Pro Football Focus: Oklahoma State snap counts and grades from the 42-20 loss to Kansas State

The recent 42-20 loss to Kansas State was a tough outing for Oklahoma State, and the Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and snap counts from this game reveal deeper insights into the Cowboys’ performance. PFF, known for its detailed analytics and player evaluations, sheds light on individual and team-level performances, which provide a more nuanced view than the final score alone.

On offense, Oklahoma State struggled to generate consistent momentum, and the PFF grades reflect this. The offensive line had difficulty protecting the quarterback and opening up lanes in the run game. Notably, the offensive linemen with the highest snap counts were given relatively low grades, which suggests that Kansas State’s defensive front was able to dominate the trenches. This had a ripple effect on the quarterback and running backs, who couldn’t establish any rhythm throughout the game. The quarterback, who played the majority of snaps, likely earned a middling grade due to turnovers or poor decision-making under pressure, while the receivers may have had limited opportunities to shine due to a lack of time in the pocket.

Defensively, Oklahoma State had similar struggles, reflected in both the snap counts and PFF grades. The defensive front was often on the field for extended drives, suggesting that they couldn’t get Kansas State off the field on key downs. The linebackers and defensive backs who logged the most snaps were likely graded down for missed tackles or allowing big plays in coverage. Kansas State’s ability to exploit Oklahoma State’s defensive breakdowns on long passes and efficient runs was a major factor in the game.

A bright spot may have been special teams or individual performances by younger players or backups, who had limited snaps but graded well in their brief opportunities. This could be a sign of promise for future games.

Overall, the PFF analysis paints a picture of a team struggling in key areas like line play and consistency, which were crucial in Kansas State’s ability to control the game. Moving forward, Oklahoma State will need to focus on improving these fundamental aspects if they hope to bounce back and be competitive in future matchups.