The no. 10 Oklahoma State Cowboys entered their homecoming game on Saturday as a 6-point underdog to the no. 20 Texas Longhorns, and despite trailing 31-24 at the half, the Cowboys were able to put together quite a second half performance to come away with a 41-34 win. Texas managed just 3 points in the second half as Oklahoma State scored the final 17 points and pulled in two interceptions in the final 83 seconds of the game.
Spencer Sanders Should Go Down as One of the Greatest Cowboys of All Time
It’s not always pretty, but quarterback Spencer Sanders can always be expected to do one thing: leave his best effort out on the field. The turnover woes from his early days are mostly long gone, and even when he does make a mistake nowadays, he manages to make up for it in other ways. One thing is certain: he’s going to make big plays when the teams need him most.
In one of the most notable games of his career, Sanders made plays through the air and on the ground to get the job done and get the Cowboys a win. Completing 34-of-57 passes, he passed for 391 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also rushed for 43 yards on 11 carries.
Regardless of what any haters may say, Spencer Sanders is worthy of every bit of praise that he ever gets. His stat line rarely tells the whole story, but he leaves his heart on the field every single week, and it’s high time that Cowboy fans appreciate him for all that he does.
Is Stephon Johnson Jr. the Next Big Receiver in Stillwater?
With Braydon Johnson and Jaden Bray out due to injury, the Cowboys were forced to dig deep into the depth chart to true freshman Stephon Johnson Jr. Before Texas, Johnson had only seen action in two games, resulting in 5 catches for 73 yards and no touchdowns. Filling in for the injured Cowboys, however, Johnson stepped up in a big way as he racked up 6 catches for 90 yards.
Stillwater has become known as a place where many receivers grow into NFL prospects, and the Cowboys might just have their next big playmaker in Stephon Johnson Jr.. With the departure of standout receiver Tay Martin due to graduation, many wondered who would step into the spotlight, and Oklahoma State has done a good job at sharing the ball. After today, it appears to be evident that Stephon Johnson Jr. can be added to the list of trustworthy receivers.
Jason Taylor II Finishes What He Starts
Entering the matchup with Texas, many expected the Cowboy secondary to struggle. On just the third play of the game, Jason Taylor II did what he has done consistently throughout his career in Stillwater by making a big play and pulling in an interception. It appeared to be the start of a great day for Oklahoma State, but the Cowboys managed just a field goal, and on the very next drive, it was Taylor who was embarrassed by Bijan Robinson, who juked Taylor out before finding the end zone.
Fast forward to the fourth quarter. Oklahoma State had a 7-point lead with just a couple of minutes to play, and the Cowboy defense desperately needed to get a stop. Once again, Jason Taylor stepped up to the plate and hauled in yet another interception. Unfortunately, Taylor injured his knee on the play, but his big play was a key one that led to the Cowboy victory.
Headed to the Little Apple
Next weekend the Cowboys will travel to Manhattan, Kansas, to take on the Kansas State Wildcats, a team that stands in the way of making the Big 12 Championship game. As long as the Cowboys win out, they will not only make the Big 12 Championship, but possibly put themselves in position to be selected for the College Football Playoff.
Kickoff time and TV channel for next Saturday have yet to be decided.