Oklahoma State football rallies, falls short vs Utah for first loss | 5 takeaways
STILLWATER — After three-plus quarters of unimaginable ineptitude, the Oklahoma State offense somehow pulled itself off the mat.
But Utah recovered an onside kick in the closing minutes and put a knee in the throat of the Cowboy rally.
Despite a frantic comeback attempt, No. 15 OSU suffered its first loss of the season in a 22-19 defeat to No. 10 Utah on Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium.
The Cowboys (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) couldn’t get their best players involved until the final minutes, benched and unbenched their starting quarterback and failed to take advantage of a defensive performance that should’ve been good enough for a victory.
OSU came in averaging 42.7 points per game, but had seven three-and-out possessions.
With the temperature at 100 degrees at kickoff, and soaring to a reported 161 degrees on the turf of Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday afternoon, the Pokes seemed to be lost and lethargic.
Aside from some tackling difficulties, the OSU defense stood its ground well, pressured Utah freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson and caused three turnovers.
But the Utes (4-0, 1-0) recovered the onside kick with just under two minutes left and finished the game with a late first down.
Here are four more takeaways from the Cowboy loss:
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Alan Bowman benched, returns late
After one of the worst halves of his seven-year college career, Alan Bowman was benched to start the third quarter.
Yet after his replacement, redshirt sophomore Garret Rangel, was ineffective and missed some open throws, Bowman returned to the game in the fourth quarter.
He had a three-and-out and an interception before leading the Cowboys on their first touchdown drive of the game. Bowman completed three straight passes, the last a 22-yard touchdown to Brennan Presley.
The OSU quarterbacks combined to go 19 of 44 for 237 yards with Bowman finishing 16 of 33 for 206.
But he was 8 of 22 for 89 yards and an interception in the first half. Rangel went 3 of 11 for 31 yards in his quarter-plus of action.
Bowman brought the offense back to life on his final two drives, leading to touchdowns that gave the Pokes a chance. But the rally began too late.
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Limited touches for Gordon, Presley
Prior to Presley’s touchdown, he and Ollie Gordon II had touched the ball just 14 times — 11 for Gordon and three for Presley, including one rushing attempt.
Though Gordon showed a bit of life with 11 yards on two early carries, he remained quiet until some big plays during the late rally.
Gordon finished with 42 yards on 11 carries, while Presley had four catches for 47 yards with a touchdown and a pair of two-point conversion catches.
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Trey Rucker snags two picks
Safety Trey Rucker came up with both of OSU’s interceptions on Saturday, doubling his total since coming to OSU.
Rucker entered the game leading the team in tackles, and now he leads in interceptions, too.
The Cowboys had three takeaways in all. Cam Smith forced a fumble, which was recovered by Nick Martin.
More: Oklahoma State football sticking with Alan Bowman as starting QB after benching vs Utah
Injuries, heat issues mount
OSU came into the game with three expected absences, and dealt with other minor injuries at times.
Brennan Presley had to leave the game late after a tackle in which he drew helmet-to-helmet contact as he was tackled. Presley wobbled as he stood up and was taken to the sideline for evaluation. After review, the call was ruled not to be targeting.
Rucker and linebacker Jeff Roberson both left the field to go to the locker room in the third quarter because of hydration issues, according to the Cowboy Radio Network broadcast.
Cornerback Korie Black and defensive lineman Xavier Ross left the game late in the first half, but returned in the third quarter.
OSU was without starting right tackle Jake Springfield and linebackers Collin Oliver and Justin Wright once again.
OSU vs. Kansas State
KICKOFF: TBA Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas (TBD)