Oklahoma State football: Key numbers to know for TCU matchup

2. Spencer Sanders has thrown seven touchdowns and one interception in the last three games. 

OSU quarterback Spencer Sanders hasn’t had a stretch this good since the beginning of his OSU career, when he also tossed the same touchdown-to-interception ratio in three easy Cowboys wins in 2019 against Oregon State, FCS McNeese, and Tulsa.

Sanders has matured as a leader of the offense since the start of his freshman season, as he is forcing plays less while also scrambling out of a collapsing pocket. With the increased comfort level with wide receivers Brennan Presley and Tay Martin, Sanders is directing a passing attack that is productive enough to lead OSU to a Big 12 title.

Sanders has only thrown two picks in his last four starts. In showcasing his ability to break down a defense, the junior has also had a run of at least 10 yards in each game he’s played this year.

1. New TCU starting quarterback nearly threw for 500 yards last week.

TCU’s offense has averaged more than 450 total yards per game, the third-highest mark among Big 12 teams behind only Baylor and OU. More worrisome for the Cowboys, though, is the emergence of former OU quarterback Chandler Morris under center for TCU.

Morris got his first start for the Horned Frogs last week, which was a strange event considering that it was the first TCU football game without Gary Patterson on the sidelines since 1997. The redshirt freshman picked apart a normally stout Bears defense last weekend, rushing for 70 yards and a score in addition to throwing for 461 yards and two more touchdowns.

10 different TCU players recorded a reception in the display of offensive fireworks. For OSU, applying consistent pressure against Morris will be key — similar to how the Cowboys (with eight total sacks) frustrated West Virginia quarterback Jarret Doege last weekend. If Morris is forced out of his comfort zone and left with little time to connect downfield, OSU will be able to control the flow of the game.