Oklahoma State football: What to expect for 2021 Spring Game
By John Scimeca
Oklahoma State football will hold its annual 2021 spring game at 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 24 at Boone Pickens Stadium. This will be the first spring game in two years after the COVID-19 restrictions from 12 months ago canceled many sporting events.
Details about this spring’s Orange team vs. Black team on-field action are scant, but it will a good chance for Cowboy fans to see how the team looks. The last time OSU football took the field was during the team’s 37-34 win against Miami (Fla.) in December 2020’s Cheez-It Bowl.
Oklahoma State football fans should enjoy the chance to see the team take the field during the annual Spring Game, which takes place on Saturday, April 24.
What can OSU fans expect to see in the 2021 spring football game?
3. Can the defense continuing forcing turnovers?
OSU’s defense was strong in the takeaways department last year, recovering 10 fumbles and forcing six interceptions as a unit — numbers that ranked behind only three other Big 12 teams for 2020. The defense also improved for the second straight year in terms of yards allowed and points allowed — the 23.5 points allowed per game was third-lowest in the Big 12.
What can the unit do for an encore in 2021?
It’s always a double-edged sword to have one unit perform successfully (or not) during the annual intrasquad spring game, but it would still be nice to see the Cowboys resume their aggressive, turnover-forcing approach that they have honed the past several seasons under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
It will be crucial for a playmaker to emerge at corner in place of All-Big 12 performer Rodarius Williams — could it be someone like junior Gabe Lemons or redshirt sophomore Demarco Jones stepping up with increased play time?
Among the linebackers, both Amen Ogbongbemiga and Calvin Bundage are departing, though seniors Malcolm Rodriguez and Devin Harper are proven leaders at this position. The spring game could be an opportune time for a newcomer such as freshman Nickolas Martin to shine.