The Cowboy Counter RPO – Oklahoma State’s Boundary & Field Attack
When you flip on the tape of Oklahoma State, two things jump off the screen immediately: their physical counter run game and the way they weaponize RPOs. But what really separates them? It’s how they mesh those two elements into a cohesive, conflict-creating offense that consistently attacks both the numbers and leverage.
Let’s break down how the Pokes use their counter scheme as a foundation to build an RPO system that stresses defenders both pre- and post-snap, and why it matters.
Counter + Out: Boundary Conflict
One of Oklahoma State’s favorite variations is running GH Counter into the boundary from pistol. That backfield alignment allows the QB to stay square and gives the RB a downhill path that times up with the pullers.
The back side pulls are classic GH: guard kicks, H wraps. Clean and efficient.
What they tag on the outside is what makes this more than just a run play.
Out wide, you’ll often see two receivers (X and slot) slow play their release, baiting the defense with what looks like a stalk block. Then…boom…they break out. The X runs a corner, and the slot runs a quick 5-yard speed out.
The QB clears the midline post-mesh and reads the overhang, usually an apex or rolled-down safety. If that player inserts on the run, it’s an easy throw to the out. If he hangs or expands, you hand it off.
In one clip, they face a press corner and a squat safety over top. QB sees the out is covered, so he gives the ball—smart and consistent.
In another, the apex crashes hard with no replacement. QB fires the out—rhythmic throw, six-yard gain.
And when both routes are covered? Still a win, RB’s running behind a hat-on-hat box with pullers out front.
This is a boundary RPO with layers. It’s not just “read and react”, it’s “read and attack.”
Example 1