BREAKING: Oklahoma State’s Zane Flores is primed to make his highly anticipated first career start against No. 6 Oregon today at 12:30 p.m. at Autzen Stadium. This critical matchup comes as Flores steps in for injured quarterback Hauss Hejny, making his debut after only a brief appearance last week against UT Martin.
Flores, a third-year freshman, completed 13 of 20 passes for 136 yards in his limited action and will face a formidable Oregon defense that excelled last week, recording seven tackles for loss and three sacks against Montana State. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning emphasized that with minimal film to analyze, the Ducks will focus on Oklahoma State’s offensive scheme rather than Flores’ individual skills.
“It’s all about preparing for what we see on film,” Lanning stated. “You see a player that can execute, and an offensive scheme that’s tough to defend.” The Ducks are coming off a strong win and are eager to capitalize on their defensive prowess to halt the Cowboys’ tempo.
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy acknowledged the challenges of starting on the road, but expressed confidence in Flores, stating, “I would expect him to function just fine.” He reiterated the need for his coaching staff to create favorable conditions for the young quarterback, urging them to keep it simple and allow Flores to play aggressively.
Flores, who was the 2022 MaxPreps Nebraska Player of the Year, amassed over 9,000 passing yards, 82 passing touchdowns, and 29 rushing touchdowns during his high school career. He did not play last season due to an injury but is now ready to showcase his skills in a high-pressure environment.
As Oklahoma State’s offensive line faces the challenge of protecting Flores, it features a mix of experienced transfers and less seasoned players on the right side. Defensive tackle Tionne Gray highlighted the Ducks’ strategy, saying, “We got to do what we always want to do: affect the quarterback in any way.”
With both teams sitting at 1-0, this matchup holds significant implications for their seasons. Fans can expect an intense showdown as Flores aims to prove himself against a ranked opponent.
Stay tuned for live updates as this thrilling game unfolds!