Who: #22 Texas Longhorns (2-1, 0-0) vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-2, 0-1)
When: Saturday October 1st at 11AM Central
Where: Boone Pickens Stadium – Stillwater, OK (ABC)
Odds: Oklahoma State -2.5
The Good: The Cowboys still know how to play offense. Mike Gundy’s unit is averaging nearly 40 points per game, and 475 total yards per game. Quarterback Mason Rudolph has been strong for the most part driven by 61% completion and 324 yards per game. The Junior passer is also taking care of the ball for the most part, though his turnovers have come at the most crucial moments. Cowboy wide receiver James Washington is the big play threat on the field, and he’s been sensational on the year. His banner moment was a 296 yard game against Pittsburgh in which he totaled 2 touchdowns. The running game got going last week against Baylor, and Justice Hill appears to have some big play potential. The Cowboys defense has been able to slow down some high powered offenses. While they’ve had to replace some guys on the front line due to the NFL draft, they haven’t experienced much drop off. The names to know on the defensive side of the ball include linebacker Jordan Burton, defensive back Jordan Sterns, and defensive tackle Vincent Taylor.
The Bad: The Cowboys came into the season with great expectations, and thus far they’ve experienced disappointment. Lost in the controversial upset at the hands of Central Michigan was the fact that the Cowboys had trouble on the defensive side of the ball. The Cowboys also dropped the conference opener to Baylor in a game where they showed a real inability to slow down the same offense they will see on Saturday. It’s well known that Mike Gundy and Boone Pickens don’t have the best relationship, and a 2-3 start could start the wheels in motion on replacing him now that Les Miles is available.
The Uncertain: This game has been one of the more bizarre matchups in recent years. The home team has not won this game since 2008, and a few of them ended in controversy. In 2012, Texas running back Joe Bergeron appeared to fumble the ball on the winning score though it wasn’t called. Who can forget last year’s matchup when the referees were heavily involved in the Oklahoma State victory. This is not quite a “throw the records out†matchup, but it’s starting to develop into one.
What’s at Stake: Both teams are looking to get their season back on track following disappointing losses. If Texas can pull out a victory in Stillwater, they should have some positive momentum rolling into Dallas for the Red River Rivalry. Oklahoma State cannot afford to enter conference play 0-2 if they hope to accomplish their goal of winning the Big 12 this season. A win over Texas could point them in the right direction as they head into a softer spot in the schedule.
