Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Cowboys Must Make

The Oklahoma State Cowboys' defense has been playing dominant football against the Oklahoma Sooners, and the offense has been coming along for the ride.

That might be strange to read for people who aren't watching this game unfold, but the Pokes' defense has been all over OU tonight, leading to a 24-0 OK State lead.

The offense has been good, but not great. The team looks well on their way to a victory, but there are a few things they need to address during halftime to come out with a victory.

1. Keep Landry Jones on His Heels

The Cowboys' pass rush is playing inspired football tonight. They've yet to notch a sack, but they've been in Landry Jones' face all night.

This has led to one huge interception and countless bad throws.

If they can keep getting hits on the Sooners' quarterback, Oklahoma State will stand a much better chance of coming away with a victory.

2. Protect the Ball

So far, OK State has been taking very good care of the ball, a skill they could have used a few weeks ago against the Iowa State Cyclones.

They need to continue to value every possession to win this game.

The Sooners have a potent offense that can pile on points in a hurry. The Cowboys simply can't give them any extra chances.

3. Capitalize on OU Mistakes

Oklahoma State's defense had a huge turnover in the end zone early in the game, and the Cowboys had a chance to put the Sooners into a big 14-0 hole.

However, the offense stalled at the goal line, and could only come away with three points.

OU has a dangerous offense, and the Cowboys need to get touchdowns when they have a chance.

Last year, Landry Jones threw three interceptions, but also got four touchdowns.

He's capable of doing something like that again, and Oklahoma State must make sure they're winning by enough to weather that storm if it comes.

4. Open Up the Passing Attack

Justin Blackmon has over half of Brandon Weeden's completions so far, and he's doing that while being double- or triple-covered on every play.

Weeden needs to find a way to start spreading the ball around more to open up Blackmon for a deep ball or two.

The Cowboys' offense has sputtered on almost every drive, because Weeden can't find the open receiver.

He's going to have to start doing that in order for the Cowboys to start putting some points on the board.

5. Turn Up the Heat

The only way the Cowboys have a chance of getting into the BCS national championship game is if they run up the score on their in-state rivals.

The score stands at 17-0 going into the half, but the Cowboys need to turn this into a complete blowout to try and swing voters.

If they can somehow come out and win this game by 28 or more, they might have a shot at overtaking Alabama for the No. 2 spot in the BCS.