Oklahoma State Football: 3 takeaways from Cheez-It Bowl win over Miami

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Dec 29, 2020; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Spencer Sanders (3) runs the ball during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes during the Cheez-It Bowl Game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Spencer Sanders locked up the QB1 job for 2021

Before Tuesday’s Cheez-It Bowl, there was speculation that Spencer Sanders was playing for his job. He was considered one of the bright young passers heading into his sophomore season, but he had some up-and-down play and an injury which presented an opportunity to freshman quarterback Shane Illingworth who seized it.

Sanders was still looked at as QB1 for the Cowboys, but his leash had been shortened. Now that Oklahoma State had two capable quarterbacks, Sanders was feeling the heat.

Well, if he was playing to keep his starting job in 2021, he secured it with an MVP performance, passing for 305 yards and four touchdowns on 27-of-40 completions. He looked calm and composed all game long, kept the ball moving and didn’t make any mistakes.

Sanders also led the team with 45 rushing yards and didn’t look overwhelmed despite not having Chuba Hubbard and Tylan Wallace in the second half.

This may have been a turning point in his career.

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