Jordan Brailford – Noteworthy
DE Jordan Brailford defused the Boise State passing attack with his fierce pass rush, recording three sacks and forcing two fumbles. One hit caused a fumble Boise State recovered inside its own 10, only to lose the ball to a blocked punt. Brailford was used in various ways and even lined up in a standing position at middle linebacker in some formations.
Justice Hill – Noteworthy
RB Justice Hill drew concern after rushing just eight times for 31 yards in a rout of South Alabama on Sept. 8 but was much more engaged in the Boise State win. The All-Big 12 junior rushed for 123 yards, his 16th 100-yard performance in 29 games for the Cowboys. He carried 15 times, including a 53-yard burst in the fourth quarter he looked to have broken for a TD, only to step out at the 19-yard line.
Taylor Cornelius – Noteworthy
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.