Two high-flying offenses met in Stillwater on Saturday.  However, Oklahoma State was victorious against Boise State, 44-21, because of  its work in the trenches. DraftNasty’s Troy Jefferson gives his impressions in this in-game report:

94 Jordan Brailford (6’3 250) Oklahoma State DE- Junior

Brailford didn’t have to utilize any of his pass rushing moves to tally two sacks against Boise State.  Brailford was able to get to the quarterback using his quickness off the line. The junior defensive end showed an ability to play with his hand in the dirt and standing up.  He was the first to the football on multiple occasions during the game. However on one possession, he didn’t cash in, missing a tackle because he went too high on Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (5’11, 211).  Brailford finished last season with five sacks and through three games this season, he already has four. The Cowboys as a whole have 16 on the season.  As NFL teams continue to prioritize situational pass rushers, Brailford has shown scouts early on that his name should be thrown into the mix.

4 Brett Rypien (6’2 202) Boise State QB-Senior

A quarterback that is going under the radar is Brett Rypien, the current active leader in passing yards in the FBS.  At 6’2, 202 pounds, the senior has a light frame but he doesn’t lack toughness. Despite, being sacked seven times and taking over 10 hits, he kept his composure by not throwing an interception.  Rypien impressed with his ability to hold linebackers and safeties with his eyes. The quarterback hit tight end John Bates (6’6, 247) over the middle for a first down conversion after holding Oklahoma State’s linebacker with his eyes. Rypien may not have the physical tools to “wow” scouts in the NFL, but he does check the box when it comes to the fundamentals of the position: using his eyes, working through his progressions and getting his team into the right play.  For the season, Rypien has thrown 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions.  Going forward, it would be beneficial for Rypien to try and preserve his body a little more if possible by getting rid of the ball quicker and settling for throw aways as opposed to sacks. It’s worth noting, the Broncos will probably not play a team as strong along the defensive line as they did against the Cowboys for the rest of the regular season.

Oklahoma State’s work in the trenches

The Cowboys and the Broncos both play a high volume passing brand of football.  Oklahoma State was more effective on offense and on defense because of the exemplary work along both lines. Rypien took seven sacks whereas Oklahoma State’s quarterback Taylor Cornelius (6’6, 232) was sacked three times. The Cowboys also rushed for 176 yards on 38 carries while the Broncos rushed for 38 yards on 31 carries.  On defense, the Cowboys had four different players record a  sack.  In a modern game that is dominated by receivers and quarterbacks hogging the headlines, Oklahoma State’s offensive line and defense line just went out and handled business.