GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: In Big 12 play, Texas ranks second in the league in total defense and passing defense. With a No. 6 ranking, the Longhorns appeared to have regained as much of their traditional stature as at any time this decade, despite a season-opening loss to Maryland. Oklahoma State must attempt to defuse that and balance will be key on offense, though QB Taylor Cornelius has been inconsistent through the air and play-calling has at times limited RB Justice Hill. LB Gary Johnson and DE Charles Omenihu are both capable of disrupting plays in the backfield for the Longhorns.
DRAFT SLANT
–P Zach Sinor figures to at least get a look from NFL teams, especially after becoming a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award as a sophomore. However, the senior has struggled this season after undergoing hernia surgery at the start of fall practice and missing nonconference play. He averaged just 33 yards on four punts at Kansas State because of an uncharacteristic shank. He had been leading conference punters in Big 12 play, but now ranks fourth with a 44-yard average and is not the reliable weapon the Cowboys have counted on previously to flip the field.
ROSTER REPORT
–QB Spencer Sanders, a highly-coveted freshman who has not yet played, appears to still be targeted for a redshirt. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy indicated the midway point of the season is not the time to test new players, though QB Taylor Cornelius struggled in the Oct. 13 loss at Kansas State and the Cowboys are 1-3 in the Big 12 with the fifth-year senior calling signals.
–LB Calvin Bundage, who was limited by an injury earlier in October, was in on 10 tackles against Kansas State and looked to be fully recovered.
–OT Arlington Hambright remains out for Oklahoma State, which moved Teven Jenkins into the left tackle position. OT Shane Richards subbed in at right tackle but the Cowboys’ line was manhandled in its last two games by Iowa State and Kansas State.
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