Superlatives: Game MVPs, Top Plays and Takeaways from Oklahoma State’s Week 1 Win over South Dakota State

Oklahoma State defeated South Dakota State 44-20 to start its season off in the win column. The Cowboys played a (mostly) clean game and took care of business. Most importantly, they are 1-0 and are looking forward to an SEC opponent in Arkansas next week.

Before we look forward to Arkansas, let’s hand out some (digital) hardware after the Cowboys’ Week 1 win.

Offensive MVP: Alan Bowman

If I was giving out an MVP for the third quarter, it would be hard to not give it to Ollie Gordon — it’s hard not to give it to him still — but Alan Bowman was almost perfect in his 2024 debut. That goes a long way in providing confidence and raising the floor for OSU in a season in which its ceiling is so high.

Bowman went 25-of-34 for 267 yards and three touchdowns. He didn’t throw an interception for the first time in six games, going all the way back to Bedlam last November, though he was close to one early in the fourth quarter. It bounced off the mitts of an SDSU defender.

Still, his 74% completion percentage and 168.6 passer rating were both his best as a Cowboy and, most importantly, he looked as comfortable controlling the offense as he maybe has ever. If he trots out on the field like that 11 more times, he’ll give the Cowboys a chance to go undefeated.

Honorable Mentions: Ollie Gordon (146 total yards, 3 TDs), De’Zhaun Stribling, Rashod Owens.

Defensive MVP: Nick Martin

The preseason All-American proved the voters right. He racked up 10 tackles (seven solo), a pass breakup, a tackle for loss and a fourth-quarter sack of Mark Gronowski that unofficially sealed the win. Moments before, he was this close to sealing it with an interception that glanced off his hands. Martin was everywhere for the Cowboys last season. He was everywhere for them on Saturday. He will be everywhere for them in 2024.

Honorable Mentions: Trey Rucker (15 tackles), Korie Black (INT).

Breakout Performance: Logan Ward

The former OSU punter took over place-kicking duties for the departed Alex Hale, and he performed nicely in his debut. Ward made all three of his field goal attempts — the first three in his career — including from 42 and 52 yards and was perfect on PATs.

They were big cleats to fill, but Ward appeared to be ready for his moment.

.@loganwardd money from 52-yards out 🦵 pic.twitter.com/5uNtZdG4uJ

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) August 31, 2024

Yes, I know, kickers aren’t flashy, but this performance goes a decent way in answering one of the Cowboys’ biggest questions coming into 2024.

Honorable Mention: Hudson Kaak

Stat of the Game: Red Zone Efficiency

A quick look at the stat sheet might surprise you. The Jackrabbits were either equal or slightly better than the Cowboys in most of the standard talking-point stats that we point to: yards per play, third down percentage, time of possession.

But one big difference was in red-zone opportunities. OSU was 4-for-4 inside the 20, scoring three touchdowns and a FG to SDSU’s one field-goal attempt. That not only reflects the Cowboys taking advantage of their opportunities deep in enemy territory and not settling for FGs, but also the Cowboys bending more than breaking. There are some definite warts to point to from OSU’s defensive performance on Saturday, but it got stops and kept its red zone clean.

Play of the Game

Though I obviously cheated Ollie out of his rightful MVP trophy, I will concede to his greatness by highlighting this ridiculous scoring play. These happen so frequently that we probably grow a little numb to just how dynamic he is.

After review… Ollie Gordon II is, in fact, him 😤

Gordon’s second score of the afternoon adds onto the @CowboyFB lead.#Big12FB | 📺 ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/cWNxjLEulP

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) August 31, 2024

Honorable Mention: Bowman goes deep to Owens.

.@luxury_owens12 first TD of the season is a 58-yard bomb from @alanbowman_ 😤 pic.twitter.com/ITjum2LMRO

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) August 31, 2024