PLAYERS TO WATCH
–WR Tylan Wallace posted his second 200-yard receiving game of the season, grabbing 10 receptions for 220 yards and two touchdowns in the Nov. 10 loss at Oklahoma. Wallace’s second touchdown, a 24-yard snag he plucked out of the air, converted a fourth-and-12 call late in the game to set up a two-point conversion try. Wallace had some drops on 17 targets but is averaging 128.2 yards per game.
–RB Chuba Hubbard rushed for 104 yards in the Oklahoma defeat, assuming the featured role as a rusher after RB Justice Hill carried just five times before leaving with a rib injury. Hubbard lost a fumble with the game tied in the fourth quarter. Without Hill, the Cowboys did not run as many two-back sets, which had been productive in previous games against Texas and Baylor.
–S Kenneth Edison-McGruder had one of his finest games for the Cowboys, recording two sacks off blitzes among three tackles for loss in the Oklahoma defeat. Edison-McGruder, who has had a star-crossed career because of injuries, was in on a team-high 13 stops.
–WR Tyron Johnson added 11 receptions for 128 yards to give Oklahoma State two 100-yard receivers against Oklahoma. Johnson is an outstanding complimentary receiver when Wallace gets extra attention, which could intensify since Wallace ranks second in the Big 12 in receptions and receiving yardage.
SERIES HISTORY: Oklahoma State leads West Virginia 5-4, including three straight wins. The Cowboys intercepted West Virginia QB Will Grier four times and ended his string of seven consecutive 300-yard passing performances in a 50-39 victory. RB J.D. King recorded 142 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries after replacing Oklahoma State starter Justice Hill early in the game.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “As a coach, we can’t ask them to do anything else than what they did (against Oklahoma). These guys have practiced well all year. They were enthusiastic. When I watch things, as long as I see that I’m in a good place because I know that we’re getting everything out of them that we ask.” — Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy.