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OSU football: Can Cowboys' offensive line protect Spencer Sanders vs. Texas Tech?

Scott Wright
by Scott Wright
Published: Sat, November 28, 2020 1:05 AM Updated: Sat, November 28, 2020 1:21 AM

STILLWATER — Here’s a look at some key players and critical questions as Oklahoma State hosts Texas Tech at 11 a.m. Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium, televised by Fox:

3 players to watch

Quarterback Spencer Sanders: His worst game as a Cowboy came at Texas Tech last year when he turned the ball over five times. Sanders will need time to throw behind the injury-plagued offensive line, and he’ll need to make good decisions with the ball.

Defensive end Tyler Lacy: Texas Tech has beaten OSU the last two years with strong quarterback play. The Red Raiders might play both Alan Bowman and Henry Colombi on Saturday, but regardless, the Cowboys need to get pressure on the quarterback and Lacy, the team leader in sacks, is first in line to do so.

Kicker Brady Pohl: With OSU being a double-digit favorite, this game shouldn’t come down to a field goal. But the Cowboys can’t afford to leave points on the table. Pohl was perfect last Saturday when pressed into action after starting kicker Alex Hale was injured, and Pohl will need to continue to be reliable.

2 big questions

Can the Cowboy offensive line hold up? Dealt another blow last week with senior Teven Jenkins going down with a lower back injury, this group has fought through every bit of adversity it has faced. But the young and inexperienced group has to find a way to open holes for the running backs and protect Sanders when he throws. Texas Tech doesn’t pose the same defensive threat OU did, but if the offensive line doesn’t hold up, it will be a difficult day for the offense.

How will the defense bounce back from its worst performance of the year? The OSU defense had been the most reliable unit on the team, but got diced up from the start of the Bedlam game last Saturday. The defense settled in and played better after the early issues, but on Saturday, the defense will need to be back in previous form against a Tech offense that showed signs of life in its last game.

1 wild prediction

Landon Wolf will lead OSU in receiving yards. Receiver Tylan Wallace is getting a lot of attention on the outside. The run game will keep the linebackers occupied. That should open up the middle of the field for slot receivers Wolf and Dillon Stoner, along with the tight ends.

Scott Wright, Staff writer

Related Photos
<strong>Oklahoma State's Spencer Sanders (3) will be critical in OSU's hopes of moving the ball against Texas Tech on Saturday. [SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN]</strong>

Oklahoma State's Spencer Sanders (3) will be critical in OSU's hopes of moving the ball against Texas Tech on Saturday. [SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN]

<figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-8af3c56dd0ada2bf19ef6322ab2461ed.jpg" alt="Photo - Oklahoma State's Spencer Sanders (3) will be critical in OSU's hopes of moving the ball against Texas Tech on Saturday. [SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN] " title=" Oklahoma State's Spencer Sanders (3) will be critical in OSU's hopes of moving the ball against Texas Tech on Saturday. [SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN] "><figcaption> Oklahoma State's Spencer Sanders (3) will be critical in OSU's hopes of moving the ball against Texas Tech on Saturday. [SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN] </figcaption></figure>
Scott Wright

A lifelong resident of the Oklahoma City metro area, Scott Wright has been on The Oklahoman staff since 2005, covering a little bit of everything on the state's sports scene. He has been a beat writer for football and basketball at Oklahoma and... Read more ›

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