GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Oklahoma State must continue to find methods to rattle the quarterback when Texas Tech visits Saturday night. Red Raiders QB Alan Bowman, a true freshman, fired for 605 yards and five touchdowns while going 43-of-59 as Texas Tech outlasted Houston 63-49 on Sept. 15. The Cowboys recorded seven sacks in their win over Boise State, including five from DEs Jordan Brailford and Jarrell Evans, but will need sticky coverage to influence that kind of pressure. WR Antoine Wesley is elusive, catching 13 balls for 261 yards in Texas Tech’s win over Houston.
DRAFT SLANT
–QB Taylor Cornelius needs more than three starts to prove himself but the fifth-year senior certainly performed well in nonconference play, instilling confidence among his Oklahoma State teammates. Cornelius averages 323.7 yards passing per game and also showed the versatility to bolt the pocket and be a threat in the run game with 41 yards and two touchdowns rushing in the Sept. 15 win over Boise State. A draft prospect? More time is needed to evaluate, though Cornelius will draw looks if the Cowboys keep winning.
ROSTER REPORT
–P Zach Sinor sat out again and did not play against Boise State. Sinor underwent hernia surgery in early August, though coach Mike Gundy indicated the All-Big 12 punter might return. The timetable now extends into Big 12 play, with Sinor a possibility for the Sept. 22 game against Texas Tech.
–RB L.D. Brown did not play against Boise State after suffering an ankle injury on a 14-yard gain (his only rush) against South Alabama on Sept. 8. The sophomore is expected to be available against Texas Tech. Brown rushed for 110 yards on nine carries, including a 77-yard TD, in the season opener.
–C Deionte Noel and WR Tracin Wallace were backups who missed the Boise State game with injuries. None of Oklahoma State’s starters were sidelined.
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