Five Players That Need More Touches Against Pittsburgh

There were a lot of things to discuss following last Saturday’s stunning defeat to Central Michigan. Lost in the madness was a career day from Jalen McCleskey who caught 11 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown.

While it was a very encouraging sign, the lack of balance from the offense was concerning and it was a little strange that McCleskey was treated like the primary option in Mike Yurcich’s offense. No. 1 brings some incredible speed to the table and is generally a solid route runner, but is not the go-to weapon for Rudolph and shouldn’t be treated as such.

The running game was abandoned far too early and the passing game relied too heavily on McCleskey, which is a little confounding. This week, Oklahoma State’s offense needs to be more balanced. The running game needs to be established early and Mason absolutely needs to be more sharp (how many overthrows did he have last week?) Here are five guys that need to get the rock more.

1. James Washington, WR

This one’s a gimme. The pre-season Biletnikoff hopeful has not had too slow of a start to 2016, catching 10 balls for 103 yards and a touchdown in the first two games. However, there should never be a game where Jalen McCleskey has double the catches and targets as Washington, who is probably the best receiver in the Big 12 is elite at the college level.

Very few players can break a game open more quickly than Washington who is one of the best deep threats in the country. CMU was very conscious of Washington and double-teamed him often, but Mike Yurcich can get a lot more creative in thinking of ways to get no. 28 the ball. Feed him!

2. Justice Hill, RB

Probably the biggest victim of Yurcich abandoning the run so early in last week’s loss was Justice Hill. Which is a little bizarre, considering Hill looked explosive with the ball and averaged 6.2 yards per carry against the Chippewas-

Justice Hill. pic.twitter.com/odnqV7w3YR

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguy) September 10, 2016

Here’s the problem. He only got the ball five times. Through two games, I don’t think there’s much debate from the eye test and from the numbers who should start in the Cowboys crowded backfield.

Hill can reach a gear that the other backs have not shown they can hit yet, and especially with a pretty mediocre line, a quick back is the best equipped option to succeed. The Cowboy offense can continue to hand the ball to Chris Carson and his 3.75 yards/carry, but it’s time to roll with the freshman.

3. Rennie Childs, RB

The other back who should be getting more love is Rennie Childs. For some reason, Childs has never gotten the love he probably deserves as a running back at Oklahoma State, and this year is no different. He’s only gotten four carries in two games, for 22 yards. Childs can be the thunder to Hill’s lightning, and should get a longer look than he has gotten on third-and-shorts and goal line opportunities.

4. Jhajuan Seales, WR

Remember this guy? Seales has been an enigma in his Oklahoma State career. He has had multiple off the field arrests for drinking and driving. There was the time he fell asleep in the Whataburger drive-thru. Then last year he was arrested for driving while intoxicated the morning after the Homecoming tragedy.

But while on the field, Seales possesses is an incredible athlete who can run like a gazelle, jump over any cornerback guarding him, and be a huge game-changer for the offense.

He caught two touchdowns in the week one win over SE Lousiana, but was only targeted a few times against central Michigan, finishing with three catches for 34 yards. Seales is more than capable of stepping up while Marcell Ateman is out, and should quite frankly get the ball more going forward.

5. Dillon Stoner, WR

Remember the freshman from Jenks that was generating all that buzz in fall camp? Stoner was receiving high praise from everyone from Mike Gundy to QB1. Stoner has impressed with his work ethic and ability to compete, even as a first year player. Bonus points for getting two of the five involved on one play.

In the first couple games, he has two catches for 27 yards, including no catches last week. He did line up in the wildcat for the go-ahead touchdown from James Washington, but hopefully no. 80 can see a little more of the ball going forward.