Oklahoma State Cowboys Face West Virginia in Morgantown
First-year coach Eric Morris leads a revamped Oklahoma State roster to West Virginia for a pivotal Big 12 contest.
Key points
- Oklahoma State faces West Virginia in Morgantown, with the Mountaineers favored by two points.
- West Virginia’s offense is built around the run, limiting possessions for the Cowboys.
- Oklahoma State aims to exploit West Virginia’s pass defense, which allows 246.7 yards per game.
The air in Stillwater feels thin after a 59-0 blowout. Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris stands in the press conference room, eyes tired, mind already miles away. He points to a celebration penalty, calling it sloppy. It is a small scar on a perfect week, but it demands attention before the plane wheels up.
First-Year Coach Faces New Roster
Morris is bracing for a different kind of pressure. The roster holds ninety-one newcomers. Saturday marks his first Big 12 game as head coach. The Cowboys have to fly across the country, a logistical hurdle that adds weight to the week. He speaks of putting the win against Murray State behind them. Correction is the only goal now.
Mountaineers Rely on Ground Attack
West Virginia enters the contest unbeaten. Their strategy is blunt and effective. They rush for 247 yards against ranked opponents. Michael Hawkins Jr. leads the charge, adding 322 rushing yards to his passing totals. The Mountaineers want to limit possessions. They want to keep the ball on the ground. This reduces the time Oklahoma State’s high-powered offense spends on the field.
Cowboys Target Weak Pass Defense
Oklahoma State sees an opening. West Virginia allows 246.7 passing yards per game. That is a significant vulnerability. Drew Mestemaker has been protected well recently, suffering only one sack in two weeks. The offensive line can open lanes. Mestemaker has the full playbook. The odds favor the Mountaineers by two points, but the Cowboys have the tools to exploit the secondary.
