Oklahoma State football: Jeremy Smith is Cowboys' change of pace

But there remain plenty of physical players and bruising encounters within the spread, despite some preconceived notions.

For Oklahoma State, a team that runs one of the nation's smoothest air raids, its change of pace is running back Jeremy Smith.

Opposing defenses must worry about the entire field. The passing game, with its unique and deadly routes, can bite you short or deep, while the versatile and slippery Joseph Randle will slide by you without notice.

But right when you start to feel prepared for the elusive Randle and unpredictable passing game, Smith changes the equation.

He's an unleashed wrecking ball, set loose when the ball is snapped. The kind of back that runs downhill and seeks out contact, exposing defensive backs that shy away from hits.

“I love blocking for (Smith),” tackle Jonathon Rush said. “He runs hard, he runs tough and he doesn't say anything. He's built like a rock, built like a house. I feel like he can take it for a touchdown any time we give it to him.”

And oftentimes, over the past two seasons, Smith did bulldoze into the end zone.

Despite limited touches (147 carries in two seasons), he produced 16 touchdowns. That's a Smith touchdown every 9.2 carries, best in the Big 12 over that two-year span (among backs with 100 or more carries).

In one 10-game stretch, dating from the 2010 at Texas to the 2011 win at Texas, Smith ran for at least one touchdown in every game.

But he's no longer just a six-point specialist. Last season, when he saw a slightly expanded role, Smith was 10th in the nation at 7.1 yards per carry, rushing for 646 yards in 91 attempts.