Oklahoma State football: RB Joseph Randle carrying the load for the Cowboys

Versatility. Explosiveness. Nifty moves in the open field. Touchdowns.

But with the rash of injuries that have hit the Cowboys this season, especially at the offensive skill positions, perhaps Randle's most underrated quality has been brought to the forefront.

His durability.

“Underrated to who?” said running backs coach Jemal Singleton, before half-jokingly searching for some wood to knock on.

Ideally, Singleton wants to have four running backs to rotate in the game. But Jeremy Smith has continued to be hampered by an ankle injury, as evidenced by his one carry against both Kansas and Iowa State before limping off the field. Sophomore Desmond Roland still has some learning and growing to do. So does true freshman Caleb Muncrief.

That has left Randle with the vast majority of the Cowboys' carries, something that could be the case again when OSU goes up against a stout TCU rush defense when the two teams square off Saturday afternoon at Boone Pickens Stadium.

The past three games, Randle has averaged 26 carries per contest, compared to an average of 16 carries per game in 2011. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken estimated Randle was on the field for more than 80 plays against a sound ISU rush defense.

Randle doesn't mind the heavy workload.

“I'm ready for whatever,” he said. “I can hold it down until (Smith) comes back so he can get a few carries and stuff. But until then, I'm fine with taking all the carries.”