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Oklahoma State's defense analyzed by Steve Sarkisian

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•10/17/22
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Texas coach Steve Sarkisian paces on the field before a game on Sept. 17, 2022. (Tim Warner / Getty Images)

No. 20 Texas will look to add a significant win to its resume this weekend when it travels to No. 11 Oklahoma State, the first of three straight games against ranked Big 12 opponents. With the way the Cowboys score offensively, unlocking Oklahoma State’s defense will be key.

The Cowboys haven’t been nearly as good on that side of the ball as they were a year ago, with the departure of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles for Ohio State taking its toll.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for coach (Derek) Mason,” said Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, praising the new Oklahoma State coordinator. “He’s been doing it for a long time.”

One point of emphasis when Mason arrived was not changing a whole lot of what Knowles had been doing defensively. As much as possible, within reason, Mason wanted to stick to things the players had executed at a high level.

“I think he came in and with his kind of expertise at defensive football I think he adopted a lot of what they did, but you can definitely see his fingerprints on it as well,” Sarkisian said. “I think he’s, like good coaches do, they’re trying to do what’s best for their players to have success, and you can see him trying to do that.”

Oklahoma State’s defense took a step back

Though the Cowboys got off to an excellent start to the season, ripping off five straight wins before falling to unbeaten TCU 43-40 in double overtime this weekend, the defense lingers as a large concern.

Sarkisian can still see remnants of the Knowles defense.

“I see a combination of both,” the Texas coach said. “They obviously had a tremendous defense last year and I’m sure before I got here. But last year most notably with coach Knowles and what they did. They had really good players, veteran players, they had a really good scheme.”

The results under Mason so far have been underwhelming on paper.

Oklahoma State finished 2021 with the nation’s No. 4 total defense (297.9 yards per game allowed) and No. 9 scoring defense (18.1 points per game).

So far this season those respective ranks sit at No. 110 in total defense (437.3 yards per game) and No. 75 in scoring defense (27.8 points per game).

Sarkisian will get the chance to test out Mason’s defense Saturday in Stillwater, Okla. The programs are slated for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff with a broadcast on ABC.