/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47591073/usa-today-8894870.0.jpg)
We have heard for weeks now that the Big 12 runs through Stillwater, Oklahoma, this season with huge home games coming up. We’ve also heard how Oklahoma State controls its own destiny this season. Both of these are true and for OSU and TCU their dreams of a playoff berth continuing on past this week rest on one key matchup.
The battle in the trenches between the Oklahoma State defensive line and the TCU offensive line will decide this matchup of undefeated teams in Stillwater. By the numbers this will be one of the more intriguing matchups we’ve seen all season. The TCU offensive line has been unstoppable this season with the OSU defensive line being equally as dominant on the other side of the ball.
The Cowboys are second in the country in sacks with 30, fueled by the best defensive end in the conference in Emmanuel Ogbah, who has nine of those. Meanwhile, TCU has quietly led the conference in sacks allowed giving up just six through eight games. The Horned Frogs also come in running the ball extremely well this season with 227 yards per game on the ground, good for second in the Big12. OSU counters with the top ranked rushing defense in the conference giving up just 138 rush yards per game.
Its strength on strength for both teams when TCU has the ball and that should make for some great matchups. Say what you want about who both teams have played so far this season but we will find out on Saturday which unit is for real. Whoever wins this crucial matchup you can expect will win the game as well.