Vitals: Oklahoma State Cowboys at Texas Longhorns

Originally Published: Nov 13, 2010 5:38 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

Oklahoma State Cowboys (8-1) at Texas Longhorns (4-5)
7 p.m. CST
Darryl K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX

Returning Statistical Leaders:

Injury Report:

Oklahoma State: WR Hubert Anyiam (ankle, questionable); S Victor Johnson (knee, season).

Texas: DB Aaron Williams (concussion, probable); RB Fozzy Whittaker (stinger, questionable); DE Jackson Jeffcoat (ankle, doubtful); RB Tre' Newton (concussion, out); OL Michael Huey (knee, out); TE Blaine Irby (knee, out); WR Gregory Timmons (neck, out); CB Chykie Brown (arm, season) .

Where to Find It:

On TV: ABC-HD
On Radio: Cowboy Radio Network

What You Need to Know?.

For the second time this season, Oklahoma State takes a road trip in hopes of ending a decades-long road losing streak. Earlier this season, OSU knocked off Texas Tech in Lubbock for the first time since 1956 and looks to beat Texas in Austin for the first time since 1944. The Cowboys are the clear favorite and Texas is actually a home underdog for the first time in the Mack Brown era. Oklahoma State is third in the nation in scoring offense, while Texas comes in at No. 52 in scoring defense.

Despite the down season, it isn’t all bad in Austin. If any matchup this year favored the Longhorns it’s Oklahoma State. Texas is fifth in the nation in total defense and second in the nation in pass defense, taking on a Cowboys’ offense that is predicated on passing the ball. But for Texas to pull off the upset the offense needs to produce and that has been the problem all season. Despite switching to a pro-style offense, Texas is 79th in the nation in rushing offense with a meager 140.56 yards per game.

Who You Need to Watch?

Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden has been dialed in the last two games, completing 56 of his 81 pass attempts against Kansas State and Baylor. The junior quarterback has developed all season and will continue to improve as the season winds down. Perhaps a key to his success is the play of his offensive line and their cohesion as the season progressed. For the first time this season, the Cowboys did not allow a sack in back-to-back games and will need to play well against a talented Texas front four.

For all of the criticism targeted at him, Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert has had the full support of the coaching staff. However, after a five-interception performance against Kansas State fans and analysts were left wondering why backup Case McCoy didn’t get any looks. The sophomore quarterback may be on a shot leash, and if he struggles look for the younger McCoy to get some playing time.