OSU 3-2-1 kickoff: How will Oklahoma State QB Spencer Sanders respond vs. West Virginia?
STILLWATER — Oklahoma State’s home finale is here.
OSU will then await its bowl destination, which will be revealed Dec. 4.
Here are three players to watch, two big questions and one wild prediction for the game:
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3 players to watch in Oklahoma State vs. West Virginia
Wide receiver Braydon Johnson: Injuries have marred the career of the speedy super-senior. But Johnson is coming off a dynamic game with seven receptions for 109 yards and a 17-yard run in the loss to the Sooners. It was his most impactful game in more than a month and a sign he could be in line to finish his OSU career in a strong way.
Defensive end Brock Martin: Another super-senior playing his final home game, Martin has battled numerous injuries in his career — and this season — but remains the heart and soul of the defense. The Oologah product had just a half a sack in his past five games, so this could be a chance for him to show OSU fans one more time in person how he can dominate.
Safety Jason Taylor II: He’s not a super-senior and has a chance to return next season, but the Carl Albert graduate could very well be playing his final home game. And for the past two years, he’s done nothing but make plays. He leads the Big 12 this season with five interceptions and is a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the nation's top defensive back in college football. A turnover or two in this game would be fitting.
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2 big questions in Oklahoma State vs. West Virginia
How will Spencer Sanders rebound? Don’t forget the Fiesta Bowl. The last time Sanders threw four interceptions in a game, he rebounded quite well in the following game. After the quarter of picks in the Big 12 title game loss to Baylor last season, he was magnificent against Notre Dame in Phoenix. He threw for 371 yards and four touchdowns. He rushed for 125 yards. He orchestrated a remarkable comeback. The Mountaineers don’t have the same pedigree as Notre Dame, but Sanders will be highly motivated to put last week’s tough game behind him. If things click, watch out.
Can the Cowboys have success stopping the Mountaineers on fourth down? The Mountaineers are one of the best teams in the country on converting fourth downs. They rank 10th in the Football Bowl Subdivision with a 70% conversion rate. The Cowboys are solid against fourth-down attempts, getting stops half the time. And there could be several chances for fourth-down attempts. OSU is fourth nationally on third down, holding opponents to just a 27.1% success rate.
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1 wild prediction in Oklahoma State vs. West Virginia
The Cowboys finish with six sacks. OSU’s season high for sacks in a game is five, and West Virginia has allowed just 22 all season. But this feels like a game the Cowboys get aggressive up front to wreak havoc, leading to a big day.
—Jacob Unruh, Staff writer
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football: How will Spencer Sanders respond vs. WVU?
