Longhorns Week 8 Opponent Preview: Oklahoma State Cowboys
The Texas Longhorns will travel to Stillwater to face the Cowboys for a Week 8 matchup on Saturday. Texas leads the all-time series 26-10 but has dropped five of the last seven meetings.
The last five matchups against the Cowboys have all been decided by a one-score game, with the Cowboys winning three of those meetings. This includes last year's demoralizing defeat that led to a six-game losing streak. Traveling to Stillwater begins the Longhorns' gauntlet of a schedule remaining in Big 12 play.
Under head coach Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State made the Big 12 championship game and also ended their season with a Fiesta Bowl win against Notre Dame. This season the Cowboys are 5-1 (2-1) and are coming off a heartbreaking overtime to defeat against TCU last week.
Be sure to stick with LonghornsCountry.com as we preview every aspect of the matchup with the Cowboys throughout the week.
2022 record: 5-1 (2-1 in Big 12)
Head coach: Mike Gundy
Gundy has had a winning season at Oklahoma State in 16 out of his 17 seasons at the helm in Stillwater. Now in his 18th season, he’s the winningest head coach in the history of the program with 15 career wins. In his tenure, Gundy has won or shared the Big 12 title twice, including making the Big 12 title game last season. This season Oklahoma State is clearly in the running for a Big 12 title. A win against the Longhorns Saturday could be the difference.
Offensive Scheme: Air Raid
Defensive Set: 4-2-5
Last season, Oklahoma State was middle of the pack in the Big 12 offensively. A major factor who has improved the offense this season is Redshirt Senior quarterback Spencer Sanders. He returns to the Cowboys as a preseason first-team All-Big 12 quarterback. So far this season the Cowboys are averaging 45.3 points a game ranking second in the Big 12. Sanders is a main reason why as he has 1,639 yards through the air with 13 touchdowns.
Offensive Starters:
QB Spencer Sanders
RB Dominic Richardson
WR-X Braydon Johnson
WR-Z Jayden Bray
WR-Slot Brennan Presley
TE Braden Cassity
LT Caleb Etienne
LG Cole Birmingham
C Preston Wilson
RG Hunter Woodard
RT Jake Springfield
The 2021 Cowboys were known for their elite defense, ranking first in the Big 12 in fewest total yards (297.9). That elite defensive pedigree has taken a hit in 2022 but the Cowboys remain elite up front. They also have new defensive coordinator Derek Mason from Auburn.
The Cowboys' defensive line of scrimmage dominated the conference last year ranking first in sacks with 55. This season the Cowboys are tied for first in sacks with Kansas at 17. Oklahoma State will need to get pressure up front to slow down the Longhorns explosive offense.
Projected defensive starters:
DE Brock Martin
DT Sione Asi
DT Brenden Evers
Edge Colin Oliver
LB Xavier Benson
LB Mason Cobb
CB Korie Black
CB Jabbar Muhammad
S Thomas Harper
S Jayson Taylor II
S Kendall Daniels
You can follow Adam Glick on Twitter @adamglick39
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