OSU Run Game Has Tough Challenge Ahead on Saturday With Kansas State’s Defensive Front

STILLWATER – It’s no secret Oklahoma State struggled to run the ball the first two games of the season. The Pokes combined for just 153 yards and three touchdowns against Missouri State and Tulsa, numbers you’d typically see in one outing for the Pokes.

However, led by redshirt senior running back Jaylen Warren, they had a breakout game against Boise State, putting up 246 total yards and three touchdowns. Warren was responsible for 218 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries.

"It was very nice. I think it kind of gave everybody a little bit of confidence, which is something we really need,” Josh Sills said of rushing for over 200-yards against Boise State. “Kansas State's a heckuva defense. I think they're in the top 15ish somewhere around there in the country as far as rushing yards and that kind of thing. So having that game going into this game is huge for us. It's a big confidence booster, but at the same time, we've been putting work in practice, it was good to finally see that pay off for us."

Sills was certainly correct in stating K-State has a top-15 defense when it comes to stopping the run, but they’re a bit better than top-15 as they’re currently sitting at No. 6 in the country allowing just 54.7 rushing yards per game, an average of just 1.93 yards a carry.

However, the Pokes’ rushing attack against Boise State caught K-State head coach Chris Klieman’s eye.

"We played really well against Stanford. I don't know if we surprised them or not with the defense, we were playing but played really well there,” said coach Klieman. “Then Southern Illinois, I thought had really good schemes on offense to rush the ball and throw the ball. I can't remember how we fared there, but Nevada was a throwing team. We tried to make them one dimensional, and we were able to do that, but that wasn't their bread and butter. Their bread and butter was getting the ball in the quarterback's hands, letting him spin it around. So, we're running to the football well, doesn't matter what front you have. We're tackling and running through our leverage better, but this is going to be an exceptional rushing team that we're going to face in Oklahoma State. They can beat you in a lot of ways. I know against Boise State they were able to rush the football successfully, and we have to be able to. We're not going to stop them. We have to be able to limit some of their explosive plays."

Sanders has struggled to throw the ball in his first two games of the season, throwing for just 260 yards and two touchdowns. However, he’s been effective on his feet as he’s combined for 65 yards and a touchdown. While obviously not where he’d want to be, he certainly adds another layer to the offense.

"Well, we're focused on their entire rushing offense, because I think (Spencer) Sanders is also a big part of that,” said coach Klieman. “When you have the threat of him running the football, it can pull somebody out and then gives those backs more of an opportunity. They did a great job controlling the line of scrimmage against Boise State. They did not get arm tackled, and it was a clinic on how to rush the football. So, for us to be successful, we've got to try to slow those guys down."

Kansas State is certainly going to make running the ball a lot more difficult than Boise State did last week, but can an improved OSU offensive line and renewed rushing attack led by Jaylen Warren enough to help push the Pokes over the top? It’s going to be a great battle in Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday night.