Oklahoma State football stock report: Bryan Nardo, Pokes defense on rise after Utah game

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State football hit both ends of the spectrum with its play in Saturday’s 22-19 loss to Utah.

The best defensive performance of the season, and an offensive collapse that is hard to wrap one’s head around. 

And the offensive ineptitude created some difficult situations for the defense, like the second quarter, when Utah back-to-back possessions of 11 plays or more, and OSU countered with a three-and-out in between.

“You can’t keep going out there the whole game,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said of his defense. “(Utah) got 81 plays, and they don’t even play fast. So the tempo they play, if we would have played a little better on offense, it probably only would have been like 65 plays, but they had to keep going out there.”

Add fatigue from the incredibly hot day — the temperature peaked at 100, but surpassed 160 degrees on the turf — and some of OSU’s tackling issues make a little more sense.

Gundy was bothered by Utah’s 4.8 yards per rush, but 110 of the Utes’ 249 yards came on two carries, a 48-yarder by quarterback Isaac Wilson and a 62-yarder by running back Micah Bernard. Those were Utah’s only rushes of more than 14 yards.

So even in defeat, the defense has some positives to take from Saturday’s game. Now, the Pokes need to turn that into further growth this week when they travel to face No. 23 Kansas State at 11 a.m. Saturday in Manhattan.

Here’s a look at this week’s stock report: 

More: Oklahoma State football grades vs Utah: Cowboys’ defense has up-and-down day against Utes

Oklahoma State stock report

Stock rising

Bryan Nardo, defensive coordinator: The defense had a couple of busts and some tackling difficulties, but put the team in position to beat a top-10 opponent. Nardo’s scheme kept pressure coming at the Utes’ freshman quarterback, and it created three turnovers.

Jeff Roberson, linebacker: The Harrah native played a career-high 59 plays and turned it into four tackles, including a half-tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry. He has carved out a significant role alongside Nick Martin in the OSU linebacker group.

Talyn Shettron, receiver: This is the redshirt sophomore’s second straight week on the stock report. After his breakout performance against Tulsa, he had a less productive but more important day against Utah. He was on the field for 13 plays but was targeted five times, catching three for 49 yards. While De’Zhaun Stribling and Rashod Owens are solidified as the top two outside receivers, it’s clear the Cowboys want to keep Shettron involved. 

Stock falling

Alan Bowman, quarterback: The seventh-year senior had his worst statistical performance as a Cowboy, completing 16 of 33 passes for 206 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Even his three-pick day at Central Florida last year was more productive. With defenses focused on taking away Ollie Gordon II and the run game, Bowman’s ability to move the ball will be the key to the Cowboy offense.

Garret Rangel, quarterback: Getting his shot when Bowman got benched to start the third quarter, this was the most meaningful game Rangel had appeared in. The redshirt sophomore responded by going 3 for 11 for 31 yards and misfiring to some open receivers before Bowman returned in the fourth. Rangel has been listed as the backup quarterback on the depth chart all season, but with an “or” connecting him and redshirt freshman Zane Flores. If Gundy goes to the bench for a quarterback again, he might pick Flores next time.

More: Oklahoma State football sticking with Alan Bowman as starting QB after benching vs Utah

Oklahoma State redshirt tracker

Two of OSU’s potential redshirt candidates have reached the brink.

True freshman Josh Ford and junior transfer Gavin Freeman have each played in the first four games, meaning one more appearance during the regular season will nullify their ability to redshirt.

Of course, Ford wasn’t expected to redshirt after emerging as a rotational player and occasional starter.

Freeman, on the other hand, was considered a redshirt candidate, but with fellow transfer Da’Wain Lofton yet to appear in a game, Freeman has served as the primary backup to Brennan Presley as the slot receiver.

Lofton remains a redshirt candidate, along with injured running back A.J. Green and injured linebacker Collin Oliver, though Oliver could also pursue the NFL Draft next spring.

Here’s a look at the redshirt tracker:

• Played in four games: Josh Ford, Fr.; Gavin Freeman, Jr.
• Played in three games: None
• Played in two games: None
• Played in one game: None