OKLAHOMA STATE PASS OFFENSE vs TEXAS PASS DEFENSE
With redshirt freshman quarterback Spencer Sanders, Oklahoma State has another talented guy running its offense and a player that’s somewhat comparable to what Texas saw last year in Taylor Cornelius. Sanders isn’t as refined as some other OSU passers, but he does bring the added element of a run game to the position. Sanders has been pretty efficient with a 181.8 rating, but he also had some throws that weren’t quite on the money. The inconsistency is something you expect to see with a young quarterback, but Wallace does have a lot of talent. Wide receiver Tylan Wallace is one of the best in the country. Teams have been bracketing him to make Oklahoma spread the ball around but Wallace has still hauled in 15 catches for 390 yards and 6 touchdowns in just three games. Slot receiver Dillon Stoner has been around a long time and has been productive once again this year. He’s a big security blanket for Sanders that he’ll check down to. Opposite Wallace, Oklahoma State is still looking for someone to emerge on the other side. Jordan McCray is senior transfer. Freshman C.J. Moore has good size and a lot of potential but neither player has really stepped up just yet.
Edge – Oklahoma State ***
OKLAHOMA STATE RUN OFFENSE vs TEXAS RUN DEFENSE
There’s not much to dislike with running back Chuba Hubbard, who is averaging nearly 8 yards per carry in rushing for 521 yards and 7 touchdowns so far this season. If there’s one “weakness” with Hubbard it’s that he can’t carry the ball every time and Oklahoma State hasn’t had a true backup step up. LD Brown gets some touches, but Mike Gundy basically said this week that Brown dances too much and his yards per attempt is a dismal 2.5. The Cowboys are still looking for a viable option to give Hubbard a breather and you may see some younger guys get more options. Hubbard is an explosive runner, always a threat to break off a big run. If he gets into the second level, you’re going to have a hard time bringing him down and you’re not going to catch him from behind.
Edge – Oklahoma State **
OKLAHOMA STATE OFFENSIVE LINE vs TEXAS DEFENSIVE LINE
This is an OSU line that has quite a few starts under its belt. Senior center Johnny Wilson is kind of the ring leader there. Left guard Marcus Keyes and right tackle Tevin Jenkins have both picked up a lot of experience over the last couple years. Left tackle Dylan Galloway is also experienced. Against Oregon St., Gundy said it was the highest grade given for entire offensive line since he’s been at Oklahoma State, which is saying something because the Cowboys have had some good O-line units while he’s been there. It’s a line that’s pretty equally balanced with its ability to run block and pass protect.
Edge - Oklahoma State *
TEXAS PASS OFFENSE vs OKLAHOMA STATE PASS DEFENSE
The secondary is considered the strength of the Oklahoma State defense. A.J. Green and Rodarius Williams at the corner spots have a ton of starting experience. Each has proven he can perform at a high level in the conference. Oklahoma State has some experience at safety as well with Jarrick Bernard, Tre Sterling and Kolby Harvell-Pee. All three starters came into this year with at least some starting experience and have all played pretty well so far this year. Oklahoma State plays a 5-DB base. This is a good secondary, but Texas has been able to shred every secondary it’s faced this year.
Edge – Texas ***
TEXAS RUN OFFENSE vs OKLAHOMA STATE RUN DEFENSE
Simply put, Oklahoma State is thin with its run defense in the front seven. The program graduated a lot of guys last year, has had some injuries and some off-field issues to deplete its depth. Malcolm Rodgriguez, a former starting safety, spun down to linebacker this year out of necessity. He has played fairly well, but he’s undersized and not a natural linebacker. Calvin Bundadge is a big-time player but can make mental mistakes. He’s been unavailable for the first three games and the thinking is he’s probably out again this week.
Edge – Texas **
TEXAS OFFENSIVE LINE vs OKLAHOMA STATE DEFENSIVE LINE
The Cowboys lost a lot of d-line talent from last year. Israel Antwine, a transfer from Colorado, hasn’t been able to play yet due to some off-field technical issue that hasn’t been disclosed. Brendon Evers, another back-up defensive tackle, has missed a game and a half and may not play again this week. Defensive end Tylor Lacy has played well and Cameron Murray has played fairly well in stepping in at defensive tackle. Jayden Jernigan, a freshman out of Allen, has played a little and done pretty well.
Edge – Texas ***
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Matt Amendola has been solid for the past couple years and is off to a good start this year. Oklahoma State features a freshman Aussie punter but he hasn’t had a ton of work yet so the jury is still out on him. In the return games, the top two running backs are the primary kick returners and Stoner is the primary punt returner so OSU gets a lot of experience involved.
Edge – Texas **
