Instacap: Oklahoma State Defeats No. 25 Kansas State 31-20 in Big 12 Opener

Oklahoma State started fast and heady then finished slow and steady, defeating No. 25 Kansas State 31-20 despite going scoreless in the second half for the second-straight week.

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The Cowboys’ offense looked as good as it had all year in the first half with big plays from Tay Martin, in his return from injury, while Jaylen Warren continued where he left off after a career game against Boise State.

But the Pokes relied heavily on their defense, which was dominant throughout, taming the Wildcats’ (3-1) stout rushing attack.

The Cowboys (4-0) came out firing on offense, making big play after big play, like they hadn’t all season and scored on their first drives to take 31-10 lead into the half.

Meanwhile the Pokes’ defense was stout throughout, not giving up an offensive touchdown the final minute of the third quarter. Kansas State’s lone touchdown in the first half came on a 99-yard kickoff return by Wildcats receiver Malik Knowles. The ‘Cats scored just one offensive touchdown.

But it was a tale of two halves for the Cowboys offense.

While the first two quarters were an OSU highlight factory, the game ground to a halt in the third. The Cowboys’ hot hand went cold early in third thanks in part to penalties and the Cowboys mustered just 54 yards in the third quarter. OSU was able to get into more of a rhythm in the fourth quarter but none of those yards turned into points.

Fortunately, Oklahoma State has a defense it can rely on.

Kansas State came in averaging 225 yards rushing per game, but was held to just 62 yards rushing. The Cowboys stout defense forced two turnovers and held the Wildcats for 2-for-12 on third downs.

Jaylen Warren left the game dinged up midway through the third quarter but returned to the game early in the fourth quarter and made an instant impact helping his team move the sticks and keep their friend, the clock, running. Warren followed up his 218-yard performance in Idaho with 123 yards at 4.6 per carry.

Spencer Sanders finished the game 22-for-34 for 344 yards and two touchdowns in the air and another on the ground. He was happy to have his top target, Tay Martin, back. Martin reeled in nine of 12 targets thrown his way for 100 yards and a score. Brennan Presley added two catches for 53 yards and a score.

Kolby Harvell-Peel led the Cowboys with eight tackles, a tackle for loss and his second interception in as many Saturdays.

Next up, the Cowboys will host Baylor in Boone Pickens Stadium next Saturday, October 2 at 6 p.m. before heading off into the bye week.