Four Downs: Can Alan Bowman help get Oklahoma State offense going early at Iowa State?
AMES, Iowa — On the road for its first Big 12 game of the season, Oklahoma State will take on Iowa State at 3 p.m. Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium, televised by FS1.
It’s a critical moment in the Cowboys’ season, coming off a demoralizing loss to South Alabama at home and with the three-quarterback rotation appearing to be near its breaking point.
Here’s a look at a few keys to watch as the Cowboys (2-1) try to earn their third win of the year in this week’s edition of Four Downs:
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Cowboy in the crosshairs
Quarterback Alan Bowman: Having started the last two games, it seems likely Bowman will get a third. This Cowboy offense needs all the life it can get, and a fast start could make a huge difference.
If not for a dropped pass on the opening drive last week, the Cowboys could’ve had an early 7-0 lead on a big play and changed the complexion of the game.
Something similar this week would be huge. But against a stout Iowa State defense, any points will be valuable.
And while fans might look down on Bowman’s numbers, he has had the least help of any of OSU’s three quarterbacks. Receivers have dropped four passes and the Cowboys have rushed for 38 yards on 20 carries during his 12 possessions so far.
There’s a reason he keeps getting the call at the front of the line among quarterbacks.
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Against the spread
Under 36.5: These teams have combined to score 111 points through six total games, an average of 18.5. Based on that, it seems like going under the 36.5 total is a pretty easy choice. Both have defenses that have been impressive in stretches and offenses that have looked inept for long periods.
Plus, it looks to be a windy, rainy day on that thick grass of Jack Trice Stadium. So a low score seems virtually guaranteed.
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Matchup that matters
OSU’s Alex Hale vs. ISU’s Chase Contreraz: Yes, these are the placekickers. And yes, it could be a difficult day to kick if it’s raining with nearly 30-mph winds. But that might make the performance of these two even more important.
To this point, each is his team’s leading scorer, Hale with 19 points (four FGs) and Contreraz with 14 (three FGs). On a day when every point matters, the kickers will have a little extra pressure on them if they get the call.
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Uni-guess
Black-white-black: Two of the new jerseys have yet to be seen on gameday, so it feels like time to break one out. The Pokes have gone heavy on orange in the first three and the white jerseys with black numbers would be a strong look.
Add in a black lid — maybe even script Cowboys? — and pants, and this could become a fan favorite among road looks.
More: Oklahoma State football vs. Iowa State: Score predictions, TV channel, weather & more
OSU vs. Iowa State
KICKOFF: 3 p.m. Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa (FS1)
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Can Alan Bowman get Oklahoma State football offense moving at ISU?
