Superlatives: Game MVPs, Top Plays and More from Oklahoma State’s Big 12 Opener against Utah

Oklahoma State took the L on the chin on Saturday against Utah, thanks to a head-scratching performance by its offense and its coaching staff, and an effort that was at least respectable, all things considered, by its defense.

Let’s jump into this week’s superlatives in an unconventional way.

Offensive MVP: Dorian Singer

As far as I remember, this is the first time I’ve picked an MVP from a Cowboy opponent, but I just couldn’t justify naming a single offensive player on OSU’s roster as having more impact than Singer. Actually, I think there would be two Utes topping my list.

Utah’s journeyman wideout made back-breaking play after back-breaking play on OSU’s defense, constantly moving the chains. Four of his seven catches were first-down conversions with two on major third-and-long plays. He finished with 95 yards.

Honorable Mentions: Micah Bernard, Brennan Presley

Defensive MVP: Trey Rucker

Rucker came into this week leading the nation in tackles, and he improved his average with 14 more takedowns of the Utes. In his first four years, he totaled four career interceptions. He had two in the first half against Utah. It’s unfortunate that such an outstanding individual performance came in an otherwise forgettable game for OSU fans.

Honorable Mentions: Obi Ezeigbo, Kendal Daniels

Stat of the Game: The 50-and-Under Club

I have no idea how you would ever research this, and I’m too exhausted to attempt such a frustrating and depressing pursuit, but I wonder if this has ever happened in the same game before.

• Both OSU quarterbacks finished with less than a 50% completion percentage.
• No OSU receiver recorded more than 50 yards.
• No OSU rusher reached 50 yards.

It was an ugly all-around performance from an offense that has not lived up to its hype all year, save for a one-dimensional drumming of a bad Tulsa team. And it could have been even uglier if it weren’t for those last two TD drives.

Breakout Performance: Isaac Wilson

He wasn’t perfect, but he was good enough. Utah’s freshman backup completed 59% of his passes and threw one TD and two interceptions, but he was the best quarterback on the field on Saturday.

Play of the Game: Trey Rucker’s Pick

We will end things on a positive note for OSU fans. This was back when the mood was much lighter inside BPS. Heckuva play to come out of nowhere and track this ball.

Trey Rucker came out of NOWHERE for this interception 🔥@CowboyFB takes the ball right back 🔒 pic.twitter.com/07d3K8VJQR

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 21, 2024

Honorable Mentions: Trey Rucker’s Other Interception