Tag: Texas-Oklahoma State preview

Concerns and non-concerns heading into Texas vs Oklahoma State

Texas’ game against Oklahoma State could get windy.

No. 20 Texas is heavily favored on Saturday considering the circumstances. The Longhorns travel on the road to face the No. 11 Oklahoma State Cowboys.

A number of factors likely go into the trending confidence in Texas, but it could simply be a lack of confidence in Oklahoma State. The Cowboys’ quarterback will probably start, but his ability to throw accurately is in question.

Sanders has completed under 49% of his passes in consecutive weeks. The low percentage is a fairly dramatic fall from his usual stat line. Each of the last three seasons has seen the signal caller complete over 62% of his passes.

Even so, Texas comes off a shaky performance against Iowa State. Let’s examine a few concerns for Texas heading into the game.

Looking at what Texas stands to improve this week

Look for a bounce-back performance in these areas on Saturday.

Last week’s game between Texas and Iowa State was perhaps the most frustrating and most relieving win of the 2022 season for the Longhorns.

Steve Sarkisian’s team struggled and overcame an abundance of missed opportunities. In spite of it all, they made plays when it mattered most. Xavier Worthy’s go-ahead touchdown, Jaylan Ford’s drive ending interception and Anthony Cook’s forced fumble were the difference in the game.

The team should have been able to identify multiple teaching points this week. Albeit, they were able to do so following a big win that kept conference title hopes alive.

After a sloppy performance, Texas should be able to respond and bounce back this week in Stillwater. Let’s identify a few things that could improve against Oklahoma State.

In-Depth Preview: Texas vs. Oklahoma State

Texas coaches might need to be sharper and anticipate better this week.

It’s about time for the Longhorns’ late October trip to Stillwater, and it figures to be a spooky scene. No. 20 Texas faces No. 11 Oklahoma State in a crucial battle for both teams.

Spencer Sanders has underperformed based on his own standards over the last two games. The veteran quarterback completed just 44% of his passes in a loss against TCU last week. The week before, Sanders posted a 48.9 completion percentage at home against Texas Tech.

Clearly, the Oklahoma State signal caller is not his usual self. Some are speculating that a shoulder injury could prevent him from playing against Texas.

The Longhorns enter the game riding a three-game win streak, while the Cowboys could be fragile following a tough loss to TCU. Nevertheless, Texas will have to overcome a raucous homecoming crowd from the opposition and the toughest conference foe they will have faced all year.

Let’s look at how the teams match up.

Looking at where Texas players land on Big 12 statistical leaderboards

Multiple Longhorns lead the Big 12 in various statistical categories.

The Texas Longhorns are in the thick of the Big 12 title race. That’s due in large part to impressive individual performances by the team’s best players. Multiple Longhorns lead the conference in various statistical categories.

Bijan Robinson is quickly emerging as the favorite for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Robinson leads the Big 12 in multiple statistical categories, with no real competition in the league among quarterbacks for player of the year honors.

Xavier Worthy and Ja’Tavion Sanders are leaving their mark in the passing game. The two players are among the best at their respective positions.

On the defensive side, Jaylan Ford is emerging as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in the conference. His role in Texas’ defensive resurgence is difficult to ignore.

Many other Longhorns are making an impact that isn’t quantified by stats. Nevertheless, Texas has to be encouraged by its representation among the stat leaders in the Big 12 conference.

Here’s a look at where Texas players rank in different categories.

What to make of Mike Gundy’s press conference ahead of Texas game

Spencer Sanders’ availability will play a huge role in the outcome of the game.

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy had an interesting press conference on Monday. It wasn’t the instant classic that some past soundbites have been, but it was enlightening nevertheless.

Gundy has built the Oklahoma State Cowboys into a respected team nationally. The Cowboys made the Big 12 championship game last year, but their success didn’t begin there. Since 2007, the school has reached eight wins in all but two seasons. They have reached 10 wins in seven of those fifteen seasons.

The Cowboys’ head coach is elite at team building, talent evaluation and assistant coaching hires. As for his football acumen, he is adept at picking apart opponents’ weaknesses, even if the opponent is far more talented than his team.

Let’s examine what we can glean from his press conference on Monday.