3-2-1 KICKOFF
Oklahoma State’s biggest test to date this season is here. The 12th-ranked Cowboys travel to Austin, Texas, to face Texas looking to remain undefeated and gain even more ground in the race to the Big 12 championship game. The Cowboys and Longhorns kick off at 11 a.m. on Fox. Here are three players to watch, two big questions and one wild prediction for the game:
3 players to watch
Defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse: OSU’s veteran cornerback has started a team-best 38 straight games. And for whatever reason, teams have felt the need to test Bernard-Converse the past two games. Kansas State tried — and failed miserably — as he broke up three passes (all on the opening drive). Baylor also went after Bernard-Converse more than veteran Christian Holmes. Bernard-Converse broke up another pass as well. Texas will likely go after Bernard-Converse as well with their talented receivers.
Quarterback Spencer Sanders: Two years ago, Sanders’ first road Big 12 game as a starter came in Austin. He threw for 268 yards and two interceptions. He also rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown in the loss. But now, he’s more mature and experienced. Even coming off a three-interception performance two weeks ago, he knows what he needs to do to be better. In this game, he’ll need to avoid the turnover bug.
Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez: OSU’s super senior linebacker is third in the nation with 10.8 tackles per game and has 54 on the season. His ability to bring down a ball carrier has been uncanny. It’ll be vital against the Longhorns’ talented duo of running back Bijan Robinson and quarterback Spencer Sanders. Rodriguez has also shown a knack for playmaking ability this season. He’s recovered a fumble in the end zone and also forced two fumbles.
2 big questions
Will the Cowboys solve their secondhalf offensive woes? OSU has yet to score in the third quarter this season. It has struggled overall in the second half, scoring just 34 total points — 10 coming in the past three games. But the first half has been solid, with the Cowboys totaling 88 points. OSU coach Mike Gundy wants a better start to the second half. The bye week could be the cure, but as the competition stiffens with Texas and then Iowa State next week, the Cowboys need to find some second-half answers.
Can the Cowboys slow down the Longhorns’ Bijan Robinson? Texas’ sophomore is arguably the top running back in the country. He’s racked up 789 yards and eight touchdowns on 125 carries. He’s caught 11 passes for 169 yards and two TDs. He’s big, physical and fast. OSU’s first priority on defense is slowing down Robinson and not letting him break tackles. Then, the Cowboys must get to quarterback Casey Thompson, a former Newcastle and Southmoore star who leads the Big 12 in passing efficiency (187.4), passing touchdowns (14), yards per completion (14.8), points responsible for (102), points per game (17.0) and yards per attempt (9.95).
1 wild prediction
OSU will score multiple times on defense. The Cowboys have one defensive touchdown this season — Rodriguez’s fumble recovery in the end zone against Kansas State — and one that has been called back on a penalty. OSU’s defensive unit has been elite and it will take the next step with a few scores to lead the way to a narrow win.