3 things Oklahoma State can improve on vs. Tulsa

Week two saw Oklahoma State dominate McNeese State 56-14 despite a slow start from OSU. The defense took a step forward from their week one performance against Oregon State, as was expected, while the offensive line took a step back. Let’s take a look at what OSU needs to improve on against Tulsa this weekend.

1. Offensive Line

The offensive line should have dominated McNeese State, but instead OSU struggled to run the ball and the offense as a whole struggled early. Chuba Hubbard was the only rusher to average more than 5 yards per carry, rushing for 44 yards and a score on eight carries.

Overall it wasn’t a bad performance, but it certainly could have been better. Spencer Sanders was sacked more than I would have liked to see. This is one of those games each position group should dominate, but the offensive line did not do that.

2. Ball Security

I mentioned last week in my players to watch post that McNeese State forced five fumbles in Week 1. It doesn’t appear as if OSU ball carriers were aware of that. Dillon Stoner got ripped on the sideline early in the game. I couldn’t find video of the fumble but it was a BEAUTIFUL forced fumble from McNeese.

Hubbard fumbled as well, though it was recovered, and freshman Deondrick Glass lost a fumble in garbage time. It hurts to gain positive yardage and then lose possession of the ball because the carrier couldn’t hold on to it. It’s one thing if a hit knocks the ball out, but I would like to see the ball not get ripped straight from a carriers hands moving forward.

3. Slow Start

This one can be attributed to the offense as a whole. The defense held McNeese State scoreless until garbage time and A.J. Green had a pick six before tailgaters had a chance to find their seats. Two punts and a fumble lost in the first four possessions isn’t exactly ideal against any team, but especially against the yearly FCS opener.