Taking the field for the first time, plenty of excitement surrounded the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Possessing an experienced defense and potent offense on paper, the program looked ready to challenge for a Big XII Championship. However, Saturday’s contest painted a much different picture.
During the opening drive, starting quarterback Spencer Sanders suffered a lower extremity injury. Forced to the sideline for the remainder of the afternoon, fans watched on as two others attempted to replace the production. Eventually earning a win, the coaching staff remained tight lipped on the situation revolving around Sanders.
Questioning the availability of Sanders moving forward, the subject matter became a talking point in Monday morning during a teleconference with reporters. Addressing the questions head on, Head Coach Mike Gundy told the group, “”We booted him up. We’ll take it off on Tuesday and then put him out there Wednesday and go from there.”
It’s good news in terms of an outlook on the season. However, many fans are also concerned with the backup situation as Shane Illingworth outplayed Ethan Bullock despite sitting in the third spot on the depth chart. Against West Virginia on Saturday, expect Illingworth, the freshman, to take over if Sanders is unable to participate for any reason.