Oklahoma State listed offensive tackle Braydon Nelson as a game-time decision for the UCF game on Saturday morning, giving the Cowboys one final lineup question just before kickoff. Nelson had missed the first four games of the season while recovering from offseason knee surgery, so his status had been trending in the right direction before the final report changed it from probable to game-time decision.
The Saturday report only included players who were out or game-time decisions, which made Nelson's placement especially notable. He had been listed as probable on the player availability report all three days it was released before Saturday, and Eric Morris said on Thursday that he expected Nelson to be available to play. Morris also said Nelson could fill in at left guard, showing the staff views him as a versatile option once he is fully ready.
That flexibility matters for Oklahoma State because Nelson played left tackle last season for North Texas, and both Eric Morris and Cody Crill previously coached him there. Morris said he expected Shaun Torgeson and Ashton Lepo, who have started at left tackle and right tackle, respectively, to start the game, and he added that neither player had done anything to lose playing time or their starting job. In other words, Nelson's return would not necessarily change the starting picture, but it would give the Cowboys another experienced piece across the line.
There was one more small note in the week leading up to kickoff: Wyatt Young was listed as probable on Friday. But the main storyline remained Nelson's status, because his availability affects Oklahoma State's depth and its ability to move pieces around if needed. If he is active, the Cowboys would have more options. If not, they will stick with the linemen they have already trusted through the first month of the season.
