PLAYERS TO WATCH
–DE Jordan Brailford defused the Boise State passing attack with his fierce pass rush, recording three sacks and forcing two fumbles. One hit caused a fumble Boise State recovered inside its own 10, only to lose the ball to a blocked punt. Brailford was used in various ways and even lined up in a standing position at middle linebacker in some formations. Oklahoma State registered seven sacks.
–RB Justice Hill drew concern after rushing just eight times for 31 yards in a rout of South Alabama on Sept. 8 but was much more engaged in the Boise State win. The All-Big 12 junior rushed for 123 yards, his 16th 100-yard performance in 29 games for the Cowboys. He carried 15 times, including a 53-yard burst in the fourth quarter he looked to have broken for a TD, only to step out at the 19-yard line.
–QB Taylor Cornelius was named the offensive MVP of the Boise State win by the Oklahoma State coaching staff. He completed 15-of-26 passes for 243 yards and one touchdown, with no interceptions. Cornelius also rushed for 41 yards and two touchdowns in the 44-21 blowout. Cornelius, a fifth-year senior, is a first-year starter.
–LB Amen Ogbongbemiga was named the Big 12 co-special teams player of the week after his blocked punt in the second quarter of the Boise State win helped sway momentum. The Cowboys recovered at the Boise State 7 and then scored a touchdown to snap a 7-7 tie. On the opening kickoff, Ogbongbemiga’s tackle for the Cowboys pinned the Broncos on their 18-yard line.
SERIES HISTORY: Oklahoma State and Texas Tech are tied 21-21-3.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “(Depth) is important because of the tempo we run. If someone needs a blow, we’ve got guys that can come in and the talent doesn’t really drop off. Especially in the backfield. You’ve got Justice (Hill), Chuba (Hubbard), J.D. (King) and all those guys. Anybody can make a play at any time.” — Oklahoma State WR Tyron Johnson.
