3-2-1 KICKOFF
Oklahoma State remains in the Big 12 title game chase, but it will take a victory over an improving team on the road to stay in it. The 11th-ranked Cowboys travel to Morgantown, West Virginia, to face West Virginia at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN. Here are three players to watch, two big questions and one wild prediction for the game:
3 players to watch
Quarterback Spencer Sanders: The Cowboys’ leader has been steadily improving the past three weeks. He’s thrown six touchdowns and only one interception — none in the past two games — as he’s looked more comfortable each week. He’ll need to maintain that level of play and poise in a tough environment for visiting quarterbacks. Safety Kolby Harvell-Peel: The Cowboys’ senior is making his presence known more and more each week. He’s up to three interceptions. Against Texas and Iowa State, he totaled 13 tackles. He seems to be where he is needed at the right moment. Against a West Virginia offense that is starting to click in the passing game, his presence will be needed.
Defensive lineman Collin Oliver: The freshman from Edmond Santa Fe’s streak of sacks ended last weekend during limited action in the rout of Kansas — he had sacks in three straight games — but he continues to get stronger. Oliver is up to 4.5 sacks on the year and is becoming a force with his ability to get to the quarterback. That will be key on the road.
2 big questions Can the Cowboys’ defense deliver
once again? The Cowboys’ prolific defense keeps producing at an impressive rate. It was Kansas last week, but not allowing a first down until the third quarter and not allowing a third-down conversion was impressive. And coming off two strong showings at Texas and Iowa State, it’s starting to look like this defense might never let up. If it stays strong, even a red-hot West Virginia offense will have problems. Who wins the battle of running backs? A few weeks ago, Mountaineers senior running back Leddie Brown was struggling. He had eclipsed 100 yards once. But the past two weeks have seen a big change. He’s rushed for 220 yards on 46 carries. West Virginia is giving him the ball more often and it’s producing great results. But can he out
shine OSU’s Jaylen Warren? The Utah State transfer has been electric, though his carry totals have been down the past two games. That could help freshen Warren for a big night on the road.
1 wild prediction
OSU limits the Mountaineers to less than 350 total yards. West Virginia has been hot on offense, with 492 yards against a stout Iowa State offense last week, 487 the week before against TCU and even 362 in a loss four weeks ago to Baylor. But the Cowboys’ defense has held each Big 12 opponent to season lows in points, touchdowns, total yards and yards per play. Look for that trend to continue.