Instant Recap: Defense Holds Strong, Cowboys Top West Virginia 20-13

With its offense down two of its Big 3, Oklahoma State’s defense came up big in the Cowboys 20-13 win over West Virginia.

The offense looked like one might expect sans its No. 1 wide receiver and now its starting quarterback. Who knew. Dru Brown filled in admirably but the absence of Spencer Sanders’ athleticism and run threat was noticeable, especially early as WVU loaded up against the run.

It’s not often that your leading receiver and leading rusher are the same person, but check that off the list of career accomplishments for Chuba Hubbard. But it wasn’t easy going for him early.

A look at the top of West Virginia’s defense to do list:

1. Stop Chuba
2. Stop Chuba
3. Stop Chuba
4. Stop Chuba
5. Stop Chuba

It showed. OSU mustered just 25 rushing yards in the first half and had a total of 41 coming into the final quarter. But the offense consisted of A LOT of Dru Brown dump-offs to Chuba. His 88 receiving yards was a career high. He had 82 total through the first 10 games.

Chuba finished with 194 all-purpose yards. Dru Brown finished 22-for-29 for 196 and two scores and Dillon Stoner chipped in eight catches for 62 yards and a TD.

They say defense travels. Jim Knowles’ unit gets automatic upgrades to first class.

OSU’s defense held West Virginia to 13 total points, 5-of-14 on third down and forced four three-and-outs and pulled off an impressive goal-line stop after facing first-and-goal from the 1.

After OSU pushed the lead to 17-13 in the fourth quarter, its defense came up big again, forcing another three-and-out. And then turning over the Mountaineers on downs in their own red zone to seal the win.

A couple of Cowboy defenders had career days. Amen Ogbongbemiga matched a career best with 11 tackles and set a new career high with 3.5 tackles for loss. Cameron Murray set new collegiate highs in tackles (five) and sacks (two).

Oklahoma State moves to 8-3 (5-3 in conference) and will host a Senior night Bedlam game on a four-game win streak. Another streak was broken. West Virginia had to win out to reach six regular season wins but instead fall to 4-7. The Mountaineers had gone bowling the last five years.