The Texas Longhorns came into yesterday’s game ranked number 22 in the nation, with a 2-1 record. They came into this week with a loss to California and wins against Notre Dame and UTEP. However, the Oklahoma State Cowboys came into the game not ranked, with a 2-2 record. The Cowboys came into the week with losses to Central Michigan and Baylor. Both teams were in need of a big win, especially Charlie Strong and the Longhorns.
Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, would be the site of an important game in the Big-12 title race. With all the chaos happening in the Big-12 so far this season, the Cowboys and Longhorns were expected to both fight hard for a win.
What We Learned from Oklahoma State’s Win Over Texas
Game Recap
The Longhorns were going to need a big performance from quarterback Shane Buechele. However, they ended up relying more on the running game than anything. Running backs D’Onta Foreman and Chris Warren III combined for over 250 yards and two touchdowns. That would lead to 329 yards and four touchdowns on the ground for the Longhorns. The Cowboys relied on running back Justice Hill for most of their rushing yards, with 135 yards and one touchdown.
The game started fast for the Cowboys as they jumped out to a 14 point lead in the first quarter. The Longhorns would end up scoring the next two touchdowns. Yet, they had an extra point blocked and returned by the Cowboys for two points. The Cowboys would then outscore the Longhorns 21-12 in the second quarter, to take a 37-25 lead into halftime. The first half saw Buechele throw a key interception to Cowboys safety Jordan Sterns that setup Oklahoma State for a key touchdown. Quarterback Mason Rudolph did not turn the ball over at all during the game, which was a big reason for the Cowboys success.
There would not be as much scoring in the second half as the first. Both teams would exchange touchdowns, but neither team would get an extra point or two point conversion. Two Ben Grogan field goals would round out the fourth quarter. The Cowboys would walk away with a 49-31 victory. There were big games from Rudolph and Cowboys receiver Jalen McCleskey. Rudolph would come away with 392 yards passing and four total touchdowns. McCleskey got 109 yards and two touchdowns. Now let’s take a look at what we learned from Oklahoma State’s win over Texas.
Too Much Hype was Given to Texas after the Notre Dame Win
Texas opened their season strong against Notre Dame, with a 50-47 win in overtime. That would catapult the Longhorns all the way to number 11 in the AP Poll. Now, two straight losses to Cal and Oklahoma State have put the Longhorns permanently out of the top 25 and questions have started to rise. Their defense has looked miserable this season, giving up more than 47 points in three of their four games this season. While the offense has looked better, without a defense, it’s hard to win in the Big 12.
Up next for the Longhorns is the Red River Showdown against the Oklahoma Sooners. Considering they still only have one loss in conference play, they are still very much alive in the Big 12 title race.
Oklahoma State’s Offense Has Found Their Rhythm
After two questionable performances against Central Michigan and Baylor, the Cowboys definitely found their grove against Texas. The Cowboys totaled 555 yards on the way to their third game scoring 45 points or more. It’s easy to see a pattern emerging with Oklahoma State this season. They are 3-0 when scoring more than 40 points, and 0-2 when scoring less than 30. Furthermore, the Cowboys have gotten two straight games with a 100 yard running back, after Hill’s 135 yard performance.
Up next for the Cowboys is the Iowa State Cyclones. The Cyclones are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Baylor Bears, 45-42. With the Cowboys already having lost to Central Michigan this season, they need to make sure they don’t overlook Iowa State.
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