Tale of the tape: Texas vs. Oklahoma State
The No. 20 Texas Longhorns head to Stillwater, Okla. to face the No. 11 Oklahoma State Cowboys in an important Big 12 battle.
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There’s intrigue at every position in this game, but which team has the advantage at each spot? The tale of the tape answers.
Quarterback
Spencer Sanders‘ status is the key storyline heading into this game. A six-point line seems to indicate the oddsmakers don’t see him playing, or at least not being his usual self if he does. A limited Sanders isn’t quite the same as Quinn Ewers in his current state. This switches to major advantage Texas if Gunnar Gundy starts.
Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas
Running back
This isn’t a typical Cowboy team of years past where the Pokes would have a running back that struck fear into defenses on a down by down basis. Plus, with the quality of the Longhorn backs and Bijan Robinson looking to move up the UT record books, Texas’ rushers take the cake in this matchup.
Tale of the tape: Major advantage Texas
Wide receiver
Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington have been excellent this year, though figuring out the depth behind that duo remains a chore for the Longhorn coaches. Like running back, there’s no one player to fear on the brighter orange side of things, though that’s not to say there aren’t good receivers in Mike Gundy’s offense.
Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas
Tight end
This typically is a well-coached position for Oklahoma State, who refer to their tight ends as “Cowboy backs.” But with the way Ja’Tavion Sanders has surged onto the scene this year, plus quality play from Gunnar Helm and Andrej Karic, this is an easy major Texas advantage.
Tale of the tape: Major advantage Texas
Offensive line
The Cowboy O-line is depleted, and that may be putting it lightly. Plus, Texas ran the ball when it needed to against Iowa State last week with younger players holding serve (or better) against the experienced Cyclone front.
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Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas
Defensive line
Though one Cowboy D-lineman who has made several starts won’t be suiting up again this season, this is one of the areas of strength for OSU this season. Texas has received phenomenal play from its defensive tackles, but the play on the edges has left plenty to be desired.
Tale of the tape: Advantage Oklahoma State
Linebacker
Jaylan Ford is playing like an all-conference player, but there haven’t been the type of contributions from other players Texas needs in order to make this position a full-fledge advantage.
Tale of the tape: Even
Secondary
Oklahoma State is one of the worst pass defenses in the country under first-year defensive coordinator Derek Mason. Texas had its troubles last week but is back to full-strength and has things a little more figured out than the Cowboys.
Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas
Specialists
Tanner Brown and Tom Hutton are two of the top specialists in the conference, and possibly the country. Daniel Trejo and Bert Auburn have been serviceable of late, but their quality lacks compared to the OSU duo.
Tale of the tape: Major advantage Oklahoma State
