Instacap: Oklahoma State Outlasts Virginia Tech 30-21 in Camping World Bowl

Oklahoma State started sluggish but eventually found its rhythm late to race past — and outlast — Virginia Tech in the Camping World Bowl, 30-21.

Mason Rudolph tossed for 351 yards and 2 touchdowns, surpassing Brandon Weeden’s single-season passing yards record in the process. He connected with eight different receivers, including his go-to man James Washington who logged a team-high 126 yards and 1 score.

Washington, too, notched a monumental achievement by passing Rashaun Woods on OSU’s all-time receiving yards list with this 65-yard catch and score.

The Pokes prevailed despite a number of injuries to key players, including starting cornerbacks Rodarius Williams and A.J. Green, who did not play for the majority of the second half. In their stead, Darius Curry and Ramon Richards filled in admirably as OSU’s defense tightened up late to hold on.

“We lost two corners,” Gundy said. “We put two guys out there who are seniors. The defense played well late.”

Curry logged an interception that gave OSU a crucial possession late in the game, and Richards, too, was all over the field. Ramon scooped up a fumble on the goal line early, giving OSU its first two forced turnovers on the night.

The offense sputtered out of the gate but once OSU was able to establish the run game and get Justice Hill rolling, the Pokes’ offense took off. Hill finished with 23 carries for 120 yards and a score, giving OSU a much-needed punch on the ground to balance OSU’s air-raid attack and keep Va. Tech honest defensively.

With the win, OSU has its third consecutive 10-win season and fourth in five years — something Gundy stressed the importance of this week and again touched on in the postgame.

“The seniors have led this program to three straight 10-win seasons. They should be very proud of that,” he said. “Can’t say enough about our quarterback-wideout combination and obviously Justice Hill.”