How Jim Knowles Can Replace OSU’s Two Biggest Defensive Losses

The Cowboys defense will still have several unanswered questions when it gets off the bus in Corvallis next weekend. Its back end is loaded with talent and experience, but up front there are plenty of unknowns.

We previously looked at three offensive players coaches would sure love to have back from last year, now let’s look at the pair that will be hardest for Jim Knowles to replace, and how he’ll try.

1. Jordan Brailford

This one is a no-brainer. The All-Big 12 edge rusher led the Big 12 with 0.69 sacks per game and was a force attacking from all over the place in Knowles’ aggressive scheme, especially early.

Fielding an elite-level defensive end isn’t a given at OSU — Gundy has had three…