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<\/a><\/p>\nSTILLWATER, OKLAHOMA – OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Drew Mestemaker #17 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys throws a pass before a game against the UCF Knights at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 10, 2026 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n
Oklahoma State (4-1, 2-0 Big 12) remains unbeaten in conference play, thanks in part to its ability to finish strong. The Cowboys trailed West Virginia at halftime in Week 4 and were tied with UCF at the break in Week 6. Both games, however, turned into decisive double-digit victories after Oklahoma State asserted its dominance on both sides of the ball in the second half.<\/p>\n
The Cowboys have emerged as one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the country. Head coach Eric Morris directed the No. 1 offense last season at North Texas, and with several Mean Green standouts now in Stillwater, Oklahoma State ranks sixth nationally in offensive production. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker continues to deliver, high-quality, NFL-caliber throws on a weekly basis, and the 2027 draft prospect has thrown for at least 300 yards and multiple touchdowns in each of Oklahoma State\u2019s four consecutive wins.<\/p>\n
Mestemaker\u2019s 315 passing yards per game rank third nationally, and he\u2019s paired that production with incredible efficiency, completing 67.5 percent of attempts. He also benefits from one of the deepest receiving corps in the country. Wyatt Young, who finished third in the FBS in receiving yards last season, currently ranks 15th in the category with 92.4 yards per game. Justin Bowick has been a nightmare matchup for defenders, using his 6\u20195\u201d frame to haul in 26 receptions and five touchdowns. Miles Coleman and Terrence Lewis provide additional firepower for an offense averaging 38.2 points per game.<\/p>\n
Even though Morris is known for his air raid roots, Oklahoma State can impose its will on the ground. Caleb Hawkins led the FBS in rushing touchdowns a season ago, and although he has scored just twice since arriving in Stillwater, he remains shredding defenses with over 100 rushing yards per game. Hawkins has benefited from an offensive line that has made considerable strides since falling victim to a Week 1 upset at Tulsa. Those improvements are not only limited to run blocking \u2014 the Cowboys have surrendered just two sacks during its four-game winning streak.<\/p>\n
Defensively, the Cowboys have had their share of shaky stretches, particularly in the first halves against West Virginia and UCF. But the unit has consistently tightened up as games progress. Oklahoma State has outscored every opponent in the second half during its current winning streak.<\/p>\n
The Cowboys rank 81st nationally in run defense but 32nd in passing yards allowed per game. The unit\u2019s unquestioned leader is North Texas transfer outside linebacker Ethan Wesloski, who is coming off his third Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honor. Wesloski has recorded 17 tackles in back-to-back weeks, and he checks in at second in the conference with 53 total stops. Inside linebacker Tate Romney has complemented him well, generating five tackles for loss as another disruptive presence against the run.<\/p>\n
The secondary is led by cornerback LaDainian Fields, who owns an interception and three pass breakups this season. Oklahoma State needs more takeaways from its defensive backs, however, as the Cowboys enter this matchup with a minus-3 turnover margin. There were encouraging signs last week against UCF, when Oklahoma State won the turnover battle 2-1, including a scoop-and-score touchdown by strong safety Evan Jackson, who made a heads-up play on a backward lateral for the team\u2019s first defensive touchdown under first-year coordinator Skyler Cassity.<\/p>\n