NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up In Week 4

Oct 11, 2014; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Michael Cummings (14) is chased by Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (38) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Oklahoma State won the game 27-20. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Emmanuel Ogbah (DE – Oklahoma State) vs. Texas

527 yards. That’s the total number of yards Texas QB Jerrod Heard accounted for last week against Cal. 364 yards through the air and 163 on the ground. The only thing that prevented Heard from amassing even more yards was a missed extra point that would have sent the game into overtime. Heard and the Longhorns offense enter this weekend’s matchup against Big 12 rival Oklahoma State angry, and the only way to slow them down is if Emmanuel Ogbah has a big game.

After a very productive sophomore campaign a year ago, Ogbah is once again creating problems in opponent’s backfields. After finishing with 11 sacks and 17 tackles for loss last season, he’s already accounted for 3.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss in three games this season. Maybe even more impressive are his six quarterback hits. It’s going to take a few of those to keep Heard down. Ogbah’s not going to win a footrace against the Texas QB, so his best bet is to win with power. By creating pressure and getting a couple of hits on Heard, he can force the freshman to rush his throws and make a mistake here and there.

In order for Oklahoma State’s defense to have a positive impact on this game, the Cowboys’ front seven must generate pressure on the quarterback and keep him in the pocket as often as possible. With an inexperienced line up front, that pressure must come from Ogbah.

Next: Vad Lee