Superlatives: Game MVPs, Top Plays and More from Oklahoma State’s Loss at Kansas State

The Cowboys went into Manhattan with hopes of getting back on track for a trip to Arlington. They left with their tails between their collective legs.

Oklahoma State lost to Kansas State 42-20 on Saturday. After the second quarter, there wasn’t a ton to cheer about for Cowboy fans, and this week’s edition of superlatives will reflect that. Let’s start things off with an Offensive MVP that will sting even worse.

Offensive MVP: Avery Johnson

For the second straight week (and maybe the second time ever), I’m going with a player from the opposing team for Offensive MVP. But the numbers — and the mismatch he provided in juxtaposition to OSU — makes this a no-brainer.

Both quarterbacks came in needing to bounce back after two-interception let downs the week prior, and it wasn’t the veteran that pulled it off. Avery Johnson accounted for five total touchdowns, led his offense brilliantly and gave OSU’s defense fits all day. Unfortunately, OSU fans may have to get used to Johnson breaking loose for the next couple of years.

(Click play only if you’re a glutton for punishment.)

Avery Johnson put on a show in Manhattan 🌟

✅ 259 passing yards
✅ 60 rushing yards
✅ 5 total TDs#Big12FB | #KStateFB pic.twitter.com/agglEi68pj

— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) September 28, 2024

Honorable Mentions: DJ Giddens, De’Zhaun Stribling

Defensive MVP: Trey Rucker

Trey Rucker came in leading the league, and ranking second nationally, averaging 13.25 tackles per game. He added to that lead with 10 more in a losing effort on Saturday. There aren’t a ton of bright spots for the Cowboys coming out of this weekend, but Rucker is one of them.

Honorable Mentions: Korie Black, Nick Martin

Stat of the Game: 8.6

You knew this stat was going to be ugly.

The Cowboys allowed the Wildcats to gain 559 yards of total offense and average 8.6 yards per play. That’s the most OSU has allowed in five years and the most K-State has averaged in three. The number was inflated thanks to seven (!) plays of over 20 yards, including five over 30. K-State had a 55-yard passing TD and a 66-yard rushing score.

Play of the Game: Flea Flicker

The difference in the view of this play after the game vs. when it happened is a wide chasm. Let’s choose to remember it as it was.

Flea flickers only 🎯

📺: ESPN https://t.co/kaivWf7DBu pic.twitter.com/QcXAUIV44b

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 28, 2024

Bonus Play: Ollie’s Truck-stick

Because I want to end this on as positive a note as possible, let’s look back at Ollie Gordon’s bulldozing of a K-State defender.

Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon with an absolute truck stick to pick up the first down. He’s having his best game of the season today. pic.twitter.com/hmEmpcekVs

— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) September 28, 2024