Ragusa: Season Superlatives From OSU’s Roller Coaster 2018 Campaign

Oklahoma State’s 2018 season was quite a ride. It had great highs, such as wins over Texas and West Virginia, and the lowest of lows, like heartbreaking losses to Baylor and OU. As we head into the bowl game, and final game of this year, I wanted to take a look back at some of my personal superlatives from the Cowboys’ roller coaster ride of a season.

MVP: Tylan Wallace

The true sophomore is showcasing one of the most impressive seasons by an Oklahoma State wide receiver in OSU history. With 1,398 yards on 17.7 yards per catch and 11 touchdowns, Wallace’s name can be found on nearly every wide receiver award list and All-American team. Although he’s had some drop issues at times, there really isn’t anything else to critique from the Fort Worth native’s 2018 season.

The former four-star recruit showed some flashes of his tremendous talent his freshman year, but I personally didn’t expect him to put on the show he did this season. From running crisp routes, making contested catches and landing big blocks like the one shown below, the young wideout proved he can do it all.

I think it’s safe to say Wallace will have many more touchdown grabs during his tenure at Oklahoma State and I see him wrapping his career up with plenty of award trophies on his shelf.

Defensive Newcomer of the Year: Malcolm Rodriguez

Malcolm Rodriguez, another sophomore, makes the list of superlatives as my defensive newcomer of the year. The former wrestler and converted high school quarterback primarily saw action on special teams a season ago, which is I’m considering him a “newcomer,” but this year he has been a primary component of the Cowboy secondary.

He’s currently second on the team behind Justin Phillips in total tackles with 80, including 4 tackles for loss. In addition, he tallied one pass defended and this forced fumble against West Virginia.

Similar to Wallace, I’m really excited for what the future holds for the young Cowboy safety.

Favorite Play: Tylan Throwback to Corn Dog

The Pokes did a great job of setting up Tylan Wallace’s only pass completion and attempt of the season. In the third quarter, the Cowboys scored on the play below to Wallace.

OSU came out with Jelani Woods and Logan Carter split out to Taylor Cornelius’ right, and Tyron Johnson and Tylan Wallace to his left, with Tylan in the slot. Corn sends Wallace in motion before the snap and then takes the ball and throws it out to him on a swing pass with running back Chuba Hubbard as the lead blocker. The offensive line cut blocks their respective defensive linemen, and with a solid block from Hubbard, Wallace is able to find the end zone.

Then, later in the quarter, the Pokes come out in the exact same look except now it’s Justice Hill in Hubbard’s spot. TC sends Wallace in motion, and the offensive linemen cut block again. However, this time they get up off the ground and move out to the left to lead block for Corn on the throw back.

Wallace catches the initial swing pass from TC, and he and Hill move out to the right the same as before, but this time Wallace plants and makes a throw back to Corn who has a wall of Cowboy linemen to run behind as he picks up a huge chunk of yards.

Least Favorite Play: Denzel Mims Game Winning Touchdown Reception

One target, one reception, one game winning touchdown. This was Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims’ stat line against OSU in this year’s matchup. Oklahoma State had just turned the ball over on downs after TC was sacked on the failed fourth down attempt shown below.

The Pokes held a three point lead, but the Bears went on an eight-play 55-yard drive, including the touchdown grab by Mims shown in the following clip, to win the game 35-31.

This was a really tough loss for the Cowboys in a game they should’ve won after having a pretty solid second half on the offensive side of the ball.

Favorite Photo: Tyron Throwing Up the “X”

The news broke on Friday, November 9th that former OSU wide receiver Dez Bryant had torn his Achilles in practice after recently signing with my beloved New Orleans Saints. This was really sad to hear after the Saints looked to be a good fit for Bryant and he seemed to be really excited about getting back out on the playing field.

Well, Louisiana-native Tyron Johnson gave a shout out to the former Poke the following day after this touchdown in the video below.

And PFB’s own Jackson Lavarnway was there to capture the Cowboy wideout throwing up Bryant’s signature “X” celebration after the score.

Really love this photo on multiple levels, current Cowboys showing former Cowboys love, a big play by one of my personal favorite players on this OSU team and a touchdown against OU. Just all around greatness and solid work by Jackson capturing it in the image above.