Instacap: Cowboys Run past Jaguars 55-13 in Sloppy but Effective Rout

Oklahoma State survived a messy, penalty- and turnover-ridden performance to down the Jaguars of South Alabama 55-13. It was a little too interesting early, but in spite of themselves, the Cowboys rolled past the Jags for an easy win.

Off of the productive yet erratic arm of Taylor Cornelius, the Cowboy offense put up oodles of numbers, but stalled a few too many times based on the competition level. Behind a less than elite offensive line performance and against a loaded box, the Cowboys never really hit the ground running. OSU finished with just 164 rushing yards on 44 attempts.

Read back over our S. Alabama Live Blog

OSU was flagged for nine penalties for 112 yards, approaching record territory. The most ever was in the 1998 Bedlam game with 177. OSU saw two players ejected for targeting, Kenneth Edison-McGruder and Logan Carter.

Despite the up-and-down performance from Cornelius, a pair of Cowboy receivers had career games. Tyron Johnson was found alive and well after going missing since last year’s Bedlam game. He racked up an ultra-efficient five catches on seven targets for 137 yards. Johnson also had a score on the ground. Tylan Wallace led the way with 166 yards and a score and looked the part of the guy.

OSU’s defense was active and everywhere, forcing eight three-and-outs, earning a pick-6 and grabbing three sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Through two weeks, Jim Knowles’ group has done as much as could be expected. On to the next.

It was over when

The Jags had been kind of hanging around until Devin Harper stepped into the passing lane, stole the ball and high-tailed it to pay dirt.

Devin Harper gets a pick six to put the Pokes up 38-13 against USA. pic.twitter.com/u0YO54XQTN

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) September 9, 2018

This put USA down 38-13 early in the third. OSU wouldn’t give up any more points.

Player of the Game

Tylan Wallace has to be the guy. After hitting 49 yards twice last season and 48 total in Week 1, the highest-rated WR prospect since Dez was the focal point of OSU’s offense. He led the team in targets (15), catches (10) and yards (166) and he was the only wide receiver to score in the air.

What’s Next

The real competition comes to town next weekend as the currently 20th-ranked Boise State Broncos abandon their blue turf for some orange. Cowboys will need a cleaner performance to have a good shot at protecting home turf.