Everyone laughed in September, when embattled Texas head coach Mack Brown said that the hurt caused by losses to BYU and Ole Miss would be soothed once the Longhorns won the Big 12. Two months later, Texas has won six in a row and needs just three more Ws to make good on Mack’s word.
How to watch Oklahoma State vs. Texas 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Something has to give on Saturday when the streaking Cowboys and Longhorns meet in Austin.
Mark D. Smith-US PRESSWIRE
Following an upset loss to West Virginia, Oklahoma State was also written off as an also-ran, but the Cowboys have rattled off five straight wins of their own heading into Saturday’s matchup in Austin.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Oklahoma State and Texas come in ranked 12th and 24th in the BCS standings, respectively. Texas is undefeated in conference play and is currently tied with Baylor for first place in the Big 12. Oklahoma State is one game back but could put itself firmly in the mix for the conference championship by knocking off the Longhorns. Texas holds the all-time advantage in this series 23-4, but the Cowboys have won two of the last three.
Vegas: Betting opened with Oklahoma State favored to win by 2 points. It’s up to three points for OSU.
Weather: 79 degrees should make for a beautiful autumn day in Austin, Texas, but the chance of isolated thunderstorms looms.
Three names to know
Clint Chelf - Oklahoma State's three-headed quarterback monster from the 2012 season is no more. Wes Lunt transferred out and Clint Chelf has overtaken J.W. Walsh as the clear starter. Chelf came into the season being thought of as the better passer in the Cowboys' quarterback rotation, but the senior signal-caller has run for 190 yards during the past three games.
Malcolm Brown - After suffering an Achilles injury during the third quarter of Saturday’s overtime win against West Virginia, starting running back Johnathan Gray will undergo season-ending surgery. Malcolm Brown, Gray’s backup, has seen the field a great deal this year but has been much less effective than Gray. However, the junior has eight rushing touchdowns to lead the team.
Cedric Reed and Jackson Jeffcoat - Reed and Jeffcoat have combined for 14 sacks on the season and will need to be at their best in order to sack Clint Chelf or force him into mistakes. Oklahoma State has only allowed eight sacks this year, which is the best mark in the Big 12.
Two things at stake
Both Texas and Oklahoma State control their own destiny in the Big 12 (although both will also need to find a way to beat Baylor). The stakes are a little bit higher for Oklahoma State because the Cowboys’ loss to West Virginia gives them no room for error, and a loss to Texas could cost them an at-large BCS bid.
How to witness
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, FOX
Radio: Oklahoma State’s Cowboy Radio Network affiliates are here. For Texas radio station affiliates—all 36 of them—click here.
Online streaming: None
Further reading
For more on Horns football, visit Texas communities Burnt Orange Nation and Barking Carnival.
For more on OSU football, visit Cowboys Ride For Free.
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