High-Ranking Showdown: What to expect from No. 18 OSU against No. 20 Houston

The Houston Cougars are beginning to look like a major threat in the Big 12 conference after smashing up the Kansas State Wildcats 35-16 in week six. Houston now looks onward to week seven as they take on the No. 18 Oklahoma State Cowboys in a high-ranking thriller at home. 

Since their loss to Texas Tech, the Cougars have been on a hot streak with Houston winning their games by a margin of ten or more points. After defeating the KSU Wildcats, they even reclaimed their No. 20 spot after a dominant victory allowed them to climb up four spots. 

Now that they have another ranked opponent this week in OSU, will the Cougars devour the Cowboys and keep rising up the AP poll, or will the Cowboys take down this electric Houston team?

The Matchup

When it comes to the OSU football team, the first thing to look at when it comes to their lethality is the current state of their offense. With redshirt sophomore Drew Mestemaker at the quarterback position for the Cowboys, the offense has begun to spark and explode with longer drives and deeper throws. 

OSU wide receivers like junior Wyatt Young and redshirt senior Justin Bowick have begun to have career seasons, with both receivers having their receiving yards in the 400's. With Mestemaker in the pocket, these two have become lethal weapons in the backfield and will surely give the Houston secondary some headaches when it comes time to cover them.

Another big piece in the offense that the Cowboys have is sophomore running back Caleb Hawkins, who is producing quite well for the OSU running game. His consistency in the backfield and ability to push through the defensive line will surely give Houston a run for their money. 

OSU also has a very good record, with their biggest achievement this year being their 39-31 win over the Oregon Ducks. Having that win definitely sets the Cowboys apart from other teams in the Big 12, and gives them the edge in experience against the Cougars.

However, the Cougars have had an amazing season themselves, taking down both KSU and UCF in dominant fashion. With those two wins in the conference the Cougars have set themselves in a good position to make the Big 12 championship. 

The key to victory for the Cougars will have to be how the defense can perform against the Cowboys, as allowing multiple scores could leave OSU with an outstanding advantage. Houston will also have their eyes on the offense, as pieces like senior quarterback Conner Weigman and senior wide receiver Amare Thomas will have to pull their weight against this high-ranking OSU defense. 

Houston will have their hands full at home, but their game against the Cowboys will be the deciding factor on wether or not we see the Cougars in the postseason.