OSU Defense Smothers, but Offense Unable to Capitalize in Loss to Kansas State

BOXSCORE

STILLWATER — For most of Saturday’s game, Oklahoma State found itself in the unusual position of looking like the best team on the field, but when time ran out, the Cowboys found themselves in an oh so familiar position as the losing team against an FBS opponent for the 18th consecutive time.

Oklahoma State came 19 yards away from potentially going for a game-tying two-point conversion in the final seconds of the game. Instead, a 10-yard penalty put OSU behind the chains, and the offense was unable to make any real progress after that, losing the game 14-6 to a Kansas State squad that is now only 5-5.

The Cowboys held a lead at the end of the first quarter for the second consecutive game and only the third time this season (UT Martin and Kansas).

That incredible start turned to ash when an offsides call against the Cowboy defense on 4th-and-2 turned a turnover on downs into a 34-yard Kansas State touchdown.

It took the Wildcats almost another two full quarters before they found the end zone again, this time on a 15-yard run on 4th-and-1.

The Cowboys defense largely took care of business, holding the visitors to 10 total yards in the first quarter and intercepting them three plays into the second half to set OSU’s offense up with a chance to retake the lead.

Oklahoma State safety Parker Robertson was the standout for a Cowboys’ defense, finishing with a team-high eight tackles, including one sack. He also recorded two pass breakups and an interception.

The offense wasn’t nearly as successful. After kicking two 47-yard field goals in the first four possessions, OSU turned the ball over five times in the next six possessions, with the lone exception resulting in a missed 55-yard field goal.

Running back Rodney Fields might have found the end zone twice if he only had the slightest boost in his top-end speed. He finished the day with a team-high 51 rushing yards on 14 carries. He also hauled in four receptions for 46 yards.

Quarterback Zane Flores completed 24-of-36 pass attempts for 233 yards and two interceptions. He also lost two fumbles.

With the loss, the Cowboys fall to 1-9 on the year and 0-7 in Big 12 play. Next up, they head to Orlando to face UCF at 3 p.m. CST Saturday, Nov. 22 for their final road game of the season before returning to Stillwater for a season finale against Iowa State Nov. 29.