Oklahoma State football: Tougher tests are ahead for Cowboys, like Saturday at Arizona

“This week, we're getting off the dirt and getting on the highway,” Spencer said.

Are the Cowboys up to speed? Do we even know?

That's the unresolved reality that comes with facing overmatched and overwhelmed foes like Savannah State. There's no tangible measuring stick by which to gauge progress.

So here's what we learned — and didn't learn — from OSU's opener:

Wes Lunt

Learned: He was accurate, as advertised, completing all 11 passes he threw for OSU's first “perfect game” by a quarterback. He appeared calm and confident, too, not at all like some raw rookie.

To Be Determined: Lunt's accuracy was at least partially tied to a safe passing approach based largely on short to intermediate throws, with just one pass attempted downfield. How will he be when more variety is needed to move the chains? Lunt was never pressured or hurried Saturday, making it easy to remain calm. So his test under such scenarios is yet to come.

Wide Receivers

Learned: Much preseason curiosity centered on the search for replacement receivers. The buzz about OSU's promising youngsters seemed spot on, especially in the case of unheralded freshman Austin Hays, who led all receivers with eight catches and 77 yards, with a score. Each of the Cowboys' three TD passes were caught by first-year players, and six receivers overall posted their first career catch. Veteran Isaiah Anderson caught four quick passes for 63 yards before exiting early, confirming hopes about a breakout from him.

TBD: The Cowboys kept things simple, not getting too complicated with routes and assignments. So there's still much to be gleaned when the kids get stressed and stretched in the playbook. More of an issue is the ongoing saga of Tracy Moore, who sat — again — under suspension, casting more concern on whether he'll ever stray far from the doghouse.