Three Key Plays: James Washington’s Homerun Score Set the Tone Against USA

Was there really any doubt which team would win on Friday night?

Even after opening the game with a quick three-and-out, OSU controlled the line of scrimmage on defense and held South Alabama to a measly 9 yards in the opening frame — a top five defensive performance in the Mike Gundy era.

It gave the prolific Cowboy offense just enough time to spread its wings before getting off the ground with what went down as the biggest play of the night in James Washington’s 66-yard TD scamper. Washington’s score set the tone, albeit 9 minutes into the game, of how the rest of the contest would play out.

Here’s that play, along with two other key plays from the game.

Marcell Ateman wasn’t on his A game Friday after missing a fade in the corner of the endzone that bounced off his hands, which is pretty impressive when you consider he still pulled down 2 TD’s and logged 51 yards.

Ateman’s biggest play — a near fumble through the back of the endzone! — went for the first score of the second half. And it set in motion an offensive avalanche that buried the Jags.

South Alabama’s grave was already dug midway through the third quarter down 34 points, and Justin Phillips did the dirty work by easing the Jags six-feet under with a pick-six.

I loved this play on so many different levels. First, Darrion Daniels’ push up front and deflection set the whole thing in motion. Next, Phillips’ hands and focus to catch the ball was impressive. And finally, USA’s tackle attempt on Phillips at the 20 essentially gave Phillips a speed boost like he was cruising on turbo in Mario Kart.

Oh, and it also put the game completely out of reach. OSU’s win probability at this point in the game was a very safe 99.99 percent.