Texas Football vs OK State: 3 Cowboy Skill Players that can hurt the Horns
By Shane Black
Dominic Richardson, RB
Junior running back Dominic Richardson has had a solid first half of the season as the bell cow in the Oklahoma State backfield.
Richardson has carried the ball 108 times for 427 yards (4.0 AVG) and five scores. Although his numbers are not gaudy, Richardson is the exact type of back that could give this Texas defense trouble.
He is not a big play threat. In fact, Richardson’s longest carry of the season is just 19 yards. What he does better than most backs in the Big 12 is pick up the tough yards between the tackles. Richardson is adept at falling forward, turning what would be a one-yard loss into a one-yard gain.
At 6-foot and 205-pounds, he uses a combination of elusiveness and strength to needle defenses for three to five yards every time he touches the ball. Richardson will not beat you with explosive plays. There is not a player in the back end of this Texas defense that he can outrun.
You will, however, look up and see the junior running back capping off an 8-minute, 15-play drive with a three-yard touchdown run.
It is also worth noting his strength as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Richardson is fourth on the team with 17 receptions.
It will be crucial for Oklahoma State to keep the explosive Texas offense on the sideline for as much of the game as possible. This starts with methodical drives led by Richardson and their rushing attack.