Hawkins and Hanson Lead Oklahoma State’s Stock Risers

Oklahoma State enters its Kansas State matchup at 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the Big 12, with a sixth win in reach but the conference title game likely out of range. The Cowboys visit the Wildcats, who are 4-4 and 1-4 in league play. Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson could miss the rest of the season because of an injury, leaving Blake Barnett in line to face Oklahoma State.

Hawkins is among the Cowboys’ biggest risers after his latest outing. He has 906 rushing yards, ranking 11th nationally, and averages 113.2 yards on the ground per game, 10th in the country. His recent production as a runner and receiver has lifted him to third nationally in all-purpose yards per game, at 157.38.

Hanson has become one of Oklahoma State’s most reliable offensive linemen. PFN 365 gave the right guard a weekly grade of 90.4, and his blocking helped Hawkins run effectively and quarterback Drew Mestemaker avoid sacks for most of the Iowa State game. Cornerback LaDainian Fields also continues to climb: his five interceptions lead the Big 12, and he has four in the past three games.

Defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity faces questions after the Cowboys allowed Iowa State to gain 581 yards. The defense had previously slowed Colorado, West Virginia and UCF, but its latest showing exposed a talent gap. The assessment is that Cassity needs to adjust his schemes to better address the unit’s limitations. Defensive end Malik Charles could see more work against Kansas State if Jaleel Johnson, who was injured during the Iowa State contest, cannot play.

Receiver Wyatt Young had seven catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns, but an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty cost Oklahoma State 15 yards before a kickoff. Tight end Oscar Hammond played 66 of the Cowboys’ more than 70 offensive snaps after Carson Cobb’s injury, catching one pass for seven yards.