3-2-1 KICK OFF

STILL WATER—Here' s a look at some key players and critical questions as Oklahoma State hosts Texas Tech at

11 a.m. Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium, televised by Fox:

3 players to watch

Quarterback Spencer Sanders: His worst game as a Cowboy came at Texas Tech last year when he turned the ball over five times. Sanders will need time to throw behind the injury-plagued offensive line, and he'll need to make good decisions with the ball.

Defensive end Tyler Lacy: Texas Tech has beaten OSU the last two years with strong quarterback play. The Red Raiders might play both Alan Bowman and Henry Colombi on Saturday, but regardless, the Cowboys need to get pressure on the quarterback and Lacy, the team leader in sacks, is first inline to do so.

Kicker Brady Pohl: With OSU being a double- digit favorite, this game shouldn't come down to a field goal. But the Cowboys can't afford to l eave points on the table. Pohl was perfect last Saturday when pressed into action after starting kicker Alex Hale was injured, and Pohl will need to continue to be reliable.

2 big questions

Can the Cowboy offensive l i ne hold up? Dealt another blow last week with senior Teven Jenkins going down with a lower back injury, this group has fought through every bit of adversity it has faced. But the young and in experienced group has to find a way to open holes for the running backs and protect Sanders when he throws. Texas Tech doesn't pose the same defensive threat OU did, but if the offensive line doesn't hold up, it will be a difficult day for the offense.

How will the defense bounce back from i ts worst performance of the year? The OSU defense had been the most reliable unit on the team, but got diced up from the start of the Bedlam game last Saturday. The defense settled in and played better after the early issues, but on Saturday, the defense will need to be back in previous form against a Tech offense that showed signs of life in its last game.

1 wild prediction

Land on Wolf will lead OSU in receiving yards. Receiver Tylan Wallace is getting a lot of attention on the outside. The run game will keep the linebackers occupied. That should open up the middle of the field for slot receivers Wolf and Dillon Stoner, along with the tight ends.