OSU starting quarterback Spencer Sanders is expected to make his season debut on Saturday in the team’s Week 2 showdown versus Tulsa after clearing COVID-19 protocols, Mike Gundy announced on Thursday.

“Spencer’s looked the same as he’s always looked,” he said on this week’s Orange Power Pod. “He’s out of protocol, and he’s practiced well this week. He was able to practice throughout the week and feels good, seems to be doing really well.”

Sanders missed OSU’s game last Saturday against Missouri State because he was in COVID-19 protocols. Sophomore quarterback, and listed backup, Shane Illingworth made the start in his place, going 22-of-40 for 315 yards passing, one touchdown and one interception.

The return for Sanders should in theory help OSU’s running game open up because of his dual-threat capabilities. The running game was a weakness against Missouri State with the team totaling just 54 yards on 28 carries.

In two seasons as Oklahoma State’s starter, Sanders has thrown for 4,072 yards, 30 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. He has also ran for 897 yards and four scores.

At Big 12 Media Days in July, Gundy said Sanders had improved more in spring practices this year than he did the entire two years prior, which would be a welcome sign for the Pokes’ Big 12 title hopes.

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