GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: The biggest dilemma for any team preparing to face Oklahoma is how to slow Sooners QB Kyler Murray. The junior leads the Big 12 with a 362.6-yard average in total offense. He has accounted for 38 touchdowns, including 31 through the air. The young Oklahoma State secondary is vulnerable and can give up big plays. The Cowboys must hope the pressure they consistently generate as the FBS leaders in sacks (38) unnerves Murray, who has shown strong resilience.
DRAFT SLANT
–RB Justice Hill faces a difficult decision whether to declare early for the NFL Draft. Hill logged his fifth 100-yard rushing performance in nine games with a 119-yard output in the Nov. 3 loss at Baylor. Because of the position he plays, Hill could be inclined to leave early. His career rushing total is 3,504 yards, which ranks seventh at Oklahoma State. Hill has good vision and is capable of making tacklers miss and may decide to test the waters with the Cowboys not yet assured of bowl eligibility.
ROSTER REPORT
–OT Shane Richards missed the Nov. 3 loss at Baylor because of an injury he suffered a week earlier at Texas. OT Arlington Hambright, who has been out since starting the first five games, made the trip but did not play. OT Teven Jenkins and C Johnny Wilson are the only Cowboys who have started all nine games.
–WR C.J. Moore, OG Bryce Bray and DE Tyler Lacy all made debuts as true freshmen in the Nov. 3 loss at Baylor. Oklahoma State inserted those backups while keeping redshirts intact based on the new NCAA rule which permits the redshirting of those who play in four games or less at any point in the season.
–S Kanion Williams was another freshman used in a backup role. It was Williams’ second game of the season after early playing in the opener against Missouri State.
–QB Spencer Sanders, a coveted freshman who has not yet played for the Cowboys, traveled for the Baylor game but was not used. Other freshmen who traveled but did not play were RB Jahmyl Jeter, S Jason Taylor, OL Tyrese Williams and OL Hunter Woodard.
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