Oklahoma State football spring game: What to know about scoring system, players & more
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STILLWATER — Oklahoma State football fans will get their first up-close look at Eric Morris’ Cowboys in the spring game, set for 4 p.m. Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium.
Admission is free for the game, which will have a modified scoring system to bring a little extra entertainment value.
The game also signals the end of spring practice, though questions still loom over the Pokes after a near total makeover in the transition to Morris after Mike Gundy’s firing.
Here’s a look at some things to know for the spring game:
What is the scoring system for the OSU spring game?
Morris said the team doesn’t quite have enough offensive line depth at the moment to divide into teams and play a traditional style of game, so it will be a battle of offense vs. defense.
And to provide a game element, Morris and his staff devised a scoring system that allows for defensive points aside from touchdowns or safeties.
But let’s start with the offense, which is basically the same as a typical game.
The offense scores by scoring. Six points for a touchdown, three for a field goal, etc. But one additional element was added. A gain of 25 yards or more is worth two points.
Defensive scoring is a little more complicated, but here’s how it will work:
- Takeaways: Seven points.
- Forcing a punt: Four points.
- Forcing a three-and-out: Four points.
- Forcing a missed field goal: One point.
Morris admitted that gimmicky scoring systems like this aren’t perfect, but he’s hopeful this one will create a balanced game and provide a bit of additional excitement.
Who are important players to watch?
The triplets: Might as well start with the obvious, right? Quarterback Drew Mestemaker, running back Caleb Hawkins and receiver Wyatt Young are the core of the offense Morris brought with him from North Texas. Their first performance in BPS should be a fun one.
Receivers Justin Bowick and Chris Barnes: They’re two completely different types of players, but also easy to spot on the field. Bowick is a lanky 6-foot-5 wideout and Barnes is a tightly wound 5-foot-7 ball of muscle. They seem to each have a path to a starting job, and along with Young will give the receiver group a unique variety of skillsets.
Defensive end James Williams: Morris pointed to the defensive end group as perhaps the deepest spot on the roster, with multiple holdovers from last year’s OSU roster, plus a handful of intriguing transfers. If you’re looking for one of the new names to keep an eye on, look for Williams, who transferred from Florida State. He has a long frame and can give offensive tackles fits.
Linebackers: Skyler Cassity’s defense will often play just two linebackers, but the group is loaded with talent and experience. Ethan Wesloski surpassed 100 tackles while anchoring the North Texas defense last year. Arizona State transfer Tate Romney and UCLA transfer Isaiah Chisom are veterans with productive seasons behind them. Trip White emerged with the Cowboys last season, and Jack Puckett was a Division II All-American at UCO. The battle for playing time will be intriguing.
Backup quarterbacks: This is one of those situations where Morris hopes he never has to make a true decision. Keeping Mestemaker on the field is objective No. 1 for this offense and it’s not a close call. But should the worst happen, Morris needs a backup he’s comfortable with. The battle is primarily between veteran transfer Grant Jordan, who played at Yale and UMass, and true freshman Broderick Vehrs. Jordan has the experience edge, but Vehrs has shown his raw talent so far this spring.
Scott Wright covers Oklahoma State athletics for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Scott? He can be reached at swright@oklahoman.com or on X at @ScottWrightOK. Support Scott’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com or by using the link at the top of this page.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football spring game scoring system, players to watch
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