The biggest danger for Oklahoma State on Saturday may not be Murray State itself, but the hangover that can follow a result like last week’s 39-31 win over then-No. 6 Oregon.
The Cowboys are 1-1 and suddenly carrying real buzz, and head coach Eric Morris has spent the week pushing the idea of keeping that momentum rolling. Murray State comes in at 1-2, fresh off its first win of the season, but still looking for a conference championship for the first time in nearly 25 years.
For the Racers, this is the kind of game that can take on a life of its own. Their last win over an FBS opponent came in 1984, when they beat Louisville 26-23.
There are a few spots on the field that should tell the story of this one, starting with Murray State quarterback Jaxon Shannon against an Oklahoma State defense that has shown enough in coverage to feel good about itself. The Cowboys’ secondary has been solid through two games, and the front should have chances to get after Shannon all afternoon. He has already thrown two interceptions in three games, and OSU has been trying to turn that kind of pressure into more takeaways.
That’s been a point of emphasis since fall camp, though the results have been modest so far. The Cowboys have forced only two turnovers, and they’d love to see more from cornerback LaDainian Fields, who owns their lone interception.
If there’s ever a time for the secondary to stack a few plays and build some confidence before Big 12 play, this is it. If not, and Shannon starts settling in, the Racers’ passing game could become a nuisance as the game wears on.
The offensive line is another area worth watching, because Oklahoma State still hasn’t had much continuity up front. Injuries have already forced changes in each of the first two games, and this one could bring another shuffle.
Joseph Hanson, the starting right guard, was banged up against Oregon and played only 31 snaps. His status for Saturday is unclear, and the Cowboys may choose to give him extra rest before conference play begins.
If that happens, Desmond Magiya would likely start at left guard and Johnny Dickson III at right guard, which would give Oklahoma State its third different starting offensive line combination in three games. That makes a fast start even more important. If the Cowboys can control things early, it opens the door for running back Caleb Hawkins to get rolling and put the game out of reach.
Then there’s Wyatt Young, who has become the receiver most helped by the last two weeks of the Oklahoma State offense. Working as the Y receiver, he isn’t tied to one side of the formation, which gives Murray State a decision to make every snap.
The Racers could attach a cornerback to him, or let the alignment dictate the matchup. Depending on the look, Young could wind up against a safety or even a linebacker.
That puts pressure on quarterback Drew Mestemaker to find the mismatch, and on Young to handle the hot route responsibilities when the defense shifts. After some big plays against Oregon, the junior wideout looks like a player who could be in line for another productive day if the Cowboys identify the right spots to attack.
In Other News...
What Oregon's Early Problems Could Mean For Oklahoma State
Oregons early stumble has already changed the conversation around one of Oklahoma States most eye-catching wins. The Ducks, still ranked No. 21, are trying to settle things down before facing Portland State, and the aftermath of the loss has put a spotlight on issues that were supposed to be strength points by now. Coach Dan Lanning pointed to a lack of leadership after the game, a sign that the Ducks are already dealing with more than just one bad result.
For Oklahoma State, the bigger takeaway is what that win may say about the opponent the Cowboys beat. Oregon is also working through offensive line injuries, including the loss of Trent Ferguson for the season, while the defense has not yet matched preseason expectations, especially when it comes to getting pressure on quarterbacks. If the Ducks are still sorting out those problems this early, the Cowboys can view their victory as more than a one-off upset. [Read more 🡒]
Oklahoma State's Oregon Upset May Have Changed Eric Morris' Recruiting Fight
A Saturday in Stillwater gave Oklahoma State something every recruiting staff wants but cannot manufacture: proof that the sell is real. While the Cowboys were knocking off Oregon, the program had about 100 potential recruits on campus for official visits, giving those prospects a front-row look at the atmosphere and the aftermath of a signature win. For a staff trying to build out the 2027 and 2028 classes, it was the kind of day that can linger long after the final whistle.
Eric Morris has been blunt about how much winning matters in the recruiting battle, and this one gave his staff a vivid backdrop to work with as it keeps pressing forward with offers and evaluations. The challenge now is turning one loud afternoon into lasting momentum, especially with elite prospects continuing to get attention from across the country and Oklahoma State trying to stay aggressive in that race. [Read more 🡒]
Oklahoma State May Finally Get O-Line Stability At A Crucial Time
Oklahoma State could be inching toward some much-needed stability up front, with Braydon Nelson trending toward a return just as the schedule starts to sharpen. The Cowboys have had to shuffle options at left tackle in his absence, and the line has been working through the early stretch without one of the players they expected to help anchor the group.
Nelson has been sidelined since the offseason because of a knee injury, but there is growing optimism around his availability for the Oct. 10 game against UCF. Eric Morris indicated he could be fully ready by then, and Oklahoma State may also have some flexibility in how it uses him, including the possibility of deploying him as a swing tackle-guard. [Read more 🡒]