Former Oklahoma State players made their mark across the NFL in Week 8, with Jaylen Warren headlining the group by matching his career high in rushing yards.
Warren powered the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 27-6 win over the Cleveland Browns, carrying 17 times for 143 yards and a touchdown. He broke loose for a 51-yard run and averaged 8.4 yards per attempt as Pittsburgh moved into sole possession of first place in the AFC North at 6-2.
The Steelers are off in Week 9 before heading to the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 15.
Chuba Hubbard also put together a productive day, finishing with 119 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in the Carolina Panthers’ 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, Oct. 29.
Hubbard ran 22 times for 81 yards and added seven receptions for 38 yards. Carolina slipped to 3-4 and will host the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Nov.
Ollie Gordon II handled 19 carries for 69 yards in the Miami Dolphins’ 24-19 loss to the New England Patriots. His longest run covered 16 yards, and he was targeted once without a catch.
Miami led 13-3 at halftime before getting outscored 21-6 after the break and falling to 1-6. The Dolphins welcome the Detroit Lions on Nov.
Justice Hill contributed in Baltimore’s 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills, rushing three times for 15 yards and catching four of eight targets for 20 yards. The Ravens dropped to 4-4 and will host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, Nov. 5.
Tylan Wallace hauled in his lone target for 3 yards in Cleveland’s loss to Pittsburgh. The Browns fell to 5-3 and visit the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 8.
On the defensive side, Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez posted four tackles, including two solo stops, in a 19-15 win over the Minnesota Vikings that snapped the Vikings’ unbeaten run. Defensive lineman Tyler Lacy added a quarterback hit, and wide receiver Tay Martin was credited with an assisted tackle.
Detroit improved to 5-2 and travels to Miami on Nov. 8.
The San Francisco 49ers, who have linebacker Nick Martin on their roster, were on a bye and return to action against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 8.
In Other News...
Oklahoma State May Have To Reshape Its Defense At Worst Time
Oklahoma State is still sorting through the fallout from the Iowa State game, and the timing could hardly be worse with Kansas State next on the schedule. Head coach Eric Morris said linebackers Tate Romney and defensive end Jaleel Johnson are both dealing with injuries and will be monitored as the week goes on, leaving the Cowboys to weigh their depth on defense if either player cannot go.
There is at least one confirmed absence already, with tight end Carson Kolb ruled out because of a foot injury. For a team trying to steady itself in a tough stretch, the uncertainty around Romney and Johnson adds another layer to the challenge, and the staff may have to lean on backup options depending on how the week unfolds. [Read more 🡒]
Oklahoma State Faces A Defining Response Game At Kansas State
Oklahoma States next chance to steady things comes in a familiar Big 12 setting, with a trip to Bill Snyder Family Stadium for its only game in Kansas this season. The matchup is set for noon and will air on TNT and HBO Max, giving the Cowboys a national window as they try to answer the kind of questions that tend to follow a rough stretch.
Kansas State will be in a different quarterback situation again, with Avery Johnson still unavailable and Blake Barnett lined up to start. For Oklahoma State, that adds another layer to a road test that already carries some weight, because this is the sort of game that can shape how the rest of the season is viewed if the Cowboys handle it well. [Read more 🡒]
Oklahoma State Has 3 Major Concerns Ahead Of Bowl-Shaping Kansas State Game
A bowl berth is still within reach for Oklahoma State, but the road back starts with a quick reset after the loss to Iowa State. Eric Morris spent the week pointing to the same broad problem areas that have followed the Cowboys at different points this season: defensive performance, special teams mistakes and an offense that has to be cleaner if it wants to keep pace in a game with real postseason implications.
Kansas State now looms as the kind of matchup that can shape the rest of the year, and the Cowboys know they need sharper tackling, better execution and more reliable defensive adjustments to handle it. Drew Mestemakers play will also be central to the outcome, especially his ability to read defenses and keep the offense on schedule as Oklahoma State tries to turn a frustrating setback into a chance to get back to bowl eligibility. [Read more 🡒]