PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Taylor Cornelius was unable to provide enough spark in the passing game for Oklahoma State in its loss at Kansas State. Usually when an opposing quarterback throws for just 130 yards in a Big 12 game, it’s a recipe for disaster. Yet Cornelius responded by going 17-of-35 for 184 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions. He must be sharper if the Cowboys are to make a late-season push.
–RB Justice Hill carried just 11 times for 41 yards against Kansas State and only four of those attempts came in the first half when the Cowboys claimed a 6-3 halftime lead. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy attributed the light duty to openings he thought his team should have exploited in the passing game. Hill has 112 attempts on the season, 27 fewer than at this point last season when he led Big 12 rushers. Hill’s Big 12 record of 12 straight games with a rushing touchdown was snapped.
–LB Justin Phillips is a leader on the defense who could take charge and attempt to correct some of the shortcomings the Cowboys exhibited attempting to stop the run against Kansas State. After limiting the Wildcats to 3.8 yards per play and three points in the first half, Oklahoma State allowed 7.3 yards per play on 37 second-half snaps. Most of that came on the ground as the Wildcats won in the trenches.
–DE Jordan Brailford, the Big 12 leader with eight sacks, is a fifth-year senior who encouraged teammates to step up and call out mistakes, both in games and in practice. He said mistakes in execution led to breakdowns against Kansas State that the Cowboys should not be making at this point in the season. Brailford recorded a tackle for loss among his four stops against Kansas State.
SERIES HISTORY: Texas leads Oklahoma State 24-8. The Longhorns carried a 12-game winning streak beginning with a 1998 win, but the Cowboys have won the last three straight. PK Matt Ammendola booted the game-winning overtime field goal in a 13-10 slugfest last year when the Cowboys intercepted Texas QB Sam Ehlinger to end the game in Austin.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I’ve got to keep a positive attitude having up-tempo practices and bringing the energy every day. We know that we can get this thing rolling at any time.” — Oklahoma State QB Taylor Cornelius.