Can Ehlinger, Texas stop Cowboys?
Keys for Texas
Slow down Chuba: Oklahoma State is a talented, versatile offense, but the whole operation starts with the running game led by Chuba Hubbard. The first job of the Texas defense is to keep Hubbard in check in order to force quarterback Spencer Sanders into obvious passing situations. The Longhorns need to make Oklahoma State one dimensional and predictable on third down.
Find a go-to receiver: Texas ran the ball 47 times against Baylor. Sam Ehlinger threw the ball 23 times. That’s not balanced. The Longhorns were only averaging 3.4 yards per carry, so it wasn’t like Tom Herman’s team didn’t need to pass. Texas simply isn’t getting the production it needs from the wide receiver position. The leading receiver against Baylor recorded his team-high 72 yards on one catch. Brennan Eagles led the team with four catches, but he only amassed 36 yards. Someone on the roster must accept the challenge of becoming a consistent go-to receiver or the Texas offense will continue to be inconsistent in the passing game.
Keys for Oklahoma State
No turnovers: Two interceptions by quarterback Spencer Sanders nearly allowed Iowa State the opportunity to comeback in the fourth quarter and steal an upset. It was Sanders’ first start since the opener when he left the game injured. With the rust off, Gundy needs his quarterback to play a clean game. The Texas defense was improved against Baylor, but the amount of talent on Oklahoma State’s offense is far superior than the Bears. Play a clean game and the Cowboys should move to 5-0 on the season.
Feed Tylan Wallace: Texas is going to load up to stop Chuba Hubbard. Oklahoma State should counter by slinging the football around to wide receiver Tylan Wallace against a lackluster Texas secondary. Baylor receiver R.J. Snead finished the Texas game with four catches for 62 yards. Wallace should end the game with at least seven touches. Oklahoma State should target Wallace early in the game in order to loosen up the Texas defense so that Hubbard can experience success in the second half.