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As Kansas State gears up to face Oklahoma State in Week 5, it's a pivotal matchup with significant Big 12 implications. With an 11 AM kickoff on Saturday and pregame coverage starting at 10:30 on Wildcat 91.9, the Wildcats look to capitalize on home-field advantage. To break down the Cowboys, we spoke with Daniel Allen, staff reporter for The O'Colly at Oklahoma State.
Cowboys' Offense: Struggling to Establish the Run
The Cowboys’ offensive identity has shifted, and it’s largely due to the struggles of star running back Ollie Gordon, a preseason Heisman candidate. Gordon, who led the nation in rushing last season, is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry this year. Opposing defenses are stacking the box, making Gordon’s life difficult, as Allen points out.
"It's 100% that simple," Allen said. "Teams are focusing on stopping the run, and it’s opening up passing lanes. Alan Bowman, OSU’s quarterback, is benefiting from this with nearly 400 yards and five touchdowns against Tulsa, but the offense can’t be one-dimensional for long."
Allen highlighted how Gordon’s rushing struggles mirror those of the Cowboys two years ago, when they couldn’t run the ball consistently and finished 7-6. Despite having more talent this season, OSU risks a similar fate if they fail to diversify their offensive approach.
Quarterback Controversy: Gundy's Gamble
Oklahoma State’s quarterback situation has also been a topic of discussion. Head coach Mike Gundy benched starter Alan Bowman last week in favor of Garrett Rangel, only to bring Bowman back late in the game. Allen noted that while Gundy explained it as “calming the kid down,” the move surprised many, including the fanbase.
"Bowman struggled, but Gundy wasn’t ready to turn to true freshman Zane Flores, so he went with Rangel," Allen said. "It didn’t work out, but Gundy has made it clear Bowman is still his guy moving forward. The challenge will be whether Bowman can bounce back from a tough outing."
Defensive Improvements: Bend-But-Don’t-Break
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys have given up plenty of yards but have been stingy in the red zone, allowing just 20 points per game. Allen describes the defense as adopting a bend-but-don’t-break mentality, a common theme in Gundy’s tenure outside of a few standout seasons.
"They’ve been better this year, particularly in key areas like red zone defense and third-down stops," Allen said. "Their performance against Utah, despite giving up over 400 yards, was one of their best under new defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo."
With Kansas State’s freshman quarterback Avery Johnson under center, Oklahoma State’s front seven will need to contain his dual-threat capabilities. Johnson’s athleticism could pose a challenge, but if the Cowboys can apply pressure and force mistakes, their defense could hold strong.
Key Injuries: Cowboys Missing Key Players
Oklahoma State will be without defensive standout Collin Oliver, who is likely out for the season with a foot injury. The Cowboys are also dealing with some offensive line issues, as Jake Springfield is questionable for the game. Despite these setbacks, Allen believes the Cowboys are generally healthy heading into the matchup.
Keys to the Game: What Oklahoma State Must Do to Win
For Oklahoma State to leave Manhattan with a win and stay in the hunt for a Big 12 title, Allen laid out three critical factors:
Establish the Run: Ollie Gordon has to find his groove against a stout Kansas State defense.
Bowman's Bounce-Back: The experienced quarterback needs to shake off last week's struggles and return to his early-season form.
Defense Holds the Line: The Cowboys' defense must continue its bend-but-don’t-break mentality and contain Kansas State’s young quarterback.
"One-dimensional teams get exposed in big games," Allen said. "If Oklahoma State wants to stay in the Big 12 race, they have to balance the offense and play sound defense."
With both teams needing a win to remain in the conference championship conversation, Saturday’s matchup is shaping up to be a critical early-season clash.
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