We met with Ivan White of OK State on SI ahead of TCU’s clash with the Cowboys.
Following two consecutive victories to get back on track, the TCU Horned Frogs fell to the Baylor Bears by way of a last-second field goal. The Frogs are now 5-3 on the year with a 3-3 record in conference play. While the Big 12 Championship game may be out of reach, sights will be set on a bowl game. But before we get ahead of ourselves, a win this weekend secures bowl eligibility for the Horned Frogs. TCU faces off against the Oklahoma State Cowboys this Saturday at 6:00 p.m. CT. Prior to the matchup, we met with Ivan White of OK State on SI to discuss the Cowboys’ disappointing season, key players Alan Bowman and Ollie Gordon II, and a prediction for TCU and Oklahoma State’s 34th meeting.
Frogs O’ War: What were your expectations going into the season? Was a winless Big 12 record even a slight possibility?
OK State on SI: Coming into the season, I expected OSU to compete for a Big 12 title. While I thought OSU would fall short of the playoff, anything other than a winning conference record was not a thought. With expected Big 12 favorites Utah and Kansas State to begin conference play, there was always a possibility that OSU would be effectively knocked out of the title race before October. Still, a winless Big 12 record was unfathomable going into the season.
Frogs O’ War: Is it time to move on from Alan Bowman at quarterback? If so, who should be the starter?
OK State on SI: It has been time to move on from Bowman at quarterback and OSU did so already. Long-time backup Garret Rangel took over as the starter at BYU, but his season-ending shoulder injury in the second quarter derailed that plan. With third-stringer Zane Flores also having season-ending surgery, true freshman Maealiuaki Smith is the only other option. He saw some action at the end of last week’s game vs. Arizona State, but it seems unlikely that he gets a start.
Frogs O’ War: Is Ollie Gordon II’s disappointing junior campaign due to a negative game script, opposing defensive game plans, or something else?
OK State on SI: The Cowboys have been bad about getting Gordon outside and giving him space to make things happen this season. Couple that with the offensive line not playing up to its level from 2023, and this has been a disappointing year. OSU coach Mike Gundy has stressed the difficulty of running against a loaded box throughout the season, but little has been done to combat that scheme.
Frogs O’ War: What’s been the Cowboys’ most disappointing positional grouping this season? How has it affected their record?
OK State on SI: Overall, OSU’s defense has been lackluster this season, but the defensive line has arguably been the most disappointing. OSU’s rush defense has been a significant issue throughout the year, and opposing quarterbacks have had far too much time to make throws downfield or scramble for easy gains. Collin Oliver, who is arguably OSU’s best defender, has been out since Week 2. While he wouldn’t have fixed these issues singlehandedly, OSU has been incapable of replacing his production and impact in Big 12 play.
Frogs O’ War: The Horned Frogs average the second-fewest yards per game on the ground while the Cowboys allow the most rush yards per game in the Big 12. Who wins the rushing battle on Saturday? Will it directly affect the game’s outcome?
OK State on SI: Throughout the season, Gundy has pointed to OSU losing the yards per carry battle in almost every postgame presser. Averaging more yards per carry in only two games this season, not even Ollie Gordon has been able to overcome OSU’s horrific rush defense. If TCU’s struggles in the ground game continue, OSU will have a real shot to win. However, it’s difficult to picture OSU winning the rushing battle again this season, regardless of the opponent.
Frogs O’ War: What’s your prediction for TCU vs. Oklahoma State? Who wins? What’s the final score?
OK State on SI: While TCU has struggled to run the ball, it has had plenty of success through the air. Considering OSU’s defense has given up big gains all season, the Horned Frogs could easily beat the Cowboys over the top. OSU showed some life in the two weeks after its bye, but a blowout on homecoming to Arizona State has left the team deflated. OSU has only won in Fort Worth once since TCU joined the Big 12, and it will have a tough time snapping the long losing streak this season and in Fort Worth. I expect TCU to turn this into a shootout where OSU can’t keep up, so I’ll take TCU to win 41-31.
Special thanks to Ivan for his insight before the Horned Frogs take on the Cowboys in Fort Worth. Please be sure to check out OK State on SI for anything and everything Cowboys!