Sanders, No. 7 Oklahoma State host Texas Tech

Posted October 06, 2022 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders (3) rushes past Baylor linebacker Tyrone Brown (36) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Waco, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson) The Associated Press

Texas Tech (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) at No. 7 Oklahoma State (4-0, 1-0), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (FS1)

Line: Oklahoma State by 9 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Series record: Tied 23-23-3.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

Oklahoma State got off to a good start in Big 12 play with a 36-25 victory at then-No. 16 Baylor. The seventh-ranked Cowboys are positioned for a run at a playoff spot, and quarterback Spencer Sanders could become a more prominent part of the Heisman Trophy conversation if he continues to perform well. Both possibilities would take a hit with a loss to Texas Tech on Saturday. Tech, which already has wins over ranked opponents Houston and Texas this season, could crack the Top 25 with a victory.

KEY MATCHUP

Texas Tech QB Donovan Smith vs. Oklahoma State pass rush. Smith has passed for 295 yards per game and has shown mobility with three rushing touchdowns. Oklahoma State averages three sacks per game and constantly pressures quarterbacks.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Texas Tech: RB Tahj Brooks. He has rushed for 209 yards and four touchdowns and caught 19 passes for 105 yards and a score. He platoons with SaRodorick Thompson to form a productive duo.

Oklahoma State: QB Spencer Sanders. The dual threat averages 320.5 yards of total offense per game. He has 11 touchdowns passing and four touchdowns rushing while having thrown just two interceptions.

FACTS & FIGURES

Oklahoma State will be Texas Tech's fifth consecutive AP ranked opponent. .... Texas Tech ranks fourth nationally in passing offense with 362.2 yards per game. ... Oklahoma State ranks fifth nationally with 47.8 points per contest. ... Oklahoma State will add Bob Fenimore to its Ring of Honor on Saturday. The halfback finished ninth in the Heisman vote in 1944 and third in 1945. He will join Barry Sanders and Thurman Thomas. ... Oklahoma State's Braydon Johnson has 17 catches for 360 yards and three touchdowns.

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Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders (3) scrambles out of the pocket during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Baylor in Waco, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson) The Associated Press

Texas Tech wide receiver Xavier White (14) dives into the end zone to score a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas State Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Manhattan, Kan. Kansas State won 37-28. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) The Associated Press

Texas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith (7) is chased into the end zone by Kansas State safety Kobe Savage (2) as he scores a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Manhattan, Kan. Kansas State won 37-28. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) The Associated Press

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