Oklahoma State Vs. Louisiana-Lafayette: Key Match-Ups

After winning their first four games in Boone Pickens Stadium, the Cowboys head out on the road for their final non-conference game of the season. It will be a rare Friday night nationally televised game that pits the No. 22 ranked Cowboys up against the Lousiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns. Here is how they stack up:

OSU rushing game vs. Lafayette front seven

With a mediocre rush defense, the Ragin’ Cajuns can expect a heavy dose of Kendall Hunter until they show they can contain him. Lafayette has given up an average 151.5 yards per game on the ground against far less talent than they will see on Friday. Expect a huge day from Hunter and, if the game goes according to plan, a nice rest for part of the second half. Another intriguing thing to look for in this game is the improving play of true freshman running back Joseph Randle. As the future in the Cowboy backfield, Randle has been more incorporated in the game plan as of late, even scoring his first collegiate touchdown a week ago. Big Edge: OSU

OSU passing game vs. Lafayette secondary

The Cowboys will enter play on Friday boasting the third best passing offense in the nation in terms of yardage. It is hard to imagine a weak Ragin’ Cajun pass defense doing anything to slow down Brandon Weeden and the Cowboys receivers. Look for Justin Blackmon to abuse the Lafayette defensive backs and continue to assert himself as one of the top receivers in the game. Blackmon is in the midst of an amazing stretch, having 125 or more yards and at least one touchdown in every game. Big Edge: OSU

Lafayette running game vs. OSU front seven

The Ragin’ Cajuns split carries between three backs that show bursts of athleticism. Kevis Streeter is the most explosive of the three and is a threat to break a long run if given open field. The problem for these running backs is there has not been much room behind this shaky offensive line. Orie Lemon and the rest of this front seven has been stout against the run thus far and there is no reason to believe that will change in this game. Edge: OSU

Lafayette passing game vs. OSU secondary

The loss of starting free safety Victor Johnson for the season with a left knee injury is a huge blow to a secondary that is already an area of concern for this team. However, defensive coordinator Bill Young believes in his young players’ ability to fill the voids. In what should amount to a low pressure game, this environment may be perfect for the Cowboys to figure out what they have behind Johnson. Lafayette quarterback Chris Masson will provide a bit of a challenge, as the duel-threat quarterback has thrown five touchdowns and ran for a 60-yard score already this season. However, he may not have much time to get the ball off because Ugo Chinasa will be living in the backfield. Edge: OSU

Overall

For the Cowboys this game can be viewed as the calm before the storm. With a game at Texas Tech followed by a home showdown with national power Nebraska looming, the Cowboys must remained focus and take care of business. If they truly are one of the top teams in the Big 12, this is the kind of game that should be decided by halftime. Oklahoma State 55-21