Texas looks to keep magic going vs. OSU
STILLWATER, Okla.—A season that began with disappointment has turned into a possible mission of destiny for No. 6 Texas, with the next challenge coming tonight in a game at Oklahoma State.
After losing its opener 34-29 to Maryland, Texas (6-1, 4-0 Big 12) has been rolling along on a six-game winning streak, reaching its highest spot in the AP poll since September 2010. Oklahoma State (4-3, 1-3), which climbed as high as No. 15 in mid-September, has lost two in a row (Iowa State and Kansas State).
Texas coach Tom Herman felt the bye week came at a good time.
“It was a very timely open week, our guys had a chance to take a deep breath,” Herman said. “It is completely and utterly inconsequential where we are ranked through seven games of the season. The only thing that matters is what hardware have we taken home and where are we ranked at the end of the season. The only thing we talk about is that we’ve earned everybody’s best shot. That’s a cool challenge.”
Texas is 8-2 all time in Stillwater against the Cowboys, but Oklahoma State has won three straight in the series, including last season’s 13-10 overtime victory in Austin. The Cowboys are also coming off a bye week.
“We tried to look back and wanted to identify where we needed to improve—both sides of the ball and really all three phases—and then implement a plan,” coach Mike Gundy said.
Gundy also responded to some criticism that he should give opportunities to some players who hadn’t seen much playing time.
“I think people that say that are being somewhat unrealistic,” Gundy said.
WILL HE OR WON’T HE?
Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger is healing from a shoulder injury. If he can’t go, Shane Buechele will step in. Buechele, who has 19 career starts on his resume, took over for Ehlinger in Texas’ last game, a 23-17 victory over Baylor on Oct. 13, completing 20 of 34 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown.
“We know we’ve got a great one in Shane ready to go,” Herman said. “We’ve got a ton of confidence in him as well.”
BLOCK OUT THE NOISE
After several years of mediocrity, Texas is suddenly managing heightened expectations with only five regular-season games left, a top-10 ranking and lofty postseason hopes.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Texas is one of just six FBS schools with two receivers who have more than 40 receptions for the year. Lil’Jordan Humphrey leads the Longhorns with 42 catches for 576 yards and four touchdowns, while Collin Johnson has 41 receptions for 563 yards and five TDs. Humphrey also has a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown.
HOMECOMING
The Cowboys are celebrating homecoming and the 30th anniversary of Barry Sanders’ Heisman Trophywinning season. Sanders and the team’s offensive line will be in attendance, and Oklahoma State will wear throwback 1988 uniforms.