Five keys to defeat Oklahoma State

TULSA, Okla. — Arkansas and Oklahoma State will both be going for their second win of the season on Saturday.

The Cowboys are favored to leave Boone Pickens Stadium with the win. But Arkansas feels it is improved from last season. This is a good measuring stick to see how much they are improved.

Here’s five keys to get the win.

Don’t Give up Big Plays in Passing Game

Oklahoma State has an experienced quarterback and fast wide receivers. The Hogs have to keep the plays in front of them. Arkansas’ secondary obviously wasn’t tested against an outmanned UAPB team. It will be tested Saturday and each week going forward. Not giving up cheap touchdowns will be a key for Arkansas.

Control Ollie Gordon

Gordon is one of the best running backs in the nation. He will get some yards, but Hogs have to make him earn every one of them. They have to limit Gordon’s success. If he can run wild then that opens up the rest of the offense for Alan Bowman. The Hogs held UAPB to seven yards rushing. Rushing defense was a weakness last year for the Hogs. This is a game where if they can limit Gordon the chances of winning goes up tremendously. The Hogs didn’t tackle well in the opener, but that is a must this week.

Limit Turnovers, Penalties

Both Alan Bowman and Taylen Green were prone to throw interceptions last season. Neither team can afford for its quarterback to give the ball away Saturday. The quarterback and defense that plays the best will likely be the team that wins. Hogs had six penalties in the opener, but only one in the second half.

Protect Taylen Green

The offensive line was outstanding against a very small UAPB defensive line Thursday. This week will allow the coaches to know how much better the offensive line is this season. Oklahoma State certainly has the size and talent to challenge Arkansas’ offensive line. If Green isn’t hit all day and has time to go through his reads the Hogs should be in great shape.

Don’t Waste Possessions

Each time the Hogs are in the red zone or on Oklahoma State’s side of the field they need to come away with points. Kyle Ramsey was perfect on 10 point afters Thursday, but could get a chance to kick some field goals this week. If Hogs get in red zone they need to come away with seven points, but certainly can’t end up with none.

Prediction: Arkansas 45 – Oklahoma State 34