By the Numbers: Multiple Cowboys Leading the Big 12

STILLWATER – It’s been said many times this season by multiple people, including head coach Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State wouldn’t be 5-0 without Jim Knowles’ defense. Just look at the Baylor game for instance. The two first quarter interceptions from Spencer Sanders resulted in six plays for negative one yard and two punts.

Well, it should come as no surprise there are multiple Cowboys who lead the Big 12 in certain defensive categories.

Super senior linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez leads the conference in three categories, total tackles per game with 10.8, solo stops per game with 6.2 and forced fumbles with four.

“He takes good angles, and he runs. He’s very savvy, and so he can see things. He’s been here for a long time. He sees plays developing, he can see, and he takes good angles and able to get guys down. And then because of wrestling, he’s a really good tackler.”

Super senior linebacker Devin Harper leads the conference in fumble recoveries with two, one against Missouri State and one against Boise State.

Senior safety Kolby Harvell-Peel leads the conference in two categories, interceptions with two and interceptions per game with .4.

“[Kolby] Harvell-Peel has been excellent for us as a leader,” said head coach Mike Gundy. “He’s practiced extremely hard; he’s played hard and he’s enjoying the year. In my opinion, he’s doing what we try to get our children to do, is embrace where you’re at in life and live for this day, and don’t worry about whatever. Just have fun. Well, he’s doing that this year, and if you noticed how much better he’s playing this year. I thought last year he played good but not great. I think this year he’s playing great, up to this point. Now, I mean he’s made a mistake and whatever, but still, he has really helped our team from a leadership standpoint.”

Overall, the Cowboy defense is one of the best in the country. They’re currently the No. 12 overall run defense allowing just 91 yards on the ground per game, which is second in the conference, as well as the No. 19 overall defense allowing just 305.2 yards per game, which is also second in the conference.

They’re also No. 14 in the country on 3^rd conversions allowing just a 29% completion, which is also best in the Big 12.