Gundy Says Trace Ford, Logan Carter Out for ‘A While’

STILLWATER — The Cowboys will be missing some of their key cogs for an extended period of time.

Oklahoma State defeated Missouri State 23-16 on Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium, doing so without quarterback Spencer Sanders, defensive end Trace Ford, Cowboy back Logan Carter, defensive tackle Israel Antwine, right guard Hunter Woodard and wide receiver Blaine Green. All six of those players were listed as starters on OSU’s first depth chart.

Gundy said he expected to get Sanders back “in a couple of days,” but the same couldn’t be said for some of the other listed starters.

“Logan Carter will be out quite a while,” Gundy said. “Israel Antwine, I’m expecting him back in a few days. Hunter Woodard I’m expecting back in a few days. … Trace Ford won’t be back for awhile. Collin Clay won’t be back. Blaine Green, it’s going to be awhile.”

Ford had a “minor medical procedure” a few weeks ago, according to the Oklahoma State radio broadcast. The Cowboys’ premier pass rusher tore his ACL last December after amassing 4.5 sacks in 10 games in 2020. Brock Martin, Tyren Irby, Ben Kopenski and Collin Oliver all rotated in at Ford’s Leo spot Saturday night.

Carter is the only Cowboy back on OSU’s roster with a career catch. Braden Cassity got a majority of the snaps at Cowboy back Saturday. Junior college transfer Austin Jarrard also got some run. Gundy didn’t specify why Carter was out.

Cole Birmingham started in place of the injured Woodard. The Cowboys’ offensive line pass protected well, as Shane Illingworth took only one sack, but the line struggled in run-blocking. OSU finished with with just 54 rushing yards on 1.9 yards per carry.

Bryson Green, Blaine’s twin, started at the X receiver spot both were expected to get time at. Bryson caught three passes for 41 yards.

Langston Anderson, another outside receiver who was supposed to contribute, had a lower body injury in pregame warmups that kept him out of Saturday’s game, and Gundy said it will likely keep him out for extended time. Anderson was a four-star recruit in the 2019 class. He has battled through injuries throughout his career and has just one catch for eight yards to this point.

“To lose one walking out of the dang tunnel was unbelievable,” offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn said. “I feel bad for Langston. He’s been chomping at the bit to get this opportunity for a long time. He’s finally got it. The kid’s been snake bit. I just couldn’t believe it for him. I feel terrible for the kid.”