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3 Matchups That Will Decide Oklahoma State's Week 7 Game Against Houston

The Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-1, 2-0 in Big 12) face their toughest test since their upset of Oregon in Week 2 when they take on the Houston Cougars (5-1, 2-1) in a rematch of last year’s 39-17 Houston victory. Both teams are now legitimate Big 12 contenders, and Saturday’s clash at 6:30 p.m.

on Fox promises to be the weekend’s marquee matchup. The Cowboys’ offense will need to overcome Houston’s stout interior defensive line, which has thrived without injured standout De’Marion Thomas, ranked fourth nationally in run defense before his absence.

Oklahoma State’s interior offensive line—center Tyler Mercer, left guard Johnny Dickson III, and right guard Joseph Hanson—will face a tougher challenge after Houston adjusted to slow their outside zone runs last week against UCF, forcing OSU to rely on inside runs instead. Meanwhile, the quarterback duel between Drew Mestemaker and Conner Weigman will be pivotal: Mestemaker, a rising NFL Draft prospect, threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns in his last game while avoiding turnovers, while Weigman has been efficient with 1,428 passing yards and 15 touchdowns this season.

Houston’s dual-threat quarterback also adds a rushing dimension, with six touchdowns on 48 carries, which could disrupt Oklahoma State’s offensive rhythm if he extends plays effectively.

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