OSU Four Downs: Why tight end Josiah Johnson is Cowboys' X-factor vs. Cincinnati

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State is back on the familiar turf of Boone Pickens Stadium for homecoming weekend.

The Cowboys play host to Cincinnati at 7 p.m. Saturday on ESPN2.

Here’s a look at the game in this week’s Four Downs:

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Cowboy in the crosshairs

Tight end Josiah Johnson: The Cowboys have developed their consistency on offense with improved blocking, and Johnson’s growth in his first year of Power Five football has been important. Johnson’s blocking ability has improved virtually every week as he gets more comfortable with the necessary physicality.

But this week will be perhaps the biggest test Johnson has faced with the Cincy defensive line. The group is anchored by interior lineman Dontay Corleone, but the edge players are solid as well, and they have the depth to rotate multiple bodies in.

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Against the spread

Cowboys minus-7: Based on the trends of the two teams, it feels like the Cowboys should be set to cover this spread. Of course, they’ve been the underdog in the past three games, so the mindset has to change.

And with Bedlam looming, this is the definition of a trap game. Yet this Cowboy squad isn’t far enough removed from its September struggles to be in danger of overlooking an opponent.

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Bold bowl prediction for Oklahoma State

While a month ago it looked like Oklahoma State might be a longshot to even get to the six-win mark necessary for a bowl berth, the Pokes are now a win away from it with five to play. But where might they end up?

With a win: Alamo Bowl. The Pokes’ last trip to San Antonio came in 2016, and a lot of projections this year put them against USC, which would be nothing but fun. A win on Saturday keeps the Cowboys in contention for the Big 12 title game as well, which could improve their bowl slot.

With a loss: Liberty Bowl. The Cowboys haven’t been to Memphis since defeating Missouri there in 2018. After Saturday, the Cowboys should be the favorite in three of the final four games, giving them a chance to get to eight wins.

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Uni-guess

White-black-white: With the Cowboys at home for the fifth time of the season, it’s getting a little tougher to project possible combos, because they’ve worn a lot of the traditional ones, like white-orange-white and all-black.

The black jerseys have only come out for the blackout against Kansas State, so mixing them with a white helmet — brand logo — and white pants seems like a good possibility.

OSU vs. Cincinnati

KICKOFF: 7 p.m. Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater (ESPN2)

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football TE Josiah Johnson's role is key vs. Cincinnati