Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. West Virginia Mountaineers: Complete Game Preview

The Oklahoma State Cowboys struggled mightily against the TCU Horned Frogs last weekend, and they'll have to regroup quickly with the upward-trending West Virginia Mountaineers coming to Stillwater for Homecoming.

West Virginia represents a make-or-break point for the Pokes' season. If they lose at home, they could be staring down a 5-7 season. A win could signify that the team is finally coming together and will make it bowl-eligible with four games to go.

Does Oklahoma State have the horsepower to defeat a very strong West Virginia team? Read on to find out.

Game-Day Information

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Who: West Virginia at Oklahoma State 

When: Saturday, October 25 at 2:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. ET

Where: Stillwater, OK

Stadium: Boone Pickens Stadium (60,218 cap.)

Series History: West Virginia leads 3-2

TV: ESPN (Mike Patrick, Ed Cunningham & Quint Kessenich)

Radio: Cowboy Radio Network (Dave Hunziker, John Holcomb and Robert Allen)

Internet: OKState.com

Satellite Radio: Sirius channel 137, XM channel 199

Oklahoma State Key to Victory

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Force Some Turnovers

During its current three-game winning streak, West Virginia is minus-six in the turnover margin. That means the Mountaineers are susceptible to big mistakes. Of course, it also means they've been able to overcome those mistakes and win games.

However, with how much its offense has struggled lately, Oklahoma State's best chance to win is by stealing possessions on defense. 

If the Pokes can force two or three turnovers, they might have a chance. They have to keep Clint Trickett and Co. off the field as much as possible.

Fortunately, Oklahoma State might be getting back Ashton Lampkin and Larry Stephens this week, as The Oklahoman's Berry Tramel and John Helsley noted "both suited up for the game [against TCU], but neither played." They would greatly bolster the secondary and improve the Pokes' chances of making game-changing plays on defense.

West Virginia Key to Victory

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Get to the Quarterback

This "Key to Victory" shouldn't be particularly difficult for West Virginia. After all, Oklahoma State has one of the worst offensive lines in the Big 12 and routinely allows defensive players to say hello to Daxx Garman in the backfield.

However, this is the one thing the Mountaineers must do to ensure a victory. Garman has the arm and Oklahoma State has the receiving corps to keep up with West Virginia's offensive attack.

If WVU can keep Garman uncomfortable and not afford the young quarterback enough time to effectively throw the deep ball, the Mountaineers should have an easy path to victory.

Oklahoma State Player(s) to Watch

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Offensive Line

You see the picture above this text? You'll notice that Daxx Garman is throwing the ball on the run. The problem? Daxx Garman should not be throwing on the run.

Garman has been getting quite a bit of blame for the stagnation of Oklahoma State's offense this season, but it's hard to throw the ball effectively when you have hands in your face every time you drop back.

Simply put, the Cowboys' makeshift offensive line has not been getting the job done this season. Its repeatedly allowed players into the backfield and has not been opening quality running holes consistently. 

If they don't bring their level of play up soon, the Pokes may not win another game in 2014.

West Virginia Player to Watch

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Kevin White

White has put up Biletkinoff numbers this season. He hasn't had below 100 yards receiving yet in a game and has a touchdown in every game outside of one.

He'll have a chance to add to those numbers this weekend, especially if Ashton Lampkin is held out for the fourth straight game. Without Lampkin, Oklahoma State will be forced to turn to Roman Richards yet again.

Richards has played admirably in a tough situation, but he's been burned quite a few times during the last three games.

If White gets a steady dose of coverage from Richards, it wouldn't be surprising to see him top 150 yards and reel in a touchdown or three.

Final Prediction

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This is a very interesting game to try to predict.

On one hand, West Virginia looks like the much better team on paper and is red-hot after a victory over the fourth-ranked Baylor Bears.

On the other, this is Oklahoma State's Homecoming, and the Pokes have been pretty strong during the yearly festivities, winning six of their last seven.

However, I think West Virginia has to be the favorite here. It'll be closer than Oklahoma State's game was last Saturday against TCU, but until the offensive line shows some consistency, it's very hard to see the Pokes beating anybody.

West Virginia 38, Oklahoma State 27