Texas football vs. OK State: 4 reasons the Horns can dominate in Stillwater

Spencer Sanders’ lingering injuries could cause him to run out of steam again

One of the major concerns for the Pokes heading into this game is the looming injury situation surrounding senior dual-threat quarterback Spencer Sanders. It looked like Sanders was clearly hobbled last weekend down the stretch against TCU.

He just eventually ran out of gas in the second half as Sanders wasn’t making a lot of the throws he’s usually able to complete in the intermediate and deep parts of the field. Last weekend against TCU, Sanders managed 94 passing yards, no passing scores, and one interception in the second half as the Pokes collapsed in Fort Worth.

Sanders posted his worst passer efficiency rating of the season in the loss to TCU, at 105.2. He was able to utilize his legs effectively in the first half, but the quarterback run game also went by the wayside for the Pokes in the second half.

But the issues with Sanders in the passing game actually encompass the last two games. Sanders ranks last in the Big 12 in completion percentage on intermediate and deep passing attempts in the last two weeks.

I have to believe that the injury issues started to pile up for Sanders in the 41-31 win for Oklahoma State at home over the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Oct. 8. The Oklahoma State offense also started to look more inconsistent at times in the second half against Texas Tech. It just wasn’t as bad as it was for Sanders and the Pokes as it was against TCU.

Moreover, Sanders is dealing with at least one lower-body injury since the Oklahoma State win over Texas Tech as well as a lingering issue in his non-throwing shoulder. He didn’t practice at all last week prior to Oklahoma State’s loss to TCU.

It does look like Sanders will play this weekend against the Longhorns, but Gundy is playing it close to the vest in terms of his status in practice this week.