. However, OSU defensive end Greg Richmond pressured Symons into an ill-timed pass that was intercepted by Jon Holland to lock up the Cowboy victory. The two teams combined for 1,334 yards of offense (673 for OSU and 661 for TTU) and 67 first downs. The game took four hours and 20 minutes.
2005 in Stillwater - Oklahoma State 24, No. 13 Texas Tech 17
In the only Big 12 win for Mike Gundy during his first season as head coach, the Cowboys, riding a five-game losing streak entering the game, improbably scored a win over 13th-ranked Texas Tech. OSU held the high-powered Red Raiders scoreless in the first half and without a touchdown until the fourth quarter. Still, the game was tied at 17 when the Cowboys took possession on their own 20 yard line with 6:43 to play. Behind its running game, OSU chewed up all but the game's final 23 seconds before quarterback Al Peña plunged in for the game-winning touchdown.
2006 in Lubbock - Texas Tech 30, Oklahoma State 24
The game wasn't decided until Bobby Reid's pass attempt to D'Juan Woods from 17 yards out fell incomplete in the end zone on the final play of the game. OSU raced to a 17-0 lead midway through the second quarter, but the Red Raiders rattled off 27 unanswered points of their own to take a 27-17 lead into the final stanza. Reid connected with Adarius Bowman for a 34-yard touchdown pass with 12:03 left to set the stage for a tense fourth quarter. The Red Raiders were able to keep the high-powered Cowboys off the scoreboard down the stretch to seal their win.
2007 in Stillwater - Oklahoma State 49, Texas Tech 45
After both teams' offenses ran amok throughout the contest, it was a defensive play - specifically a tipped pass by OSU safety Ricky Price in the end zone - that kept Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell from connecting with receiver Michael Crabtree on what would have the go-ahead score with just 19 seconds remaining. The game featured six ties and five lead changes. The two offenses combined for 1,328 yards of total offense, with Harrell passing for 646 yards and the Cowboys rushing for 378.
Last Year's Meeting - Oklahoma State 59, Texas Tech 21
In what was Oklahoma State's third-most lopsided win over a ranked opponent ever, the Cowboys steamrolled their way to a 59-21 win over No. 23 Texas Tech at Boone Pickens Stadium and did it by making plays in all three phases of the game.
Receiver Isaiah Anderson enjoyed a career day with four catches for 174 yards and three touchdowns - and he did it all before halftime - but the story of the game was OSU's defense, which limited the Red Raiders to 383 total yards. To put that figure into perspective, Texas Tech entered the contest ranked 10th nationally by averaging 506.7 yards per game.
Aided in part by interceptions from safety Shamiel Gary and defensive tackle James Castleman, the Cowboys kept the Red Raiders 18 points under their season average - and it took a Texas Tech touchdown against the OSU third-team defense with 2:51 left in the game for the Red Raiders to break 20 points. OSU dominated the line of scrimmage, racking up 11 tackles for loss and three sacks in the contest.
Special teams were also a factor for the Cowboys, with safety Zack Craig busting through to block two punts and return one for a 30-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Craig's touchdown marked the third consecutive game that OSU scored on special teams.
Connections
• Perhaps the most notable connection between Oklahoma State and Texas Tech is one that won't be seen on Saturday - Dana Holgorsen. Holgorsen spent eight seasons (2000-07) as Mike Leach's right-hand man in Lubbock before moving on to Houston for a couple seasons and then on to Oklahoma State in 2010, where he was a central figure in installing Oklahoma State's current offensive system.
• Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy and Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury are two of 12 head coaches - and the only two in the Big 12 - working at their alma mater. Gundy quarterbacked Oklahoma State from 1986-89 and Kingsbury quarterbacked Texas Tech from 1999-2002.
• Oklahoma State linebacker Ryan Simmons and safety Jordan Sterns played for Texas Tech running backs coach Mike Jinks at Cibolo Steele HS outside of San Antonio, where Jinks served as head coach from 2005-12. Simmons was a central figure in Steele winning the 2010 Class 5A Division II Texas state championship.
• Oklahoma State safety Daytawion Lowe and Texas Tech defensive back Tre' Porter were teammates at Carl Albert HS in Midwest City, Okla. The two led Carl Albert to an appearance in the 2008 state championship game.
• Oklahoma State defensive lineman James Castleman attended Amarillo HS in Amarillo, Texas, which is about 90 minutes north of the Texas Tech campus.
• Oklahoma State offensive lineman Chris Grisbhy and Texas Tech defensive lineman Dartwan Bush were teammates at Brazoswood HS in Clute, Texas.
• Oklahoma State running backs coach Jemal Singleton and Texas Tech defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt both served together on the Air Force coaching staff from 2008-10.
• Oklahoma State receivers coach Kasey Dunn and Texas Tech offensive line coach Lee Hays worked together on the Baylor coaching staff in 2007.
• Oklahoma State receiver Jhajuan Seales was a high school teammate of Texas Tech defensive back Jalen Barnes at Memorial HS in Port Arthur, Texas.
• Oklahoma State offensive lineman Michael Wilson and Texas Tech deep snapper Parker Bradham both attended Aledo HS in Aledo, Texas.
Texas is Cowboy Country
Oklahoma State has won nine of its last nine games played in the Lone Star State. A closer look:
Oct. 16, 2010 at Texas Tech ........ W, 34-17
Nov. 13, 2010 at Texas ........ W, 33-16
Dec. 29, 2010 vs. Arizona (Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio) ........ W, 36-10
Sept. 24, 2011 at No. 8 Texas A&M ........ W, 30-29
Oct. 15, 2011 at No. 22 Texas ........ W, 38-26
Nov. 12, 2011 at Texas Tech ........ W, 66-6
Dec. 1, 2012 at Baylor ........ L, 41-34
Jan. 1, 2013 vs. Purdue (Heart of Dallas Bowl in Dallas) ........ W, 58-21
Aug. 31, 2013 vs. Mississippi State (Advocare Texas Kickoff in Houston) ........ W, 21-3
Sept. 7, 2013 at UTSA ........ W, 56-35
Oklahoma State's Texas Flavor
Recruiting the state of Texas has been a high priority for Oklahoma State football since Mike Gundy took over at his alma mater in 2005. Oklahoma State annually has more players on its roster from Texas than any other program outside of the Lone Star State. This year's totals:
Oklahoma State - 71
Oklahoma - 43
Louisiana-Monroe - 38
Missouri - 36
New Mexico - 31
Tulsa - 29
Kansas State - 27
Kansas - 26
Arkansas - 20
Iowa State - 20
High-Profile Native Texans To Play For Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State
Dez Bryant - Dallas Cowboys first-round pick and leading receiver
Russell Okung - Seattle Seahawks first-round pick, 2013 Pro Bowl
Brandon Pettigrew - Detroit Lions first-round pick
Quinn Sharp - Cincinnati Bengals kicker, 3-time All-American K/P
Kendall Hunter - San Francisco 49ers RB and two-time All-American
Perrish Cox - San Francisco 49ers CB and two-time All-American
Markelle Martin - Tennessee Titans safety and 2011 All-American
Grant Garner - 2011 All-America center
Orie Lemon - Kansas City Chiefs linebacker
Strong on Both Sides of the Ball
Oklahoma State is one of only nine teams in the country that rank in the top 25 nationally in both scoring offense and scoring defense, joining Baylor, Oregon, Florida State, Ohio State, Alabama, Wisconsin, Miami (Fla.) and Louisville. The Cowboys are 22nd nationally with 38.9 points scored per game and are 19th nationally by allowing only 19.6 points per contest.
Here's to the Defense
First-year defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer has the Oklahoma State defense performing at a high level, as the Cowboys rank in the top 25 nationally in scoring defense (19th - 19.6 ppg), passes intercepted (eighth - 13), turnovers gained (13th - 19), third-down defense (10th - .306 pct.), pass efficiency defense (seventh - 102.75), rushing defense (19th - 122.7 ypg) and tackles for loss (21st - 7.3 per game). Additionally, the Cowboys are 26th nationally in total defense (353.9 ypg).
Three and Out
Oklahoma State's defense excels at forcing three-and-outs. A three-and-out is defined as a series in which the offense either punts after three plays or commits a turnover before getting a first down. OSU has forced 46 three-and-outs in 106 defensive possessions (.438 pct.) spanning seven games, for an average of 6.57 three-and-outs forced per game.
Defense Stout Per Possession
The Oklahoma State defense faces a challenge in that it is partnered with an offense that plays at such a high tempo that it ends up spending more time on the field than all but four teams in the country (Hawaii, Southern Miss, Indiana and Wyoming). As a result, statistics such as total defense, points allowed, rushing yards allowed and passing yards allowed are not true indicators of how the Cowboy defense performs in a given game. OSU's defense allows only 23.37 yards and 1.16 points per possession.
Turnovers are Back on the Menu
Forcing turnovers has been at the core of Oklahoma State's defensive identity for years. In fact, OSU ranks second nationally with 149 turnovers forced from 2009 through the present, trailing only Oregon's 154. The Cowboys led the nation in takeaways as part of their Big 12 championship season of 2011, but slipped in that area in 2012.
Through seven games in 2013, turnovers are back to being a significant factor for OSU, as the Cowboys lead the Big 12 and rank seventh nationally with a +1.3 turnover margin. The OSU's best turnover showing of the season came against Kansas State, when the Cowboys forced five Wildcat turnovers - all of which came in the second half.
Oklahoma State and the Turnover
Why are turnovers such a focal point at Oklahoma State? Because in nine years under Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State is 17-0 when it doesn't commit a turnover in a game and is 43-5 when winning the turnover battle. Dating back to the 2008 season, the Cowboys have won 30 of their last 31 games when winning the turnover battle.
Perspective On Yards Per Play
The NCAA statistical rankings show Oklahoma State as ranking 26th in total defense by yielding only 353.9 yards per game this season. When analyzed on a per-play basis to account for the up-tempo offense played by the Cowboys, the OSU defense looks even better, ranking ninth by surrendering only 4.55 yards per play. The only teams with better per-play defenses are Michigan State (3.55 ypp), Virginia Tech (3.94 ypp), Baylor (4.17 ypp), Florida State (4.21 ypp), Louisville (4.35 ypp), Wisconsin (4.4 ypp), Oregon (4.41 ypp) and Marshall (4.55 ypp).
Putting Opponents Behind The Chains
Part of Oklahoma State's defensive success stems from solid play on first down. The Cowboys have limited opposing offenses to three yards or less on 128 of 227 first-down plays this year (.564 pct.)
Cowboys on Third Down
Oklahoma State enters the Texas Tech game leading the Big 12 and ranked 10th nationally by limiting opposing offenses to a .306 pct. conversion rate on third down. Part of the reason is that the Cowboys are consistently putting opposing offenses in third and medium and third and long situations.
OSU has defended 124 third down plays. Of those 124 plays, only 28 were third and short situations, meaning that 77.4 percent of OSU's third down plays defended have been third and medium or third and long situations.
Run Stuffers
One area where Oklahoma State's defense has been particularly effective is against the run, where the Cowboys lead the Big 12 and rank 19th nationally by surrendering only 122.7 rushing yards per game. Most impressive is the fact that OSU has allowed only six rushing touchdowns in seven games this year. That mark ranks 13th in the country. The Cowboy defense allows only 3.2 yards per rushing attempt.
Limiting Explosive Plays
Another defensive trait that has emerged at Oklahoma State over the past few seasons is that the Cowboys have limited explosive plays from scrimmage by opposing offenses. For the purpose of this note, we'll use 20 yard plays from scrimmage as the definition of an explosive play. Through seven games in 2013, OSU has allowed 20 explosive plays from scrimmage (2.85 per game), a mark that ranks fifth in the nation, trailing only Florida State (15) and Michigan State, Oregon and Washington (19 apiece).
Hard To Drive On
Oklahoma State's defense has given up points on 21 possessions this year, but four of those opponent scoring drives yielded less than 20 yards of offense and were primarily a result of starting field position. The most prominent examples are a four-play, one-yard field goal drive at West Virginia, a four-play, three-yard field goal drive vs. Lamar and a one-play, 19-yard touchdown drive at UTSA. The point? The Cowboy defense has been difficult to mount long scoring drives on.
Defensive Turnaround
The Oklahoma State defense is faring much better than last year's unit in terms of scoring defense. Entering the Texas Tech game, the Cowboys are limiting opponents to 19.6 points per game. A year ago, the Pokes allowed 28.2 points per game. This represents the third-biggest scoring turnaround in school history and the biggest since 1997.
Putting Opponents Away Early
Oklahoma State has outscored its first seven opponents, 214-81, in the first three quarters of games this year. The Pokes have been particularly dominant after making in-game adjustments at halftime, racking up a 65-10 scoring advantage over their first seven opponents in the third quarter of games.
Balance, Balance, Balance
Perhaps the signature trait of Oklahoma State teams year in and year out under Mike Gundy is offensive balance. There is no better illustration of that than the 2007 season, when the Cowboys rushed for 3,161 yards and passed for 3,161 yards. A look at the balance of this year's team through six games:
• OSU has 270 passing attempts and 257 rushing attempts.
• OSU has scored 19 touchdowns via the run and 13 touchdowns via the pass.
• 15 different players have combined to score OSU's 36 touchdowns this year.
• Of those 36 touchdowns, 13 were scored via the pass (to nine different receivers) and 19 were scored via the run (by five different rushers).
• 13 different players caught a pass in the Cowboys' wins at UTSA and over Lamar.
• Of those 13 different players to catch a pass in those two wins, 10 averaged 10 yards or more per reception vs. UTSA and eight averaged 10 yards or more per reception vs. Lamar.
• Oklahoma State has 40 offensive plays that gained 20 yards or more from scrimmage. Those 40 plays were made by 14 different players.
Ball - and Quarterback - Security
Oklahoma State spends a period of each practice on ball security and so far, it seems to be paying dividends, as the Cowboys have committed only 10 turnovers in their seven games this year.
Speaking of security, OSU's quarterbacks have enjoyed secure surroundings this season, only being sacked 1.0 times per game - a mark that ranks 11th nationally. This is a regular theme for the Cowboys, who have led the Big 12 and ranked among the top 10 nationally in fewest sacks allowed in each of the past four years despite ranking among the national leaders in passing yardage for most of that time frame.
Plays Coming From Special Teams
Oklahoma State is getting plays some several of its different special teams units. The Cowboys have blocked two kicks this year (a field goal attempt at West Virginia and a PAT attempt at Iowa State) and rank fifth nationally with 17.53 yards per punt return.
Kickoff Coverage an Overlooked Factor in OSU's Success
Oklahoma State has been effective in the kickoff game, as the Cowboys lead the Big 12 and rank fourth nationally in kickoff coverage by allowing only 15.97 yards per kickoff return. Only 11 of OSU's 50 kickoffs have resulted in touchbacks, but it should be noted that OSU is actually better off without the touchbacks. The average starting field position for opponents following an OSU kickoff this season is the 23 yard line.
To put that into perspective, the average starting field position for opponents following an OSU kickoff last year with all-everything kickoff man Quinn Sharp handling those responsibilities was the 28 yard line.
Speaking of Starting Field Position...
Through seven games, Oklahoma State is winning the field position battle. The Cowboys have an average starting field position of their own 38 yard line. OSU's opponents have an average starting field position of their own 27 yard line.
Last Time Out - Oklahoma State 58, Iowa State 27
Making the first start of his career, junior Desmond Roland rushed for 219 yards and four touchdowns and Oklahoma State scored two defensive touchdowns in beating Iowa State, 58-27 in Ames.
Clint Chelf made his first start at quarterback in two months and completed 10-of-26 passes for 78 yards on a wind-blown day, highlighted by an eight-yard touchdown pass to Charlie Moore. Chelf added a career-high 85 rushing yards on nine attempts.
The Cowboys forced three Cyclone turnovers, with cornerback Justin Gilbert taking an interception back for a 31-yard touchdown and defensive end Tyler Johnson scooping up a fumble that was forced by linebacker Joe Mitchell and returning it behind a convoy of blockers 54 yards for a touchdown.
OSU held a narrow 28-20 lead going into halftime, but scored 24 unanswered points coming out of the locker room to blow the game wide open.
Chelf Back Into the Mix
After a solid finish to the 2012 season highlighted by an MVP showing in the Heart of Dallas Bowl, quarterback Clint Chelf earned the title of OSU's opening-day starter this year.
He gave way to J.W. Walsh early in the opener and saw only reserve duty in lopsided wins over UTSA and Lamar before he was summoned off the bench in the second quarter of the Cowboys' game against TCU. Chelf completed 10-of-25 passes for 178 yards in helping OSU to victory over the Horned Frogs.
Following the win over TCU, Chelf was tabbed as OSU's starting quarterback the next week and led the Cowboys to a 58-27 win on the road at Iowa State. He threw a first-quarter touchdown pass to Charlie Moore, but did the bulk of his damage on the ground, rushing for a career-high 85 yards on nine attempts.
Background on Chelf
After redshirting as a true freshman in 2009, Clint Chelf was OSU's second-team quarterback behind Brandon Weeden in 2010 and 2011. With Weeden selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Chelf, Wes Lunt and J.W. Walsh had an open competition during 2012 spring drills to earn the starting quarterback spot. Lunt was named the starter, but was sidelined with an injury early on. Walsh then stepped in and also sustained an injury that opened the door for Chelf to take the reins. Chelf's performance during that time was strong enough for him to hold onto the starting job despite the fact that both Lunt and Walsh were healthy in the Cowboys' final two games of 2012.
Dual Threat
J.W. Walsh can swing a game in OSU's favor with his passing or with his rushing. In week one against Mississippi State, the sophomore rushed for 125 yards and engineered three touchdown drives in leading Oklahoma State to a 21-7 win over Mississippi State in Houston. In week two, Walsh set a school record for completion percentage (min. 20 attempts) and accounted for five touchdowns - four passing and one rushing - as part of OSU's 56-35 win at UTSA. Walsh had more touchdown passes (four) than incomplete passes (three) against UTSA and was honored as Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week for his performance. He is the only Big 12 quarterback with a 300-yard passing game and a 100-yard rushing game on his 2013 season résumé.
Walsh was OSU's leading rusher in three games this year.
Comparing Walsh To Other Sophomore Quarterbacks
J.W. Walsh is among the elite sophomore signal-callers in the nation. He is one of only four sophomore quarterbacks with 20 or more passing touchdowns and 10 or more rushing touchdowns in his career, joining Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel, Oregon's Marcus Mariota and UCLA's Brett Hundley.
More on Walsh's Record Showing vs. UTSA
J.W. Walsh connected on 24-of-27 passes for 326 yards and four touchdowns against UTSA and etched his name in the OSU record book in the process. His 88.9 completion percentage set a new school record for single-game completion percentage, minimum 20 pass attempts. He added a rushing touchdown as well.
Walsh's 239.20 pass efficiency mark in the contest was good for the fourth-best single-game performance in school history. He started the game by completing 10 consecutive passes, then had two incompletions, then completed 10 consecutive passes again. By the time his day was done at the 9:47 mark of the third quarter, OSU held a 42-7 lead.
Roland Explodes on the Scene
Making the first start of his career, Oklahoma State running back Desmond Roland rushed for 219 yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries to lead the Cowboys to a 58-27 win over Iowa State in Ames. Roland's 219 rushing yards and four touchdowns both represent the top marks for any Big 12 player in a game this year. His 219 rushing yards were the most for an Oklahoma State back in a road game against a Big 12 opponent since Vernand Morency rushed for 269 yards at Kansas in 2003. Roland's 219 rushing yards marked the third-most of any player in the country last week.
Smith Knows His Way To The End Zone
Running back Jeremy Smith continues to display a trait he's shown throughout his career - the ability to find the end zone. Smith's eight rushing touchdowns this year rank second in the Big 12, trailing only the 11 by Baylor's Lache Seastrunk. He rushed for 102 yards and three touchdowns in the Cowboys' season opening win against Mississippi State, then tacked on three more rushing touchdowns against Lamar and another against Kansas State.
Receivers' Calling Card is Balance
Josh Stewart and Tracy Moore are the leaders of the Oklahoma State receiving corps, but make no mistake; balance is OSU's best weapon when it comes to the passing game. Case in point - 13 different Cowboys caught passes in games against both UTSA and Lamar. Redshirt freshman Jhajuan Seales (22 catches for 285 yards and a touchdown) is emerging as a viable weapon on the outside and Charlie Moore has been dependable, making 18 receptions on 27 targets this year.
Small Stewart Has Big Impact
Standing 5-10 and weighing 185 pounds, Oklahoma State receiver Josh Stewart is not the biggest receiver in the nation, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for with quickness, elusiveness, route-running and good hands. For the second straight year, the junior from Denton, Texas leads OSU in receptions and receiving yards. Of his 34 receptions this year, 20 have resulted in first downs.
Stewart passed former OSU All-American and current Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant on OSU's career receptions list in the Cowboys' win over TCU and he needs just 16 yards to become only the seventh 2,000-yard receiver in school history.
Stewart is Oklahoma State's Mr. Explosive
Josh Stewart has been OSU's most explosive player in 2013, averaging 15.1 yards per touch this season. Stewart ranks second nationally with 20.1 yards per punt return and has returns of 95, 67 yards, 41 yards, 36 yards and 29 yards through seven games in 2013. He leads the team with 34 receptions and 483 receiving yards and has also rushed for 38 yards on six carries. He averages 120.9 all-purpose yards per game - a mark that ranks fourth in the Big 12 and 48th nationally.
Stewart Sets School, Big 12 Record to Earn Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week
Josh Stewart recorded the longest punt return in Oklahoma State and Big 12 history with a 95-yarder in the Cowboys' 24-10 win over TCU. That is the longest punt return for any player in the country this season. He added a 29-yard punt return later in the contest, but his 95-yarder was the one that gave the Cowboys the jolt they needed early in the game. He fielded the punt fading backwards, got a couple key blocks and weaved his way down field, eventually shaking the last would-be tackler at the 10-yard line and sprinting to the goal line.
That score was Stewart's second punt-return touchdown of the season (he had a 67-yarder against Lamar), tying him with Barry Sanders (1987), Darrent Williams (2003) and Dez Bryant (2008) atop the school list for most punt return touchdowns in a season.
Special On Special Teams
Josh Stewart is one of four members of the 2013 Cowboys with either a kickoff return touchdown or a punt return touchdown in his career, joining Justin Gilbert (five career kickoff return touchdowns), Desmond Roland (one career kickoff return touchdown) and Zack Craig (one career punt return touchdown). No team in America has more players with a special teams touchdown.
Stewart Earned Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week
Oklahoma State receiver Josh Stewart earned Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors after his performance against Lamar.
Stewart scored on a 67-yard punt return and took a second punt back 41 yards to set up an OSU touchdown in lifting the Cowboys to a 59-3 win over the Cardinals. Stewart finished with 114 punt return yards for the eighth-highest single-game total in OSU history. His 67-yarder marked OSU's first punt return for a touchdown since Josh Cooper had a 66-yarder against Troy on Sept. 11, 2010. It was also OSU's longest punt return since 2009.
This is the first time Stewart has been recognized as the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week, though he was the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week following last year's game against West Virginia.
Moore of a Good Thing
Senior Tracy Moore joined the OSU career top 10 in both receptions and receiving yards this season. He enters the Texas Tech game ranked ninth in school history with 119 receptions and 10th in school history with 1,658 receiving yards.
Moore had a season-high six catches for 52 yards - including an important 26-yard grab on the game-winning drive - against Kansas State and logged a season-best 89 yards on five catches with a touchdown at West Virginia.
The Defensive Line As a Group
The play of the defensive line is among the biggest contributing factors in Oklahoma State's defensive resurgence. Time and time again, the Cowboys are winning the battle in the trenches, thanks largely to Calvin Barnett, James Castleman, Tyler Johnson and Jimmy Bean.
With the defensive line setting the tone, the Cowboy defense averages 7.3 tackles for loss per game this year (a mark that ranks 21st nationally) and has 16 sacks in seven contests - 12 of which belong to defensive linemen. Additionally, defensive tackle James Castleman blocked a field goal attempt at West Virginia and a point-after attempt at Iowa State.
Calvin The Terrible
Senior defensive tackle Calvin Barnett commands attention and is frequently double-teamed by opposing offensive linemen, but has still managed five tackles for loss, a sack and five quarterback hurries this year. Though his stats may not reveal it, his ability to open up lanes for the other members of the Cowboy front seven has been a substantial factor in OSU's defensive resurgence this year.
Man On Fire
Senior defensive end Tyler Johnson has been as active as anyone on the OSU defense, recording 28 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, a quarterback hurry and two forced fumbles through seven games. His 54-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the second half of OSU's 58-27 win over Iowa State in Ames was one of the team's signature moments of the season to date.
Lavey Producing At A High Level
Linebacker Caleb Lavey has been a force in the middle of the Oklahoma State defense. In the last four games vs. West Virginia, Kansas State, TCU and Iowa State, Lavey has averaged 8.5 tackles, 1.3 tackles for loss and 1.0 turnovers forced per game.
Lavey Earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week
Oklahoma State senior linebacker Caleb Lavey earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week after the Cowboys' season-opening win over Mississippi State. Lavey recorded a team-best 11 tackles in that contest and added two tackles for loss and a half-sack. It was the first such honor of Lavey's career and marks the first time a Cowboy has been recognized with the league's weekly defensive honor since Shaun Lewis in 2011.
The Playmaker
Shaun Lewis has been an important player on Oklahoma State's defense since he stepped on campus in 2010. The senior from Missouri City, Texas has started each of OSU's last 39 games and is one of only two players on the current roster with more than 200 career tackles (his 209 stops trail only Daytawion Lowe's 221). Lewis's 159 career solo tackles ranks him 21st nationally among all active players. He is praised time and time again by his position coach and OSU defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer for his intelligence, leadership and savvy.
Lewis has been a playmaker on the Cowboy defense all year, racking up 32 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, a fumble forced, a fumble recovered and a quarterback hurry.
Lewis Earned Big 12 Player of the Week
For the second time in his career, Shaun Lewis earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week following his performance in Oklahoma State's win over Kansas State. In addition to snuffing out K-State's comeback hopes with an interception late in the fourth quarter, Lewis forced a fumble that was scooped up by the Cowboys, recovered a different fumble, led the team with eight tackles and bagged a tackle for loss in OSU's dramatic 33-29 win.
Cornerstone
Senior cornerback Justin Gilbert is one of the faces of the Cowboys' defensive improvement from a year ago. Last year, Gilbert was often asked to play soft coverage as part of OSU's general scheme of minimizing big plays from opposing offenses. However, he has been turned loose in 2013 and is using his 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame and blazing speed to his advantage, routinely winning his man-to-man battles against opposing receivers. He has four interceptions this season - against Mississippi State, West Virginia, TCU and Iowa State, and his interception against the Cyclones resulted in the first pick-six of his career. Gilbert's four interceptions this season leads the Big 12 and ranks sixth nationally.
Gilbert's nine career interceptions rank him 15th among all active players and his 24 career pass break-ups are more than twice the total of any other current OSU player.
Not Your Everyday Transfer
The Cowboy secondary received a boost in the preseason with the addition of Tyler Patmon, a three-year starter at Kansas who graduated early and enrolled at OSU for graduate school. Patmon has been an immediate factor for the Cowboys, breaking up seven passes on the year and recording his first interception in an OSU uniform at West Virginia.
Safety First
Free safety Daytawion Lowe joins Calvin Barnett, Caleb Lavey, Shaun Lewis and Justin Gilbert in being part of the leadership of the Cowboy defense. Lowe has been a consistent performer throughout his time in Stillwater and is OSU's active career leader in tackles with 221. Lowe's 158 career solo tackles ranks him 22nd nationally among all active players. His interception against Kansas State was the final dagger applied in the Cowboys' dramatic win over the Wildcats earlier this year.
Battle Tested
Strong safety Shamiel Gary had to win a position battle that lasted through spring, summer and fall camp to keep the starting job that he held last year. His performance through seven games this year has backed up the coaching staff's decision to keep him in the starting role, as he has broken up a team-best nine passes, highlighted by a three-PBU performance against TCU. Entering the Texas Tech game, Gary is third in the Big 12 and 26th nationally with 1.3 passes defended per game this season. Gary, who played the first two seasons of his career at Wyoming, has averaged 4.26 solo tackles per game during his career, a mark that ranks him 22nd nationally among all active players.
Living Inside the 20
Kip Smith has punted 37 times this year, with 15 of those punts downed inside the opponent 20-yard line (.405 percent). - a mark that ranks third in the Big 12. He had four punts downed inside the 20 in games against Mississippi State and West Virginia, a mark that ranks third in school history.
Grogan Earned Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week
Freshman kicker Ben Grogan earned Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week following his performance against Kansas State.
Grogan kicked four field goals in the victory - a feat made even more impressive by the fact that the game featured eight lead changes and every kick he attempted had significant implications on the outcome of the contest. Grogan's four field goals made and 15 points scored by kicking were both OSU freshman records.
First-Timers
Through seven games this year, 10 players have made the first starts of their respective careers for Oklahoma State - defensive ends Jimmy Bean and Tyler Johnson, linebacker Ryan Simmons, cornerback Tyler Patmon, running back Desmond Roland, offensive linemen Travis Cross, Chris Grisbhy, Brandon Garrett and Paul Lewis and receiver Jhajuan Seales.
All told, 23 players have seen the first game action of their OSU careers this year, highlighted by five true freshmen - receiver Marcell Ateman, kicker Ben Grogan, safeties Deric Robertson and Jordan Sterns and running back Rennie Childs.
