:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47179516/usa-today-8779492.0.jpg)
Mason Rudolph Is The Truth
Yes, it's only been five games (2-1 in 2014, 2-0 in 2015) but Rudolph has looked great. He's No. 10 in the country in yards thrown with 667 yards while throwing less passes than eight of the people in front of him. In two games he has picked up three touchdowns and one interception. Rudolph has completed 67.2 percent of his passes, only overthrowing a few, which isn't a terrible problem to have. He's still mastering the offense but coach Mike Gundy has told a few that by the Kansas State game, he will have mastered it.
The Offensive Line Is Still A Problem
Last season the line was the worst it's been in recent memory for Oklahoma State. It's gotten better this year but not by much. The tackles have picked up a majority of the slack from last year, allowing only three sacks in two games. Last year, that would've been one half. Sure, having a more elusive quarterback has helped that but we'll ignore that. The run blocking has been horrid though, especially in the middle. Perhaps it's lack of effort or experience, but it's a problem that's keeping star running back Chris Carson from consistently getting yards.
Running Game Is A Work In Progress
Chris Carson and Rennie Childs could prove to be a fantastic one-two punch. Could. This offseason they were hyped a lot. They had a pretty good game on the ground overall in week one against CMU, but the lack of run blocking from the line was very obvious in week two against FCS Central Arkansas. Carson has more of an NFL style run, is willing to run into people and when he gets open space, he's gone. Childs is completely different than we've ever seen, he's a much improved back. He's been limited in two games, but I look to that possibly changing this week. Jeff Carr is undersized but quick, so if they can get him into open field, it's big plays all week.
Special Teams Isn't Special
Other than new punter Zach Sinor, the special teams unit has been pretty unbearable. Jalen McClesky has proven to have talent when he gets the ball but seems to forget he's allowed to call for fair catch. He muffed and nearly lost a punt last week and has taken plenty of big hits in the early part of the season. Kicker Ben Grogan is as inconsistent as they come. One week he'll nail a 38-yard game winner, the next he'll miss two PATs. Two blocked PATs against UCA was ugly. Hopefully this changes soon.
If This Team Wins Nine Or More It's Because...
Defense. No question. The defensive tackle position was the biggest question this offseason but has since been sort of erased. Ogbah is as big of a presence as ever and Kevin Peterson is still great. The offense can be stale at times, but when your team is allowing only 10.5 points per game (ninth in FBS), you can sort of get away with it. However, if you see No. 18 Ramon Richards on the field, look for a big play to happen for UTSA. He like's to let those happen.