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STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) Daxx Garman could be making his first start at quarterback since his junior year of high school.
With J.W. Walsh reportedly having surgery this week and out for an extended period, Garman could be running Oklahoma State's offense for the foreseeable future. If so, his first chance comes Saturday when UTSA (1-1) visits Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday.
When he entered the game last weekend late in the first quarter for the injured Walsh, Garman was making his first game appearance in five years and looked impressive. He completed 16-of-26 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Cowboys (1-1) to a 40-23 victory over Missouri State.
And while he wasn't perfect by any means, Garman set OSU records for yardage and completions by a debut quarterback - surpassing marks set by current coach Mike Gundy in 1986 and Walsh in 2012.
''He played fairly well, he made some mistakes,'' Gundy said. ''We'd like to have some throws back, I'm sure he would. For the most part, it's never like what people think it is until you step out there and play. I think he handled himself well, I think the team felt comfortable with him in the game.''
That isn't the best of news for UTSA, which is coming off a 26-23 loss at home to Arizona last weekend. It was a roller-coaster game for the Roadrunners, who fell behind 10-0 in the first five minutes, rebounded to take a 16-13 lead just before halftime. After Arizona regained the lead and led 26-16 in the fourth quarter before a late comeback fell short.
''It was a disappointing loss for us, but I'm really proud of our team, they fought hard,'' said UTSA coach Larry Coker. ''They responded and could have given up a couple of times and never did''
Things to watch Saturday:
START ME UP: Garman's last start was for Jones High School, just outside Oklahoma City, in 2009. After moving to the Dallas suburbs the following year, he was ruled ineligible to play for Southlake Carroll his senior season. He then enrolled at Arizona, where he red-shirted in 2011, before transferring to OSU. The NCAA made him sit out a mandatory year (2012) before he returned as a backup last season.
QUICK SUCCESS: UTSA football is in just its fourth season. Coker started it from scratch in 2011 and has built it quickly. After going 4-6 that first season with mostly freshmen and sophomores, the Roadrunners have gone 8-4 and 7-5 since, ending last season on a five-game winning streak.
FOLLOW THY SHEPERD: Cowboys junior receiver Brandon Sheperd enjoyed a big day last weekend against Missouri State. He had four receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown, matching or setting career-high totals. ''It's progressively gotten better for him. He's really improved from the understanding of the game and still continues to do so,'' said offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich.
STUDENT VS. MENTOR: Coker served as Oklahoma State's offensive coordinator for seven seasons, including all four while Gundy was the school's quarterback from 1986-89. Gundy considers him one of his mentors. ''He's always been a very special part of our family,'' said Gundy, who defeated Coker in their first meeting last season when the Cowboys beat UTSA 56-35.
YOUTH IS SERVED: After losing 32 letter-winners off last season's 10-3 squad, Oklahoma State has one of the youngest teams in the nation, tying Tulane with 32 freshmen and sophomores on its season-opening roster. No less than 10 Cowboys, including seven on defense, made their first college starts in their opening-day 37-31 loss to No. 1 Florida State.
