Notes from the Opponent – Oklahoma State

Hunter Dworaczyk, Senior Sports Reporter

Ahead of No. 20 Texas’ matchup against No. 11 Oklahoma State, the Daily Texan spoke with Daniel Allen, sports reporter at the school’s paper, The O’Colly.

 

The Daily Texan: After Saturday’s 43-40 overtime loss to TCU, where would you say the program is?

Daniel Allen: You can’t get away with being one dimensional (on offense), and I think the bubble finally popped. I think they’re going to try to establish more of a run game, especially this week (after) finally losing a game. Against an experienced defensive line like Texas has, it’s going to be difficult to do. But I think it sets up for an interesting offensive approach for the Cowboys this week.


 

DT: Do you think quarterback Spencer Sanders is going to be able to play this week and how would his absence affect the offense if he cannot?

DA: I expect him to play … Oklahoma State is in a real pivotal state in its quarterback room. Oklahoma State does not have as much of a cushion in the quarterback room as it has had in (past) years. Quite frankly, if Sanders is in trouble, OSU is in a lot of trouble. But granted, I do expect him to play.

 

DT: With the departure of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles in the offseason, how different does Oklahoma State’s defense look this season?

DA: I’ll tell you what, (I’m) seeing a lot more 45-41 ball games rather than 24-21 ball games. It’s been good enough. It utilizes the “bend but don’t break” mentality phenomenally. It gives the offense a big enough cushion where it can win ball games.

 

DT: What are your impressions of the Big 12 race this season, and how do you expect the rest of conference play to shake out?

DA: There’s a lot of parity in the Big 12 this year. There’s no certain win on the schedule for anybody this year. I think that creates an interesting dynamic when it comes to the race, and I think you’ll definitely see a two loss team in the championship this year.