Cowboy Defense Faces Biggest Run Game Test Yet Against Texas

STILLWATER – The Oklahoma State defense has been solid all season long, especially when it comes to defending the run. The Pokes are allowing just 91 rushing yards per game, good for second in the Big 12 and 12th in the nation.

However, with as good as they’ve been through five games, Saturday is going to be the toughest challenge yet for the Pokes as they face one of the best running backs in the country in Texas’ Bijan Robinson.

“I feel like this is going to be a big test for us, especially because his explosion and all the jump cuts he does, so I feel like this is going to be a good game for us and battle, especially up front for the D-line,” said Tyler Lacy.

Robinson is averaging more than 130 yards on the ground per game and just over six yards per carry on 125 carries on the season. He’s posted 789 yards and eight touchdowns, with 11 receptions for 169 yards and two touchdowns to go with it.

“Good back, they run their offense through him, so we’re just focused on stopping him and going from there to be honest,” said Devin Harper. “He makes his body hard and makes it hard to tackle and a good open space back, so we’re looking to stop him before he gets to open space.”

Jim Knowles has created a defensive front that’s pretty solid which features guys like defensive ends Tyler Lacy and Brock Martin, and defensive tackles Israel Antwine, Jayden Jernigan and Brendon Evers. A pretty solid group if there ever was one, but there’s a pretty big group of rotational players that make the front really solid.

“Trusting the defense, trusting the guy beside you; I’ve got Brendon Evers, Jayden Jernigan, or Brock [Martin] on the other side, just trusting them that they’re going to do their job and I hold my edge and hold my responsibility and put trust in coach [Jim] Knowles’ defense,” said Lacy. “I feel like coach Knowles puts us in very good positions to be on the field and it pays off and you can see the stats.”

While they may not have the most glamorous job, the group mentioned above have combined for 49 total tackles on the season, 13 quarterback hurries, 6.5 sacks and even one pass break up thanks to the game sealing PBU from Evers against Baylor. Throw Collin Oliver and Sione Asi into the mix and the total tackle number climbs by 17.

The Cowboys have been solid all year defending the run and Robinson is one of the best backs in the country. However, Knowles’ group can take some comfort in knowing the Longhorn run game can be slowed down as OU held them to just 128 yards on the ground this past weekend. Can we expect a similar performance out of the Pokes in their first Big 12 road game of the season?