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Oklahoma State might explore other options in the passing game Saturday at Texas Tech, with three wide receivers on the injured list.
On Monday, Cowboys coach Mike Gundy ruled Michael Harrison out after the redshirt freshman required surgery to repair a fractured finger. At the mid-week point, Gundy considers Hubert Anyiam doubtful and Josh Cooper questionable to play in Lubbock.
Anyiam suffered a sprained ankle in OSU's win at Louisiana-Lafayette, where Cooper lasted just three plays before leaving with a head injury.
Gundy updated the status of all three Tuesday night on his weekly radio show. He clarified the injury to Harrison as a spiral fracture in three places, requiring a pin to stabilize the bones. Gundy said Harrison would likely be out 10 days, making a return for the Oct. 23 Nebraska game possible.
Cooper practiced to some extent Tuesday, yet Gundy said he would be reevaluated on Wednesday before a decision is made on his availability at Tech.
The Cowboys will still feature Justin Blackmon, the nation's leading receiver. But if Cooper and/or Anyiam can't go in Lubbock, it'll be up to Bo Bowling, Colton Chelf, Tracy Moore and Isaiah Anderson to balance out the passing attack.
NATURAL ABILITY
Running back Kendall Hunter has been a key to the Cowboys limiting third-and-long situations. The senior has 110 carries this season and only 17 total lost yards.
"I've never seen a guy be able to make that first guy miss, a guy right at the line of scrimmage," offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen said. "If a D-lineman has penetration or they bring a corner off the edge, he can make that first guy miss behind the line of scrimmage, which prevents negative yardage situations."
It's a combination of vision and his natural ability to change direction in small areas which allows Hunter to make defenders miss.
"I usually see them before they come," Hunter said of defenders in the backfield. "If you don't, it's going to be problems."
WELCOME TO THE PARTY
Receiver Justin Blackmon is one of three players recognized as a "Welcome to the party" guy, i.e. a breakout player by Rivals.com. The sophomore is joined by Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson and Oregon cornerback Cliff Harris.
Blackmon leads the nation in receptions (9.4), receiving yards per game (149.6 yards per game), scoring (14.4 points per game) and touchdown receptions (11).
Blackmon is also a member of the Rivals.com Midseason All-American Team and is joined by kicker Dan Bailey, who is perfect on field goals (11 of 11) and point after touchdowns (32 of 32) this season, on the squad.
STRONGER THAN YOU THINK
Hunter is known for his breathtaking ability in the open field, but the senior is a strong, powerful runner as well.
In third-and-short situations this season, Hunter has been outstanding. Hunter is averaging 7.6 yards on 10 carries with the Cowboys facing third-and-3 or less including a 39-yard run.
Even without the 39-yarder, Hunter's numbers are still solid. In the other nine carries, Hunter averages 4.1 yards per carry, earning a first down on eight occasions.
"That's one thing people underestimate about him: his strength," Holgorsen said. "He's a powerful little dude."
Said Hunter: "I'm bigger, stronger and faster than I used to be."
POKES ARE "A PLEASANT SURPRISE"
Rivals.com calls Oklahoma State one of the three most pleasant surprises in college football. Many national analysts expected the Cowboys to finish near the bottom of the Big 12, but behind their explosive offense, OSU is 5-0 heading into Saturday's showdown with Texas Tech in Lubbock.
The Cowboys join Michigan State and North Carolina State as Rivals' midseason surprises.
