Instant Reaction: Texas Tech Crushes Oklahoma State 41-17

STILLWATER — Home games against conference foes remains a thorn in Oklahoma State’s side.

A season removed from losing three Big 12 games inside Boone’s house against league opponents, the Pokes continued their dreadful, surprising slump at home on Saturday. In lopsided fashion, Texas Tech drubbed OSU 41-17 to kick off conference play, despite the Pokes being tabbed as a 14.5-point favorite.

“That one wasn’t near as fun as the other three,” said Mike Gundy postgame. “It’s pretty simple, we got outcoached, outplayed and they were a lot tougher than us. I don’t really know any other way to put it.”

The Oklahoma State defense was unquestionably a reason for optimism after dominating 15th-ranked Boise State a week ago, but on Saturday, Kliff Kingsbury lit the unit up like a Christmas tree. The Red Raiders amassed 621 total yards, and did it in a balanced fashion. True freshman QB Alan Bowman tossed for 397 yards through the air and added two touchdowns. They also got 224 yards rushing to complement the aerial attack.

In contrast, OSU’s offense sputtered for much of the evening. The Cowboys put up a measly 17 points and struggled to move the ball all evening against Texas Tech’s stout defensive front. They finished the night with 128 yards rushing. Passing also proved futile, as Cornelius struggled to consistently find open men. He finished 18-of-38 passing for 258 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

“He missed a couple throws,” said Gundy, “but there were a lot of times we didn’t do a good job of keeping our head up, got run through a couple times, they flushed him out of the pocket.”

Justice Hill had 111 yards rushing on 12 attempts. J.D. King and Chuba Hubbard combined for seven attempts and 21 total yards.

With an 0-1 start to conference play, Oklahoma State now advances to 7-7 all time in Big 12 openers under Mike Gundy. The Cowboys face Kansas next Saturday in Lawrence.