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Superlatives: Game MVPs, Top Plays and More from Oklahoma State’s Loss to Texas Tech

MVPs, awards and more from the Cowboys’ Senior Day loss to Texas Tech.

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2 years ago

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[Devin Wilber/PFB]

The Cowboys’ offense showed some life thanks to a change at quarterback and a late-season return to prominence by their best player. But their defense continued to be mostly bad. A couple too many late mishaps spoiled what could have been at least a slightly cathartic win.

Let’s debrief Oklahoma State’s Senior Day loss to Texas Tech by handing out some awards.

Offensive MVP: Ollie Gordon

In what will likely be his Stillwater swan song, No. 0 gave OSU fans the full treatment. Multiple scores, eye-popping plays and even an unsportsmanlike penalty for letting his emotions get the best of him.

Gordon logged a season-high 156 yards and tied a season-high with three rushing scores, including a vintage Ollie house call.

It was his biggest rushing effort in almost exactly a year. He rushed for 166 yards and five TDs in the win over BYU last year, Nov. 25. Gordon also caught all three targets for 30 yards and took several snaps at QB and completed his first career pass for 27 yards on a flea flicker. This game had it all but the W.

Honorable Mentions: De’Zhaun Stribling, Rashod Owens, Maealiuaki Smith

Defensive MVP: Parker Robertson

Although there wasn’t a lot of collective success on defense for OSU, several defenders made plays. Taking home this award is a former walk-on who logged the best game of his career.

Parker Robertson tied a career high with 11 tackles and added a tackle for loss and an interception. The pick was the second of his career. He also had one last month against BYU.

Breakout Player of the Game: Maealiuaki Smith

Could it go to anyone else?

Many OSU fans wanted to see Smith take the reins a couple of games ago, back when bowl season was still on the table, but I guess they’ll have to settle for late over never.

In his first career start, Smith threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns and then ran for another. He completed 26 of 36 pass attempts, a cool 72%, and appeared in control of the offense from the onset. His one blemish was an interception he threw in the final possession after taking over with a long field and just 13 seconds remaining, down eight. There are no moral victories, but Smith’s encouraging debut at least gives Cowboy fans something to look forward next week, and possibly next season.

Stat of the Game: 56

The only stat that matters.

Those 56 points Tech scored were the most given up by OSU since 2017 Bedlam when Baker Mayfield and Mason Rudolph were trading blows. While this game had a whiff of those vintage Big 12 shootouts, the Pokes’ defensive struggles have been a constant theme on this eight-game skid. Yes, there have been significant injuries, but the Cowboys might have officially claimed the title of worst defense in the Big 12.

Play of the Game: Ollie to Owens

I always like to end these things on a positive note. Fortunately, I didn’t have to search quite as hard for highlight worthy plays.

Come for Ollie’s first career pass, stay for Rashod Owens absolutely laying out to haul it in.

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