Quick Thoughts on Oklahoma State's Struggles vs Tulsa

The Cowboys had a rough outing in their season opener

Next Saturday, West Virginia (1-0) will travel to Stillwater to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys to open up Big 12 play. Today, the Cowboys were 21-point favorites over Tulsa but struggled to get anything going on the offensive side once quarterback Spencer Sanders went out with an injury. Does this outing mean that West Virginia has a better chance to knock off No. 11 Oklahoma State next week? Well, let's take a look at what we saw from the Cowboys today.

Strengths

Defense: The Cowboys aren't necessarily known for their defense and although it was just Tulsa, Oklahoma State did a really good job defending the pass in all three levels of the passing game. Tackling didn't seem to be an issue whatsoever. 

Tylan Wallace: It doesn't matter who's in at quarterback for the Cowboys, just get the ball to Tylan Wallace. He hauled in four receptions for 94 yards (23.5 yards/rec). If the offensive line continues to struggle to open up holes up next week, Wallace will get a huge workload. 

Biggest question marks

Offensive line: Oklahoma State has arguably one of, if not, the best running back in the entire country in Chuba Hubbard. Last season, Hubbard rushed for 2,094 yards and 21 touchdowns and led the nation in both attempts and yardage. With that said, he didn't receive much help from his big fellas up front today. The offensive line was missing assignments left and right and Tulsa was able to shut down things in the run game before it ever got started.

Who's the QB?: Depending on the severity of Spencer Sanders' injury, the Cowboys may be in a bit of trouble. Ethan Bullock had a poor outing going 8/13 with an interception before being yanked. True freshman Shane Illingworth looked more comfortable, but it was a very small sample size. If Sanders can't give it a go against the Mountaineers next week, West Virginia should have a better idea of what to do schematically since the majority of their game today was without Sanders on the field. 

West Virginia and No. 11 Oklahoma State kickoff next Saturday at 3:30 on ABC or ESPN.

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