Instant Recap: Oklahoma State Shuts Out Murray State 59-0

BOXSCORE

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The Cowboys picked up right where they left off and took care of business.

Oklahoma State defeated Murray State 59-0. It was essentially over before it got going.

Everything went the Cowboys’ way early and they just kept their foot down on the gas. Oklahoma State scored touchdowns on its first three drives before settling for a field goal. After a lost fumble at the end of the second quarter, the Cowboys found the end zone every time they touched the ball in the third.

The Cowboys didn’t punt until their first possession of the fourth quarter. By that time, it was 59-0 and their starters had been watching from the sideline for some time. Exactly what you wanted to see if you’re a Cowboys fan.

Drew Mestemaker started 4-of-6 and then completed the rest of his throws, finishing on a 16-0 run. He found seven different receivers with the ball and totaled 361 yards and a career-high five touchdowns before he was done early in the third quarter. His 91% completion rate (20-22 is an OSU record for passers with at least 20 attempts in a game.

Justin Bowick had eclipsed 100 receiving yards just over a minute into the second quarter. He had plays of 22, 28, 24, 27 and 36 yards — all in the first half — and set new career highs in catches (nine) and receiving yards (178).

Caleb Hawkins had 11 carries for 72 yards but was also, essentially, done at halftime. Ayo Adeyi rushed for 67 yards. Tre Page III added 58 yards and a score. Freshman KD Jones also saw the end zone.

Speaking of chunk plays, the Cowboys had 11 plays over 2- yards, averaged 9.1 yards per play, and basically did what they wanted to with the ball in their hands. The Cowboys outgained Murray State 662-160, the move yards since 2021.

The defense was also dominant, holding the Racers to eight three-and-outs, 3.5 yards per play and only 0-for-12 on third downs. The Racers only had two drives exceed four plays.

The biggest benefit to taking care of business early — other than exorcising those Tulsa demons — was the ability to sit the Cowboys’ superstars and to let some of the younger guys get some live reps.

OSU fans got their first look at freshman quarterback Brodie Vehrs, and he didn’t disappoint.

Vehrs was mostly in there to hand the ball off, but he looked good with his chances in the pocket. He went 6-for-6 for 37 yards and his first collegiate touchdown.

Another true freshman, Jenks native KD Jones rushed seven times for 54 yards and that scores.

The lone mar for the Cowboys was a turnover at the end of the second quarter. On third down, Mestemaker appeared to attempt to scoop the ball forward to avoid the sack, but it was called a live ball and recovered. The Racers would follow it up with a three-and-out to end the half. No harm done.

Similarly, the third quarter ended on a turnover. This time went the Pokes’ way.

OSU linebacker Jack Puckett tipped a pass to give Malik Charles the opportunity for a one-hand grab interception. He returned it 13 yards before a Racer got a piece of his jersey and he went down. The Cowboys would finish that drive with an early touchdown in the fourth to balloon their lead to 59-0.

On their second drive, the Racers actually marched down the field but stalled in the red zone. It was a seven-play, 56-yards drive, their best of the first half. But it ended with a blocked field goal. That means Murray State started 0-3 on the year, all blocked, between two different kickers. Special teams issue, huh.

The Racers then attempted to make use of the Cowboys’ lone punt of the night. They went eight plays for 38 yards late in the fourth, but they came up short on fourth-and-1, giving the Cowboys the ball with 2:37 remaining, up 59-0.

This was a tough one for the Racers who just moved up from the Ohio Valley Conference to the Missouri Valley Conference at the start of 2023. Murray State went 1-11 in each of its first two years in that league and now starts the season 1-3.

Next up, the Cowboys hit the road. OSU will open up Big 12 play against West Virginia at 6 p.m. CST Saturday in Morgantown. As of writing, the Mountaineers are up 28-21 over No. 25 Virginia in the fourth quarter.