Here is our game preview of the first Top 10 battle at Kyle Field since 1975 -- Oklahoma State at Texas A&M.
When both Texas A&M and Oklahoma State take the field Saturday afternoon to a sold out Kyle Field on national television, it is expected that two of the best offenses in the Big XII will be showcased. While we feel it may be more of a defensive game than many expect, the A&M offense will be expected to score points and hold onto the ball to keep Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon off the field.
Oklahoma State Defensive Players to Watch:
Daytawion Lowe, S -- The Cowboys suffered a big blow to open the season when it was announced that returning starting safety Johnny Thomas was ruled ineligible for the rest of the 2011 season. Some considered the junior one of the most talented Cowboys and could have a future in the NFL. However, the man who has stepped up to replace Thomas is talented in his own right. Through three games, 6' 190lb sophomore Daytawion Lowe leads the Cowboys in tackles with 23 (19 solo) and has one fumble forced. Lowe will play free over the middle, but expect to see the breakout player around the football at all times.
Markelle Martin, S -- While Lowe plays free over the middle, it is 6'1 200lb senior and defensive leader Markelle Martin that will come down into the box and try to stop Cyrus Gray and the Aggies' running game. Martin is the Cowboy's second leading tackler with 21 (16 solo) and 2 tackles for loss. Martin also has a fumble forced of his own, along with 4 pass breakups.
Shaun Lewis, STAR -- A name many Aggies who follow recruiting will recognize, the 5'11 220lb sophomore Shaun Lewis may be the most talented defender on the Cowboy's roster. Lewis plays the STAR position in Bill Young's defense, which means you will see Lewis play more in coverage, almost as Oklahoma State's third safety. The rangy defender will most likely line up over the Aggie's slot receiver and be responsible for routes in the middle of the field. As the Aggies found out late in the 4th quarter last year in Stillwater, Lewis has great hands and will make clutch plays. Lewis also leads the Cowboys with 3 TFL and has recorded 1 sack.
Jamie Blatnick, DE -- Blatnick is the only returning starter along Oklahoma State's front four. The 6'3 265lb senior has been the most active lineman long the defensive line, leading the Cowboys in sacks with two, 2 TFL and 12 tackles up front making him the Cowboy's 4th leading tackler. If the Aggies plan on having success on the ground, it's going to be up to Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews to move the senior off the line. The Aggies more than likely will even double team the disruptive lineman.
Texas A&M Players to Watch:
Uzoma Nwachukwu, WR -- The Aggie passing game has two star players that will no doubt be highlighted by the Oklahoma State defense -- Jeff Fuller and Ryan Swope. While Bill Young schemes to contain Ryan Swope underneath and Jeff Fuller over the top, it is Uzoma Nwachukwu who will need to have a huge game. Since the beginning of his freshman year, EZ has taken a back seat to other Aggie pass catchers but his talent is still there. There will be no bigger stage for the junior than a national audience to have the breakout game he has been looking for, and it couldn't come at a better time to help Ryan Tannehill light up an Oklahoma State secondary that has been giving up 242 passing yards per game and over 11 yards per catch.
Michael Lamothe, TE -- The first pass completion for Ryan Tannehill in 2011 was to the junior tight end against SMU. On that same play, Lamothe went out with a concussion. Michael played sparingly against Idaho, but will need to see more action and be a factor for the Aggies to succeed. While players like Hutson Prioleau and even Tommy Dorman have stepped up and played well in Lamothe's absence, having a tight end of his caliber completes the Aggie offense and gives Tannehill yet another reliable option in the passing game that Oklahoma State has to defend. Also, with the disruptive DE Jamie Blatnick on the outside, having an experienced blocker on the edge will open up the ground game for Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael.
Shep Klinke, G -- The true sophomore has been a pleasant surprise for Mike Sherman and Jim Turner up front, filling the role that Patrick Lewis once had before moving to center. However, unlike the other four starting offensive lineman, this is Klinke's first game action against a ranked opponent and Big XII member. Emotions and pressure will never be higher in front of a sold out Kyle Field, even if it is a home game. If Klinke is able to keep his composure and move the middle of the Oklahoma State defense, Cyrus Gray will have a big day on the ground on the way to an Aggie win.
Three Things to an Aggie Victory
1) Convert 3rd Downs -- To help combat the Oklahoma State offense the Wrecking Crew will face on Saturday, the Aggies can help themselves by keeping their own offense on the field for extended periods of time. To do this, the Aggies must have a high 3rd down completion percentage. Also, the longer the Cowboys are on the field, the quicker they will wear down leading to easy gains in the 4th quarter when the game is on the line. Wearing down players like Markelle Martin and Jamie Blatnick will force Bill Young and the defense to sub in younger, less experienced players.
2) Attack the Middle of the Defense -- In order to control the ball and pace of the game, the Aggies must run the ball early and often with Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael. The Cowboys have given up 514 rushing yards, 171 yards per game, for a 4.4 average. Just last week the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes had two 150 yard rushers against the Cowboys. The ball can be moved on the ground against Oklahoma State, and the weakest part is right up the middle against DT Nigel Nicholas and Cooper Bassett. It will be up to Patrick Lewis, Brian Thomas, and Shep Klinke to open up running lanes. If the Aggies are able to establish an effective running game early, it will be a long day for Bill Young and completely open up the Aggies passing game leading to a big day for Ryan Tannehill as the talented Cowboy safeties play closer to the line of scrimmage.
3) Keep the Ball off the Ground -- One way the Aggies can hurt themselves and give the edge to Oklahoma State is to come out like they did against Idaho and hand the opposition two early turnovers. The Aggies will have to put a focus on protecting the ball and not give the Cowboy offense more opportunities to score points than they already have. Turnovers will kill the early morale of the team and take the wind out of a loud 12th Man. There is no doubt seniors Ryan Tannehill and Cyrus Gray will be focused on keeping that from happening, but all offensive players must be aware of the speed of Oklahoma State and the fact that it was the Aggies 5 turnovers in Stillwater that let Oklahoma State come back and win the game just a year ago.
Final thoughts: The Cowboys are by no means sound on defense. They are young and inexperienced, but very fast and athletic. They really remind me of how the Indianapolis Colts build and play their defense, letting the offense score points and take a large lead, while the defense sits back and makes sure the other team can't match Brandon Weeden and company's production and protect the lead. If the Aggies are able to establish themselves out of the gate and either stay tied or take a lead against the Cowboys in the 1st half, the Aggies will be able to have their way and control the game from start to finish. If the Aggies fall behind early, then the defense really plays to their strength and will give the Aggies fits to catch up and take the lead. With the ground game of Cyrus Gray and the passing game of senior leader Ryan Tannehill, Ryan Swope, and Jeff Fuller the Cowboys should have a harder time stopping the multiple threats of the Aggies than the Aggies will have with Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon.
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