The turnpike series lived up to its billing. The Tulsa Golden Hurricane were looking for their first win in the series since 1988. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State was looking to win for the seventh straight time in the series. After a tight battle in the first half, the Oklahoma State defense takes control with a 40-21 victory. Chuba Hubbard was the offensive star for the Cowboys as he ran for 256 yards and three touchdowns in the win.
Running backs take center stage
Coming into the contest, the best matchup appeared to be Oklahoma State’s Tylan Wallace against the improved Tulsa defense. However, the running backs stole the show in the first half. And, even the backs took turns taking the spotlight.
First, Hubbard started strong taking the first Cowboys snap 75 yards for a score. Then, Hubbard rambled 30 yards to put Oklahoma State up 14-0 less than five minutes into the game. But, that would the last time the Cowboys would hit paydirt in the first half of play.
Comparatively, Shamari Brooks got going for the Golden Hurricane who weathered the storm in the second half. Brooks took a pair of short three and one-yard runs into the end zone. With that, Tulsa took a narrow 21-20 lead into the break.
Spencer Sanders bounces back
Spencer Sanders has had a tremendous start to his redshirt freshman season in Stillwater through the first two games. But, he struggled in the first half in completing only 50% of his passes and tossing his first interception of the year. Also, he was not able to get loose on the ground.
Now, that all changed in the second half of play. In the third quarter, he scrambled 27 yards for a Cowboy score to take reclaim the lead 27-21. Then, on the ensuing possession, Sanders and Wallace were finally able to connect with each other. Wallace got loose for a 90-yard bomb from Sanders to take a 33-21 lead into the fourth quarter of play.
Golden Hurricane show fight
After a thoroughly dominating third quarter of play, Tulsa showed signs of life in the fourth quarter. Back against the ropes with Oklahoma State driving for a three-score lead Tulsa forced a Sanders fumble at midfield. However, the Golden Hurricane was not able to take advantage. Instead of attempting to cut the lead to nine, Tulsa head coach Phillip Montgomery elected to go for it on 4th and goal from the Cowboys six. Smith was sacked and the threat was ended by the Cowboys defense.
Oklahoma State defense takes control
After an uneven first half of play, the Oklahoma State defense takes control of the second half. The Cowboys found themselves trailing for the first time on the season and in need of a spark. And, the defense provided that spark. They thoroughly dominated the second half of play. Oklahoma State held the Golden Hurricane scoreless in the second half en route to a 40-21 win in the turnpike series.
