Oklahoma State Defense Preparing for Different Challenge

The Nebraska Cornhuskers present a different style of offense than the Cowboys have seen thus far this season.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:59 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma State Defense Preparing for Different Challenge

Originally Published: Oct 18, 2010 5:54 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- The Oklahoma State Cowboys set out to make a statement against Texas Tech on the road last Saturday. They succeeded, beating the Red Raiders in Texas for the first time since 1944.

"It just felt good to go out there and win,” said safety Markelle Martin. “The defense played great and the offense put up numbers. It felt great for all three phases of the team to be hitting on all cylinders."

OSU scored the fewest points in a game this season but dominated on defense. Tech’s points were the least amount of points the Pokes had allowed in a conference game since beating those same Red Raiders in Stillwater last November.

"We just wanted to make a statement,” said Martin. “With so many high-powered offenses out there, it's hard to give defense credit for the things we do. We just wanted to go out there and make a play and I think we did that out there."

That same intensity will be key for Oklahoma State this Saturday on homecoming. The Pokes host the No. 16 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers and their run-heavy offensive attack.

"We just need to do our jobs,” said cornerback Andrew McGee. “Being in the secondary I know that we have to stay on our man and we have to play defense. We trust that we have good defensive linemen that are going to contain the quarterback.

“It is all about sticking to our assignment and our assignment is to minimize the big plays.”

Nebraska is coming off its first loss of the season. The Cornhuskers got run over by Texas and freshman starting quarterback Taylor Martinez was benched for the second time this season after being unable to move the ball against the Longhorns.

Oklahoma State is hoping for similar results this weekend.

"From what I have seen when they played Kansas State, (Martinez) can run. I mean he can flat-out fly,” said defensive tackle Shane Jarka. “We are going to be watching him the whole game and making sure that we are on him. He is definitely a threat to make plays because he is so fast."

Nebraska averages over 302 yards per game on the ground and has run for 360+ yards three times. They pounded Kansas State for 451 yards on the road in Week 5.

One thing the Pokes have going for them is their knack for slowing down opponent’s running attacks. Through seven games this season, the Cowboys are fourth in the Big 12 in rush defense, allowing just over 124 yards per game on the ground.

Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at Boone Pickens Stadium.