Turnpike (Too close) Classic

Last year, Oklahoma State defeated Tulsa 16-7 with a true freshman Shane Illingworth coming in relief in the second half of that game after Spencer Sanders got hurt.

Now, nearly a year later, some fans chanting “We want Shane” after Spencer Sander’s “less than ideal” performance.

Even Spencer knows he didn’t play that well.

The junior from Denton, Texas made some critical errors throughout, including throwing a pick-six to Tulsa LB Justin Wright. As well as almost giving the ball to Tulsa fumbling the ball at the 11-yard line. But in all reality, it’s not all his fault.

He was missing WR Tay Martin who lead 107 yards and a touchdown on six catches vs Missouri State.

Sanders had some good moments as well, throwing for two touchdowns, both to freshmen receivers Jaden Bray and Bryson Green. Sanders threw 26 times, completing 15 passes, and was also Oklahoma State’s leading rusher with 10 carries and 62 yards.

If you were to ask anyone about the game at Boone Pickens, odds are their biggest takeaway would be the play calling, as it was less than ideal.

Despite having fewer total yards than Tulsa (The Golden Hurricane had 347 total yards vs 313), The Cowboys won the game 28-23 on a day where the turf was 117 degrees at one point.

You can credit LD Brown for this as he set the field on fire with this play

Of course, I should be talking about the defense, as they carried the Cowboys for the majority of the game, not allowing an offensive touchdown from Tulsa until the 3rd quarter. Led by Malcolm Rodriguez once again, who led the team in tackles with 13 total, eight solos.

Another player that stepped up today was Christian Holmes, who made several big pass deflections and breakups throughout the game and had three tackles as well.

The Cowboys will need to step it up for next week at Boise State. Who is coming off a dominant win vs UTEP on the blue turf 54-13. (Next Saturday 8 pm on FS1)