Kansas State is approaching the final stretch of a long off-season, as it will return to Bill Snyder Family Stadium in 40 days for its season opener against UT Martin.
After opening its conference schedule against BYU, K-State will host Oklahoma State for its first conference home game.
Last season, Oklahoma State handed the Wildcats their first conference loss. Running back Ollie Gordon led with 136 yards and a touchdown. Gordon returned for this season and appears poised to build on his success from a year ago.
Here’s a look at the state of Oklahoma heading into 2024.
BOTTOM
Head Coach: Mike Gundy (20th season at BYU)
Game date and time: September 28; TBD
Main returners: QB Alan Bowman, RB Ollie Gordon, WR Brennan Presley, C Joe Michael, RT Dalton Cooper, DT Justin Kirkland, LB Nick Martin, DB Cameron Epps, CB Korie Black
Main matches: WR Leon Johnson III, WR Jaden Bray, TE Josiah Johnson, DL Ricky Lolohea, DE Nathan Latu, CB DJ McKinney
Main newcomers: RB AJ Green, TE Tyler Foster, OT Isaia Glass, DE Obi Ezeigbo, S Kobe Hylton
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
1. THIS IS OLLIE GORDON’S TEAM…
Ollie Gordon burst onto the scene last season, establishing himself as one of the best running backs in the country, let alone the Big 12. By the end of the season, he had completely surpassed an anemic offense from a season ago, totaling 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Cowboys.
This season, Mike Gundy hasn’t kept his plans a secret. The plan is to use Ollie Gordon and use him often. There will be games where he will be the main source of attack, totaling around 30 runs. If all goes according to plan for Oklahoma State, there’s a chance Ollie Gordon could be a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
2. OKLAHOMA STATE IS EXPERIENCED…
Oklahoma State returns 19 total starters from last season, including ten on the offensive side of the ball. That number includes quarterback Alan Bowman, three wide receivers and most of their offensive line. Their defense also returns several reliable players, including linebacker Nick Martin and defensive back Cameron Epps, who threw a pick-six against K-State last season.
The Cowboys made a surprise run to the Big 12 Championship Game last season, and while it may be difficult to return to Arlington, Gundy hopes an experienced team can maintain a level of continuity that puts them at the top of the conference.
3. ALAN BOWMAN’S EXPERIENCE WILL HELP
Jokes aside, quarterback Alan Bowman is an elder statesman of college football. Starting his career at Texas Tech in 2018, Bowman appeared in one game over six different seasons. And due to a combination of medical redshirts and COVID-19, he’s back for another season.
Strong quarterback play is a requirement in the Big 12, so the Cowboys are hoping Bowman can do just enough to keep the offense on schedule. Don’t expect him to take over many games — that will fall into Gordon’s hands — but Bowman will need to be responsible and efficient if Oklahoma State is to return to the promised land.
A K-STATE WIN WOULD BE…
Be huge. With the expectations surrounding the Oklahoma State program, it is imperative that K-State gets a head-to-head advantage over them. Last season, head-to-head play was a major factor near the end of the season, and the talent in the conference means it could once again be a crucial tiebreaker.
A LOSS WOULD BE…
On the other hand, losing to Oklahoma State would be a hindrance to K-State’s season. It wouldn’t end the season, but it would make the road to Arlington a little tougher overall.
***
Did you like what you read? Consider subscribing to EMAW ONLINE with a PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION.
Come join the conversation at CAT CAVE FORUM.
Follow EMAW ONLINE on Twitter: @RivalsFielder, @EMAWOnline
