Oklahoma State heads into Big 12 play with more energy than it carried a year ago, and the first conference test comes Saturday at 6 p.m. against West Virginia in Morgantown.
The Cowboys are 2-1, the Mountaineers are 3-0, and the matchup brings together two coaches who have never faced each other in a game. Mike Gundy said he first met West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez in May at the league’s coaches meetings.
As the week opens, Oklahoma State is also starting to sort through a long list of injury situations, with Big 12 participation reports beginning Wednesday. Gundy offered updates on Saturday and Tuesday, though he didn’t always get specific about the injuries involved.
Chris Barnes is the name to watch first. He sat out Saturday’s game with a shoulder injury he picked up against Oregon in Week 2, and Terrence Lewis got the start in his place.
Gundy said, “we’re excited to get Chris Barnes back this week” when talking about the former Wake Forest wide receiver. Barnes gives the Cowboys another threat in the passing game and a boost in the return game, where he handles kickoffs.
Lewis has handled more work the last two weeks, so Barnes should not have to shoulder quite as much of the load right away. He figures to open the week as questionable.
The same general outlook applies to tight end/line situations, where Oklahoma State is trying to piece things together without overworking anyone. Oates did not play against Murray State after getting hurt against Oregon, and the Cowboys have not said exactly what the injury is.
He limped off after the celebration against the Ducks. Gundy said Saturday that Oates should practice this week, but he still has to show he’s ready to go.
Enai White started in his place against Murray State, and since the Cowboys rotate multiple tackles, Oates wouldn’t necessarily need to return to a heavy workload even if he’s active. He should also be in the questionable range when Wednesday’s report comes out.
Rigsby was a late scratch before Saturday’s game, with Cowboys Sports Network reporting the absence shortly before kickoff. The injury was not disclosed, and he also missed the Murray State game. Gundy had already addressed Rigsby’s status last Tuesday, but he did not offer a clear injury detail or timeline, so his Wednesday designation is hard to pin down.
There’s also the situation with Hammond, who did not play against Murray State while continuing to work back from an injury. Last week, before the MSU game, Gundy described Hammond as a “week-to-week” consideration.
He is recovering from offseason surgery, and Oklahoma State is not rushing him back. Carson Kolb remains the starter.
At guard, Hanson left the Oregon game after playing 31 snaps and did not suit up against Murray State. Gundy said after that game that he expected Hanson to practice this week and, like Oates, he’ll need to prove he’s ready to play.
Oklahoma State still lists Hanson as the starter at right guard. Last week, the Cowboys used Johnny Dickson III there and started Desmond Magiya at left tackle.
Jakobe Sanders is also listed behind Hanson for depth. Hanson looks likely to be labeled questionable on Wednesday.
Nelson is further along in his recovery from knee surgery, but not far enough for this one. Gundy said on his radio show last week that Nelson is on track to be ready for the UCF game on Oct.
- For now, he remains out.
Shaun Torgeson is set to start at left tackle, while Desmond Magiya or Johnny Dickson III could open at left guard depending on Hanson’s status. The bigger puzzle is where Nelson fits once he’s cleared.
And then there’s Jacob Sexton, whose season is over. Gundy said Sexton is out for the year with a lower right leg injury. He played six snaps in the opener before his right leg was rolled over by a Tulsa defender who missed a tackle.
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