Mo Horn got the highlight treatment for this big hit for a loss of four to create third-and-14. The Cowboys would force their third-straight three-and-out.

HIT STICK @MaurionHorn 💥 pic.twitter.com/G9yzPUJWLD

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 20, 2026

Two possessions = Two TDs.

The Pokes are rolling early on Murray State. Check out this eye-popping touchdown catch by Wyatt Young.

For your viewing pleasure https://t.co/DwRaBLw9DP pic.twitter.com/mT9Udk9adk

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 19, 2026

The Cowboys strike first with an eight-play, 72-yad touchdown drive and they made up a lot of those yards in a couple plays.

Drew Mestemaker found Justin Bowick for a 22-yard pass connection and then Ayo Adeyi ripped a 25-yard run play before Miles Coleman paid it off with this touchdown.

Little trickery to @Milescoleman14 for the first score 🤠 pic.twitter.com/RkebQurAAZ

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 19, 2026

First touchdown as a Cowboy @Milescoleman14 🥹 pic.twitter.com/abJKueUr4R

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 19, 2026

Three Thoughts

• Here’s all the TV viewing info + a weekend watch guide for you – enjoy.

Viewing Info

Time: 6 p.m. Saturday Location: Boone Pickens Stadium Watch: ESPN+ (James Westling and Jeff Woody) [PFB]

• New helmets for tonight’s game (also, Pokes going orange-orange-white) – specifically honoring the 1976 Cowboy team (PFB)

Week 3️⃣ uni drop 🤠 pic.twitter.com/V8y7aVaZa0

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 17, 2026

• The big question about this Cowboy squad – can they be road warriors? TBD.

I’m not ready to say this team can for sure get in the mix for a Big 12 title game appearance, but I also don’t see reason to be terrified of anyone on the Big 12 schedule at this point. I voted the Pokes No. 8 in the 247Sports Big 12 Power Rankings this week, but the biggest challenge is that they play three of the seven teams I had ahead of them on the road — Kansas State, Houston and Arizona State. That’s where this season is going to be decided. Is this a good road team? We don’t know yet.  [GoPokes 247 $$$]

Two Quotes

• Getting a starting level tackle back will be massive for this offensive line:

On his radio show, Eric Morris said OT Braydon Nelson is on track to be full-go after the Cowboys’ bye week (Oct. 3).

Nelson started every game at tackle for North Texas last season. — Marshall Scott (@MarshallScottOK) September 17, 2026

• Can anybody else here “I’m a rhinestone Cowboy” from the old stadium videos when you see Barry jumping?

Oklahoma State fans, what’s your all time favorite diving TD in Cowboy football history? pic.twitter.com/EAejwF7Kl3

— Legion of Orange (@SnapAgainThanos) September 18, 2026

One Question

• What’s your prediction for today? If I sat the over/under at OSU less 20.5 points, which way would you guess?

Non-OSU Bullets

• The situation (faith-based)

“Spend your money on the things money can buy. Spend your time on the things money can’t buy.”

Writer Haruki Murakami

As part of Oklahoma State’s 39-31 upset win against Oregon, Mestemaker threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns while running for another 109 yards and a score.

Following that performance ESPN/NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah dived into the tape to give his take on the Cowboys’ QB as an NFL prospect.

“The things you like about Mestemaker: first of all, 6-(foot)-3, 215 pounds, he’s got some size to him,” Jeremiah said. “He’s got a real, kind of unique delivery. He has a low carriage. He holds the ball a little bit lower, kind of Phillip Rivers-esque, which can lead to getting a little bit long at times, but the ball does jump out of his hand.”

Jeremiah pointed out a lot of plays in the 3.5 minutes he spent discussing Mestemaker.

Jeremiah pointed out Mestemaker’s 75-yard run to start the game before discussing a dig he stepped into to hit Justin Bowick, a comeback route he rifled, a play where Mestemaker was flushed out of the pocket before ripping a ball to Terrence Lewis for a first down.

And of course, Jeremiah loved the toughness Mestemaker showed when he went flying (nearly literally) into the end zone and the fact that Mestemaker pulled the ball and got the game-icing first down himself.

“He’s got kind of a little busy footwork at the top of his drop, can get a little bouncy at times, which can impact some accuracy occasionally,” Jeremiah said. “But does show touch. You saw it on a flea-flicker down the field. Shows the ability to connect his eyes with his feet and drive the football. Just impressed with that.

“I thought also you’ll see some subtleties at the position. You’ll see a subtle little shoulder roll to be able to get defenders to move and work back and just drive an incut, which was great to see. The velocity, there’s plenty of that. He’s got that in the bag. There’s no issues whatsoever.”

Some of this might seem a little nit-picky, but that’s what it takes when you’re sifting through these high-level quarterbacks.

Jeremiah mentioned Mestemaker’s low carriage a couple of times, which is why Jeremiah thinks Mestemaker had some issues with the first-half tips that led to two interceptions against Oregon.

“So the things he needs to work on here — talked about that low carriage,” Jeremiah said. “That leads to some tips. You see it in the red zone, you get a tipped interception that was a tough one there. And then another one where he’s got a free runner who’s gonna be a jumper right in his face, and he just throws right into it. That gets tipped and picked, as well. So, two unfortunate ones there. The first one, I wouldn’t put on him. The second one, he’s gotta be a little bit more aware.

“He will drift at the top of his drop. Needs to be a little firm, a little more crisp with his footwork going forward, and there’s some decision-making at times, where you see him be a little too aggressive. Just reign that in a little bit. There’s a poor decision, he throws a post into double coverage and got away with one there.”

But even with the negatives, Jeremiah sounds high on the redshirt sophomore who started his 17th game (including high school) this past weekend.

“He’s raw, make no mistake about it,” Jeremiah said. “There’s more development ahead of him, but when you combine the size, the arm strength, the athleticism, the toughness and competitiveness you saw from him as a runner, both to dive into the end zone and to pick up a game-sealing run at the end, I love that about him.

“So, the arrow is up. I think you’re going to continue to see better and better from this kid, but this is a huge win to put on his resume.”

Oklahoma State upset No. 14 TCU 3-1 at Neal Patterson Stadium, pushing the Cowgirls’ season record to 5-2-2. That’s already more wins that OSU had last season.

It marks the Cowgirls’ first win against a ranked opponent since beating No. 6 Nebraska to start the 2024 season.

TCU has been the class of the Big 12 of late, as this game also marked the first time since 2017 that the Cowgirls have beaten the Horned Frogs. Since 2020, TCU has won four regular season conference titles and one tournament title.

OSU got out to a 3-0 lead with goals from Sonora De Fini, Keaton Mitchell and Emmy Hedden before the Horned Frogs got one back in the 75th minutes.

Sonora doing what she does best! 🔥#GoPokes pic.twitter.com/OSXJjNezg5

— OSU Cowgirl Soccer (@CowgirlFC) September 18, 2026

Keaton wanted in on the fun! 😤

Keaton Mitchell records her fourth goal as a Cowgirl! #GoPokes pic.twitter.com/MK333U4gMP

— OSU Cowgirl Soccer (@CowgirlFC) September 18, 2026

Cowgirl goalkeeper Avery Bass also stood on her head against the Horned Frogs, recording seven saves.

OSU has now tallied 22 goals this season, coming out to 2.44 goals a contest. The Cowgirls struggled to a 4-13-2 finish in 2025, a season in which OSU scored just 20 total goals (1.05 per game).

The Cowgirls travel to Texas next week, playing Baylor (7-1) in Waco on Thursday and Houston (4-1-3) in Houston next Sunday.

STILLWATER — Two games into the year, and the Cowboys have lost as a big favorite and won as a big underdog.

This week, the Cowboys are gargantuan favorites against FCS Murray State, with FanDuel setting the line at 55.5 points. With a 70.5 over/under, that means the sportsbook is expecting something like a 63-7 win for the Cowboys.

So after two weeks of results being opposite of the expectation, how Eric Morris gets his team ready to be such a big favorite will be key — maybe not for the result of this game but for the Cowboys continuing to get better week by week.

“This is a game where I’ve preached to our kids, like, we have to get better and worry about us,” Morris told Dave Hunziker on Inside Oklahoma State Athletics. “So, we have to get better and build off of things that we did positively. So our message is to play fast again, and that’s not just on the field running. That’s mentally being able to process fast, and when you do play fast, it turns into a physical brand of football. I think that’s gonna be our recipe for success this year, no matter who we play.”

There’s a reason the Cowboys are such heavy favorites — and it’s not just that they took out Oregon last week.

Since the start of the 2022 season, the Racers are a combined 7-42. Since current coach Jody Wright took over to start the 2024 season, Murray State is a combined 3-24.

The Racers are 1-2 to start this season, losing to Eastern Illinois and Middle Tennessee State before getting on the board with a win against Valparaiso this past weekend.

Murray State has used three quarterbacks already this season. Collin Shannon has played the most, but Wright noted that he’s dealing with an ankle injury that has seen him miss some practice time. Jim Ogle has played 58 snaps across two of the Racers’ games, and Baxter Wright has played seven snaps, not having thrown a pass but used as a running option.

This marks Jody Wright’s first head-coaching gig, but he has experience at a lot of different levels. A running back at Jacksonville State back in the early 2000s, Wright has been on Group of Five staffs, he’s been on SEC staffs and he’s been on NFL staffs.

He was an offensive analyst at Alabama in 2011 and 2012, two seasons where the Crimson Tide won national titles. He returned to Tuscaloosa in 2015 as the director of player personnel, where he collected two more national title rings in 2015 and 2017.

“I think this is a team that’s looking for an identity right now,” Morris told Hunziker. “I do think their head coach has been around some great programs, has been in the NFL, was out at Alabama when they won four different national championships. So, he’s seen football at a really high level.”

The Racers have been bad in the kicking game to start the year, as they’re 0-for-2 on field-goal attempts and 5-for-7 on PATs. With that, Morris is on alert for some trickeration.

“They’re extremely multiple on both sides of the football, and super aggressive” Morris said on his radio show. “On offense, they’re gonna line up in a ton of different formations. They’re gonna shift. They’re gonna do trick plays. They’re gonna try to catch you sleeping. And then defensively, they’re gonna be in a ton of different multiple fronts. They’re gonna be aggressive. They’re gonna blitz.

“They’ve really struggled in the kicking game so far this year, so it’ll be interesting. This’ll be a great game, I could see them faking field goals, faking punts and things of that nature and be able to live a little bit dangerously.”

So, with all that said, even with the Racers’ best efforts on Saturday, they might not come close to the Cowboys. So for the Pokes, it’s about themselves.

“A great week for us to really focus on us, I think,” Morris said. “And not worry about who the opponent is but really worry about us getting one week better and really capturing off the momentum and the things that we did well last week.”

Intermat released its preseason rankings for the 2026-27 wrestling season this week. Those rankings featured seven Cowboys in the top eight of their respective weight classes, including three top-ranked wrestlers and another three in the Top 5.

Here’s what Intermat thinks of the Cowboys in the preseason with some takeaways to follow.

Team Tournament — 2nd
Team Dual — 2nd
125 — Troy Spratley, 7th
133 — Jax Forrest, 1st
141 — N/A
149 — Sergio Vega, 2nd
157 — Landon Robideau, 1st
165 — Dee Lockett, 5th
174 — Lorenzo Norman, 14th
184 — Bennett Berge, 10th
197 — Cody Merrill, 2nd
HWT — Konner Doucet, 1st

The thing that jumps out most is OSU doesn’t have a representative at 141 pounds, but that is because many expect a freshman to win that spot for the Pokes in either Jordyn or Jayden Raney. And, unlike in football, wrestling rankings often don’t deal with potential but rather hard results. But the expectation is the Cowboys will have a podium threat at that weight at the least come March.

There are a couple of other spots with a listed wrestler who could still have to win that given spot. For example, Flo released its preseason rankings in August and included Alex Facundo at 174 pounds and Zack Ryder at 184 pounds, whereas Intermat has Norman (a Stanford transfer) and Berge (a South Dakota State transfer) in those spots.

The Flo guys on their podcast have also discussed the possibility of Facundo dropping down to 165 to compete with Lockett (and Casey Swiderski). And as crazy as it might seem given he’s the top-ranked guy in both rankings, Doucet might not be the guy at heavyweight for the Cowboys. That could be incoming freshman Dreshaun Ross, who recently won a U20 World silver medal.

So, there’s still some spots up for grabs, it seems.

Aside from having a few different bodies, the Intermat and Flo rankings are rather close to each other. Here they are side by side.

Vega being second in Intermat’s rankings despite going undefeated without giving up a takedown last season might raise a few eyebrows. The Cowboy is moving up in weight, and that 149-pound weight class is spookily stacked this season. The top three guys at the weight have all won a national title.

If any Cowboy has the right to feel spurred by these rankings, I’d point to Troy Spratley. After finishing in the blood round as a freshman, Spratley has taken second and fifth in the past two seasons against much of the same field that is ranked ahead of him.

After two rollercoaster weeks, the Cowboys are back in Boone Pickens Stadium this weekend for a game that doesn’t look to be all that close on paper.

Oklahoma State hosts FCS Murray State just seven days after the Cowboys upset Oregon and the fans stormed the field and took the goalposts with them. Here is a look at streaming info, stats and more for the Pokes’ game against the Racers.

Viewing Info

Time: 6 p.m. Saturday
Location: Boone Pickens Stadium
Watch: ESPN+ (James Westling and Jeff Woody)

Betting Info (via FanDuel)

Spread: Oklahoma State -55.5
Over/under: 70.5
OSU money line: N/A

Team Stats

Statistical Leaders

Passing:
OSU — Drew Mestemaker — 55-for-92 (60%)/558 yards/3 touchdowns/4 interceptions
Murray State — Collin Shannon — 39-for-63 (61%)/405  yards/2 touchdowns/2 interceptions

Rushing:
OSU — Caleb Hawkins — 41 carries/189 yards/1 touchdown
Murray State — Tyrell Campbell — 30 carries/213 yards/1 touchdown

Receiving:
OSU — Wyatt Young — 13 catches/205 yards/1 touchdown
Murray State — Trey Firestone — 10 catches/154 yards/1 touchdown

Tackling:
OSU — Ethan Wesloski — 16 total tackles
Murray State — Klayton Ingram — 22 total tackles

Sacks:
OSU — Malik Charles, Keviyan Huddleston and Jaleel Johnson — 1 sack each
Murray State — James Morrow — 1.5 sacks

OSU vs. the FCS (32-0)

Further Reading

No changes on OSU’s Week 3 depth chart
Eric Morris provides injury update
How OSU’s O-line bounced back against Oregon
‘Meathead’ tight end Carson Kolb making the most of opportunities
How Morris finds practice balance after two rollercoaster weeks
Comparing Drew Mestemaker to Murray State’s ongoing QB battle
Three things to know ahead of Murray State
Murray State coach Jody Wright gives Mestemaker a nickname
Malik Charles finally has reason to celebrate

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Thus far we’ve all predicted the wrong winner of both of the Cowboys’ games this season, so let’s try this again.

Oklahoma State hosts FCS Murray State this weekend for a game at 6 p.m. Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium. Here’s how we see the game going.

What We’re Predicting

Uniforms: These have already come out, but rest assured, these predictions were made before OSU dropped that it’s rocking a throwback helmet. Four points are up for grabs here: helmet color, helmet decal, jersey color, pants color.

Drew Mestemaker over/under 275 passing yards: Against a team that OSU is expected to throttle, will Mestemaker throw for 275 yards or will he be on the sideline with his feet up before it gets to that point?

Name a Sack-Getter: Pretty simple, name a Cowboy who gets a sack Saturday, get a point.

TD Parlay: You can name as many players who you think will score a touchdown (passing TDs don’t count), and you get two points for each player you name. However if you name a guy who doesn’t score a touchdown, you get no points in this section.

Score: Three points are up for grabs here: one for guessing the correct winner, one for being on the right side of the spread (OSU -55.5) and one to whichever one of us gets closest to the actual score.

Marshall Scott

Uniform: Orange (Cursive Cowboys) — Orange — Black

Drew Mestemaker over/under 275 passing yards: Under

I think Drew Mestemaker could probably throw for as many yards as he wants against the Racers, but with the 55.5-point spread, I don’t anticipate Mestemaker playing much of the fourth quarter. I think OSU spreads the love this week, and thus, Mestemaker goes under 275 passing yards.

Name a Sack-Getter: James Williams

Williams didn’t get a sack himself this past week, but he facilitated a few for teammates by quickly getting to Dante Moore and getting him off his spot. I think he gets on the board this week.

TD Parlay: Caleb Hawkins/Justin Bowick/Chris Barnes

I think everyone should have Caleb Hawkins on their list in this game, but there is a world where OSU uses this week to lighten his workload. As for the receivers I picked, Justin Bowick is due for a breakout-type game, and I’m just not sure the Racers are going to be able to keep up with Chris Barnes.

Score: Oklahoma State 56, Murray State 10

I don’t have the Cowboys covering the massive spread, but that says more about the size of that spread than it does my confidence in OSU comfortably winning this game.

Kyle Cox

Uniform: Black (Brand) — Orange — Black

Drew Mestemaker over/under 275 passing yards: Over

Name a Sack-Getter: Jaleel Johnson

TD Parlay: Justin Bowick/Wyatt Young/Terrence Lewis

Score: Oklahoma State 45, Murray State 10

I think the Cowboys take control early and, instead of running it up for video game numbers, rest some starters and get a look at the younger guys. I expect a couple of them to make plays as well.

OSU Bullets

• PFB roundtabled and asked this question – can OSU win the Big 12? (PFB)

• Cowgirl Soccer upset No. 14 TCU, 3-1 (OKState.com)

• OSU president Jim Hess had a chat early last week with his head football coach Eric Morris – and it turned out to be prophetic.

“‘I just want to encourage you. Remember what got you here. Remember you’re a great coach. Remember, you know how to inspire young people,” Hess said of the conversation.

“You just do what you know how to do, and the rest of it’s going to take care of itself.’ I said, ‘So you go get them. We’re all behind you.’”

Hess had a few final words for Morris, which turned prophetic during the postgame fan celebration on the field at Boone Pickens Stadium.

“I said, ‘By the way, I told people I’ve already ordered a goal post (to be taken down by fans) and I expect to use it,'” the OSU President said. [TulsaWorld]

• How did the Cowboys do in the pros last week?

Pro Pokes. Take a look at how former Cowboys performed in week one of the NFL: Chuba Hubbard (Carolina Panthers): Scored two touchdowns with 10 carries for 49 yards. He added three receptions for 38 yards. Jaylen Warren (Pittsburgh Steelers): 10 carries for 46 yards and five receptions for 27 yards. Justice Hill (Baltimore Ravens): Six carries for 18 yards and one reception for 10 yards. Malcolm Rodriguez (Detroit Lions): Four tackles, including two solo tackles.  [Cowboy Brew]

• The Oklahoman looked at where the Pokes are projected to go bowling – Louisville at the Pop-Tarts or Tennessee in Houston both sound awesome.

• In case you want to keep watching OSU-Ducks highlights:

Monday night cinema. Enjoy. 🤠 pic.twitter.com/JhDn9fSCwY

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 15, 2026

Non-OSU Bullets

• Can the Big 12 get 10 teams into the Big Dance every year? • How private spirituality makes us lonely

Here’s how I’d list the conference’s members entering Week 3.

1. Utah (+2)

Record: 2-0
Week 2 Result: W, 43-10 vs. Arkansas
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Utah State

For the first time this year, there’s a change at the top.

Arkansas is in a rough spot as a program, but the Razorbacks are still earning SEC media rights money. They went to Salt Lake and got thumped 43-10 with the Utes throwing for 301 yards and running for another 140.

Through two games, Utah has scored the second-most points among Big 12 teams (109) while being one of five teams to allow 24 or fewer points.

2. BYU

Record: 2-0
Week 2 Result: W, 28-17 vs. Arizona
Week 3 Matchup: at Colorado State

Perhaps BYU deserves the top spot since its win against Arizona is better than the Utes’ win against Arkansas, but the Cougars will have time to further prove themselves.

That game against the Wildcats was a tight one with the big play being a fourth-down stuff for BYU.

The Cougars have a sneaky good game against a solid Colorado State squad this weekend.

3. Texas Tech (-2)

Record: 2-0
Week 2 Result: W, 35-24 at Oregon State
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Houston

I think a world still exists where Texas Tech flips the switch and becomes the team to beat in the league like we all thought the Red Raiders were, but its been sort of a sleepy two weeks to start the year.

After beating Abilene Christian 33-10, the Red Raiders went to Oregon State this past weekend and won 35-24.

Those games being closer than anticipated have seen some question marks pop up around the Red Raiders, but they could shut all that up this weekend with a game against the next team on our rankings.

4. Houston (+2)

Record: 2-0
Week 2 Result: W, 77-6 vs. Southern
Week 3 Matchup: at Texas Tech

After their own win against Oregon State, the Cougars throttled Southern 77-6 this past weekend. Houston’s 110 points scored leads the league through two weeks.

Similar to Texas Tech, we’ll know a lot more about the Cougars after Friday night’s game in Lubbock.

5. Kansas State

Record: 2-0
Week 2 Result: W, 34-7 vs. Washington State
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Tulane

K-State has allowed a Big 12-low 10 points this season, while their 105 points scored ranks third in the league behind Houston and Utah.

In his first two games as a Wildcat, OSU transfer Rodney Fields Jr. has carried 27 times for 206 yards and two touchdowns.

6. Arizona State (-2)

Record: 1-1
Week 2 Result: L, 48-20 at Texas A&M
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Kansas

The Sun Devils’ loss in College Station was closer than the score might suggest, but the reality is they lost by four touchdowns.

A pair of fourth-quarter pick-sixes were the reason it looked worse than it was.

Bouncing back will obviously be important, but Arizona State will have to do so in London, as that’s where the Sun Devils play Kansas this week.

7. Oklahoma State (+9)

Record: 1-1
Week 2 Result: W, 39-31 vs. Oregon
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Murray State

What the heck do you do with a team that lost to Tulsa and beat Oregon?

I’ve placed the Pokes one spot below where they were in the preseason, but they’ve definitely had the most variance within the league thus far. OSU has shown it could be the best team in the conference, and it could also be one of the worst.

8. Arizona (-1)

Record: 1-1
Week 2 Result: L, 28-17 at BYU
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Northern Illinois

Given BYU is considered a contender in the league and the Wildcats went to Provo and played the Cougars close, Arizona drops just one spot.

The next two weeks should be an opportunity for the Wildcats to stat pad a bit before hosting Cincy to start October.

9. Cincinnati (-1)

Record: 2-0
Week 2 Result: W, 62-10 vs. Western Carolina
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Miami (OH)

Speaking of Cincy, the Bearcats drop one spot thanks solely to the Cowboys beating the Ducks.

It’s been the ideal start to the year for Cincinnati, comfortably beating ACC Boston College in Week 1 before dominating their FCS foe last week.

10. Baylor (+1)

Record: 1-1
Week 2 Result: W, 44-3 vs. Prairie View A&M
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Louisiana Tech

After playing Auburn close to start the year, the Bears took care of business this past weekend.

I’m not sure how much more we’ll learn about the Bears this week, but this is a big tune-up before they open Big 12 play with Colorado on Sept. 26.

11. Colorado (-1)

Record: 2-0
Week 2 Result: W, 52-21 vs. Weber State
Week 3 Matchup: at Northwestern

Speaking of those Buffs, they could become the first Big 12 team with two Power Conference wins this season should they go to Northwestern and grab a Big Ten pelt.

12. West Virginia (+1)

Record: 2-0
Week 2 Result: W, 52-7 vs. UT-Martin
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Virginia

We’ll learn a bit about the Mountaineers this week as they head to Charlotte to do battle with a ranked Virginia squad.

West Virginia has two of the league’s Top 5 rushers through two weeks, in quarterback Michael Hawkins (199 yards) and Cam Cook (194 yards).

13. UCF (-4)

Record: 1-1
Week 2 Result: L, 12-7 at Pitt
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Georgia State

It’s tough to tell how much to take from the Knights’ loss up in Pittsburgh because it was a rather wet day, but scoring seven points, no matter the circumstance, is less than ideal.

14. Kansas (-2)

Record: 1-1
Week 2 Result: L, 38-21 vs. Missouri
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Arizona State

Kansas’ Border War bout with Missouri was close through halftime before the Tigers were able to open it up a bit.

I’m interested to see how Lance Leipold’s group builds off that performance while playing in London.

15. TCU (-1)

Record: 1-1
Week 2 Result: W, 63-7 vs. Grambling
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Arkansas State

It would’ve felt weird dropping TCU to the bottom of this power ranking after a 56-point win, but I got close. Among these bottom four teams, I think TCU’s loss (to North Carolina) is the worst.

Still, it was a good bounce back that the Horned Frogs will have to build off of against Arkansas State.

16. Iowa State (-1)

Record: 1-1
Week 2 Result: L, 16-13 at Iowa
Week 3 Matchup: vs. Bowling Green

The Cy-Hawk game was your classic Cy-Hawk defensive slugfest that the Cyclones couldn’t quite get on the right side of. Still, it was a strong performance from Iowa State and might proved that no one can be taken lightly in the Big 12 this season.

Arizona receiver commit Braylen Ross announced that he had received an Oklahoma State offer on Tuesday. Listed at 6-foot-5, 205 pounds, Ross committed to the Wildcats in May over offers from Arizona State, Kansas State, Kentucky, Cal, TCU and others.

Blessed to receive an offer from Oklahoma State University! ⚫️🟠@CoachEdwardsWR @GregBiggins @BrandonHuffman @ChadSimmons_ @adamgorney @247Sports @On3 pic.twitter.com/5PGKWrkZwj

— Braylen Ross (@Braylen_Ross2) September 15, 2026

Ross plays at Crean Lutheran in California. Four games into his senior season, Ross has caught 38 passes for 515 yards and three touchdowns.

He’s listed as the No. 1,754 player in the 247Sports Composite ranking for the 2027 class, which lists him as the No. 223 receiver and the No. 162 player from California.

The Cowboys have a pair of receivers committed in their 2027 class at this point in Ake O’Neal (Argyle, Texas) and Cooper Hooker (Pryor).

OSU has sent out a ton of offers since upsetting Oregon on Saturday. Most of those have gone to players in the 2028 class, but Morris hasn’t abandoned the 2027 cycle, despite saying the transition in the coaching move has put them a bit behind for this current crop of seniors.

“Recruiting here, this is our first time, but it’s almost a year ahead always,” Morris said. “The majority of the last class, they now come on their official visits during the summer. I think for us to try to get back in on, maybe, some people in the ‘27 class once they see the product and see actually what we’re doing on the field, get in Stillwater, experience this game day atmosphere, that’ll be something. Also, we’ve got to continue to work on that next class, just because that’s kinda how the cycle has gotten. It’s almost a year early, just because kids are graduating early now and coming to school early. So, it’s kind of a double whammy.

“We’re a little bit behind in the ‘27 class, to be honest with you, and so we have a little bit of catch-up to do right now, which we’ll continue to do that and evaluate. We found some of our best players on senior eval film. Like, we’ve done that forever. … But we’re gonna have to kinda piece it together. But yes. Winning’s the best recruiting tool of all, and has been forever, will be forever. Obviously, there’s a financial aspect now that goes into the mix, as well. But winning counts.”

With the Cowboys honoring the 50-year anniversary of the 1976 Tangerine Bowl team this weekend, Oklahoma State unveiled the throwback OSU brand on an orange lid to go with an orange jersey and white pants.

Week 3️⃣ uni drop 🤠 pic.twitter.com/V8y7aVaZa0

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 17, 2026

New lid who dis pic.twitter.com/CSnVW0CZdP

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 18, 2026

OSU didn’t use an orange-orange-white combo at all last season. The last time the Pokes wore it came in 2024 in a loss to West Virginia. They last won in the color combo in 2023 against Kansas. OSU is just 3-3 in the color combo all time.

Murray State hasn’t put out its full combo, but it does look like the Racers will rock a cursive white helmet for their visit to Boone Pickens Stadium.

𝓡𝓪𝓬𝓮𝓻𝓼 🆚 Cowboys incoming#GoRacers🏇 pic.twitter.com/h5YQTVkmMT

— Murray State Football (@racersfootball) September 17, 2026

The Cowboys and Racers will get going at 6 p.m. Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.

STILLWATER — Saturday was a homecoming of sorts for Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity.

​His father, Mike Cassity, spent two seasons on the Cowboys staff in 1999 (co-defensive coordinator) and 2000 (defensive coordinator). So Skyler has memories of growing up around the program and had plenty of family in town to watch the 39-31 win over then-No. 6 Oregon.

“That was as good as a first home debut as you can have, obviously,” Skyler said. “The expectation to come and execute against a high-level opponent and do it by playing great defense and really showing that the standard that this program can play. And really setting the standard of what the expectation is around here.”

Despite facing two FBS teams in the first two weeks, Cassity’s defense ranks 18th on third down, allowing a first down only 24% of the time, and 22nd in the red zone, allowing points 67% of the time.

OSU offensive coordinator Sean Brophy has had a front-row seat to watch Cassity work for over a year now, but even he found himself in awe of Saturday’s dominant defensive showing against Oregon.

“I don’t think you can give enough credit to Skyler or our entire defensive staff for their effort on Saturday,” Brophy said. “I don’t know if I could even imagine holding Oregon under 300 yards of offense.”

Despite the close score, several national college football personalities agreed with PFB’s official stance that the Ducks were lucky the game didn’t turn into a complete Oklahoma State rout.

“He provides a ton of different issues schematically,” Brophy said. “He does have some very sophisticated schematical packages that he can get to. He also provides the illusion of complexity in a way that offenses like to do as well.

“He gets his guys to play fast. He gets them to play hard. The guys believe in Skyler. They love Skyler and that entire defensive staff. I think that’s what showed to me. He did a phenomenal job as a coordinator, coordinating the attack from a schematics approach. But watching how hard our defensive line played, watching our linebackers run side-to-side and chase that ball across the field. Watching our guys win their one-on-one matchups. To me, that’s a sign of a great coach because he’s inspired them to play and get every single ounce of ability out of them and in certain instances, probably play above what they might normally be able to do.”

Malik Charles has had a few defensive coordinators by this point (last year he had two). Although he had no idea what Brophy was saying on the other side of the room during Tuesday’s interview sessions, the two might as well have mind-melded because the defensive end said Cassity had the unique ability to connect with and motivate his players.

“He makes the defense so easy to understand,” Charles said. “For me, I was hurt all spring. Coming back in the summer, I was learning the whole playbook, and him and G. Rich (defensive line coach Greg Richmond) made it so easy for me to learn how to do everything, that by the time we got to camp all I had to do was shake off the old habits I had. But I already knew the whole playbook. It made so much sense to me because the way they explained it. Having a coach that is also just so down to earth and so personable, it’s easy to want to play for him.”

Cassity’s own playing career came to an abrupt halt when he had surgery ahead of his junior year of high school for what he describes as a “chest deformity.” His high school coach allowed him to work with the wide receivers and defensive backs as an assistant coach of sorts.

“It wasn’t what I wanted to happen,” Cassity said. “Obviously, I wanted to continue to play and continue to go compete, and I’m a very competitive person in that regard. It’s one of those things where you have to take the punch and find your new avenue.”

He then went to Auburn as a student assistant under Gus Malzahn.

“I knew watching my dad grow up and all the impacts that he’s had in coaching … there was no doubt in my mind that that is what I wanted to do with my life,” Cassity said. “G. Rich is an example. My dad coached G. Rich (at Oklahoma State) so just full-circle moment in that regard of all the people he was able to impact in his life.

“And I wanted to get a jump on it, so obviously I started coaching my high school and actually went to Auburn just to try to get into the football program, knowing that that was an up-and-coming program, had just won a national championship, and I was determined to get my foot in the door in any way shape or form and off it went.”

Eric Morris first worked with Cassity at Texas Tech in 2017. Morris was the offensive coordinator when Cassity showed up as a grad assistant.

“I always love watching young coaches work, and it usually doesn’t take me long to figure out that they’re going to be good,” Morris said. “And I’ve never been afraid to hire young people if I thought they’re best for the position.

“So I remember watching him and the way he prepared, and he didn’t have the responsibilities to know he’s going to be a great coordinator, but he’s been around football his whole life, his dad was a coordinator at all these different stops. I think he understood what his role was and he maximized it, and I think people start asking when you do really good work in support staff roles in the office as a GA or quality control or whatever you call them, people on the staff start asking you to do more and more, and that was something I noticed about him at a young age.”

Morris just had that one year with him, then he was off to his first head-coaching gig at Incarnate Word while Cassity remained a GA for another two years before getting his first position gig coaching linebackers, nickels and safeties at Missouri State.

His first coordinator job came in 2022 at Abilene Christian.

“I think where I really noticed him was I’ve been in the Southland Conference and seen ACU, and I kind of knew how that conference worked,” Morris said. “So to watch the turnaround they had in the modern era with not a lot of resources, not money, … then get his opportunity at Sam Houston. Kind of similar situation, you know, Sam Houston was just making the transition up to Bowl Series and to watch them come out and just dominate on the defense side. Same situation.

“You know, Sam Houston wasn’t paying a ton of players in the transfer portal to come in there, so that, those were kind of the things that caught my eye. And then started studying tape and kind of watching what he he was doing, and that’s why I thought he’d be a great fit for us at North Texas, and just super impressed just by the way he works, and really I think the way he demands the room, and he has the respect of his staff in that room, is something that has been really, really noticeable.”

It only took Cassity two years to move from position coach to coordinator and only two seasons running defenses at the FBS level to get his shot at the power conference level.

Based on the early returns, Cassity has more than delivered on all the potential he showed along the way. Although much of his attention focused on the field during Saturday’s win, Cassity said he noticed the environment OSU fans created inside Boone Pickens.

“It’s funny, I’ve spent so much time here throughout the years,” Cassity said. “It’s funny to be on the (home) sideline. I’ve been on the opposing sideline, unfortunately, so it was nice to be on the home sideline and have the crowd cheering with you on third down as opposed to against you.

“It was awesome. Obviously, we can’t understate the value of the fans and what they were able to do. … It affected their communication, affected their ability in snap counts, and all different kind of things. The home field advantage was obviously a big dynamic.”

Oklahoma State will open Big 12 play against Colorado on Jan. 2 in Stillwater, and the last game of the Cowboys’ regular season will be on March 6 against Arizona State — also in Gallagher-Iba Arena.

Other takeaways to note is the Cowboys will return to Phog Allen Fieldhouse on Jan. 30 and will play in the Sunflower State again Feb. 3 when they take on K-State in Manhattan.

Here’s the Cowboys’ schedule in full:

It’s Year 3 of the Steve Lutz Era at Oklahoma State, and Lutz looks to have his best roster yet, pulling players like Jordan Burks (UCF), Kashie Natt (Sam Houston) and Luka Bogavac (North Carolina) out of the portal.

That portal class, which ranked 30th nationally, adds to a solid group of returners the Cowboys are bringing back in Kanye Clary, Ben Ahmed, Parsa Fallah and others. And the Cowboys also added A Top 10 traditional recruiting class that features the likes of Latrell Allmond, Anthony Felesi and Jalen Montonati.

What will Week 3 bring? Who knows? But here’s a look around the country at some one the best games going into the weekend.

Big 12 Schedule

No. 22 Houston (2-0) at No. 13 Texas Tech (2-0) — 7 p.m. Friday on FOX
Tulane (1-1) at Kansas State (2-0) — 11 a.m. Saturday on ESPN2
Bowling Green (0-2) at Iowa State (1-1) — 11 a.m. Saturday on ESPNU
Arizona State (1-1) vs. Kansas (1-1) — 11 a.m. Saturday on FS1
Utah State (0-2) at No. 17 Utah (2-0) — 2:30 p.m. Saturday on FOX
Miami (OH) (1-1) at Cincinnati (2-0) — 2:30 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+
Louisiana Tech (1-1) at Baylor (1-1) — 3 p.m. Saturday on ESPNU
Murray State (1-2) at Oklahoma State (1-1) — 6 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+
Georgia State (2-0) at UCF (1-1) — 6 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+
No. 11 BYU (2-0) at Colorado State (2-0) — 6:30 p.m. Saturday on CBS
West Virginia (2-0) vs. No. 25 Virginia (2-0) — 6:30 p.m. Saturday on ACC Network
Colorado (2-0) at Northwestern (1-0) — 6:30 p.m. Saturday on FOX
Arkansas State (1-1) at TCU (1-1) — 7 p.m. Saturday on ESPNU
Northern Illinois (0-2) at Arizona (1-1) — 9:30 p.m. Saturday on TNT

Houston-Tech: The fuss in the offseason was that this game was being played on a Friday night, which some viewed as sacrilegious to disrupt Texas high school football. But, man, this is an important one in the Big 12.

These teams already have a common opponent in Oregon State. Houston hosted the Beavers and won 33-20 before Tech went to Corvallis and won 35-24.

The Red Raiders haven’t looked as dominant as some might’ve expected to start the year, but Tech beat Houston 35-11 in Houston last season.

The Cougars finished 10-3 last season with six of those wins coming in one-score games. There’s two ways to look at that. One: water finds its level and Houston doesn’t win as many one-score games in 2026. Two: if Friday’s game is close, Houston is more comfortable in those spots.

Arizona State-Kansas: Which team can bounce back from a tough loss the fastest and do so across the Atlantic ocean?

This game is happening in London (for some reason) after Arizona State fell to Texas A&M and Kansas fell to Missouri last week. The Sun Devils are a 5.5-point favorite, but I’m not sure anyone has mastered the overseas game yet. This one could get weird.

BYU-Colorado State: The Cougars are hitting the road to play a Group of 6 team this week. Nothing can go wrong there, right, Oklahoma State?

OSU transfer quarterback Hauss Hejny has balled out in his first two games with the Rams, leading them to a 35-13 win against Wyoming before beating Southern Utah 58-24 last week. The Cougars can’t afford to sleep walk into this one.

West Virginia-Virginia: This game will be played Charlotte, and it acts as a big one for OSU fans (given the Cowboys go to Morgantown next week) and the conference as a whole.

The Mountaineers are going to try to run the ball, that’s for sure. Running back Cam Cook and quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. are each in the Top 50 nationally in rushing yards.

If the Mountaineers can scrap out a win against a ranked ACC team, it’d go a long way in proving Big 12 > ACC.

Colorado-Northwestern: The Buffs are 3.5-point underdogs going into Big Ten territory.

Deion Sanders’ group has already carried the Big 12’s water against the ACC in that win against Georgia Tech. Can Colorado play spoiler to the Wildcats, as well?

Other Games to Watch

North Carolina (2-0) at Clemson (1-1) — 11 a.m. Saturday on ESPN
Kentucky (1-1) at No. 9 Texas A&M (2-0) — 2:30 p.m. Saturday on ESPN
No. 16 SMU (2-0) at No. 23 Louisville (1-1) — 2:30 p.m. Saturday on ESPN2
Mississippi State (2-0) at South Carolina (2-0) — 3:15 p.m. Saturday on SEC Network
Florida (2-0) at Auburn (2-0) — 6 p.m. Saturday on ESPN
No. 7 LSU (2-0) at No. 8 Ole Miss (2-0) — 6:30 p.m. Saturday on ABC
Virginia Tech (2-0) at Maryland (2-0) — 6:30 p.m. Saturday on FS1
Montana (3-0) at Oregon State (0-2) — 10 p.m. Saturday on USA Network

UNC-Clemson: I think both of these teams probably stink (relatively, of course), but given the circuses that surround each program, an abundance of storylines will follow regardless of the result.

SMU-Louisville: Neither of these teams play Miami during the regular season, meaning the winner of this game is in pole position to meet the Hurricanes in the ACC title game. Still a lot of football to come after this game, but for it being Week 3, this one is quite important.

Mississippi State-South Carolina: There are some big games this weekend. This one has a shot at being the best, pinning Bulldog QB Kamario Taylor against Gamecock QB LaNorris Sellers.

Florida-Auburn: Both of these teams were searching for a coach last season, and at one point, it looked as if Jon Sumrall might be Auburn bound before landing at Florida. Now he has to go to Auburn in a battle of two programs trying to lay the foundation for their new era.

LSU-Ole Miss: The Lane Kiffin Bowl needs little introduction at this point. This was probably the most-talked about game of the offseason, and now it’s here. Kiffin goes to Oxford after chaotically leaving the Rebels before their playoff run last season.

​The team will end the calendar year with a road trip to Kansas before returning home for a Dec. 30th home game against Arizona.

​The Jayhawks are one of three teams that OSU faces twice this season. The other two home-and-away opponents are Colorado and Iowa State (former home of new Cowgirl Audi Crooks).  The Cyclones somewhat fittingly, makes the trip to Stillwater to wrap up the regular season on Feb. 27.

​Check out the complete Cowgirl schedule below:

Oct. 27 vs Langston (exhibition)
Nov. 2 vs Southern
Nov. 6 vs Morgan St.
Nov. 9 vs Northwestern St.
Nov. 12 at Tulsa
Nov. 15 at South Dakota State
Nov. 18 vs St. John’s
Nov. 20 vs Little Rock
Nov. 22 vs Wichita State (Kansas City, Missouri)
Nov. 27 Coconut Hoops (Fort Meyers, Florida)
Nov. 29 Coconut Hoops (Fort Meyers, Florida)
Dec. 1 vs Oral Roberts
Dec. 6 at South Carolina
Dec. 12 vs Oklahoma (Oklahoma City)
Dec. 14 vs North Texas
Dec. 20 at Kansas
Dec. 30 vs Arizona
Jan. 3 vs West Virginia
Jan. 6 vs Colorado
Jan. 9 at Iowa State
Jan. 13 vs Kansas
Jan. 16 at BYU
Jan. 19 at Utah
Jan. 23 vs Cincinnati
Jan. 28 vs TCU
Jan. 31 at Houston
Feb. 4 at UCF|
Feb. 7 vs Arizona State
Feb. 10 at Colorado
Feb. 15 vs Kansas State
Feb. 21 at Baylor
Feb. 25 at Texas Tech
Feb. 27 vs Iowa State
March 3-8 Big 12 Tournament (Kansas City, Missouri)

What a whirlwind two weeks it’s been.

A week ago, we were resetting expectations for Oklahoma State’s season after a loss to Tulsa. Now, we’re wondering just how far in the other direction the pendulum has swung. The PFB writing staff got together Thursday morning to get a temperature check on things after the Cowboys’ win against Oregon.

Tyler Waldrep: What position/stat impressed you guys the most about Saturday’s win? For the sake of conversation let’s say you can’t just say “Drew” although Drew’s rushing would be fair game.

Kyle Cox: It has to be the offensive line for me. They owned the line of scrimmage and, for the most part, controlled a defensive front full of future NFL players. No sacks for Oregon. OSU outrushed the Ducks almost 3:1. The biggest deficit, seemingly, coming in, was a major factor in the win.

Marshall Scott: I think the sacks were what surprised me most on both sides of the ball. OSU had four sacks to Oregon’s goose egg a week after the Cowboys struggled in protection against Tulsa. All we talked about all last week was how good Oregon’s D-line was.

Then on the other side of the ball, the Cowboys’ pass rush made things quite uncomfortable for the Ducks and kept that Oregon offense behind the chains all day.

Tyler: Yeah, live, I was probably most impressed with the offensive line performance. It was definitely the thing that surprised me the most. On rewatch I noticed more issues at various points.

All stuff you’re happy to live with considering the talent Oregon has on that side of the ball, but stuff that could become frustrating if we find out that’s just who this line is regardless of who it plays. Given the jump in play you both noted, I do wonder how much of this performance against Oregon was just those guys needing to figure out some communication issues they occurred at Tulsa.

Funny enough after rewatching I think my top unit shifted to the defensive line. Especially where the pass rush was concerned, I thought too that they played much better. However, both DE James Williams and DC Skyler Cassity had huge reactions to that line of thinking. They said the gameplan week 1 was well executed from a pass-rush standpoint. The only thing I can figure is that OSU wasn’t hunting for sacks as much and preferred to play contain.

Marshall: Yeah, some of me wonders too if even if they executed the gameplan against TU, perhaps they honed in on a better gameplan against the Ducks. I imagine with essentially the whole team coming together for the first time, you find out what the group is good at as things progress.

Kyle: I know that the Oregon camp said OSU was showing some defensive looks that they weren’t expecting. I wonder if there was some form of Cassity & Co. saving some of their playbook for Oregon. Not that that should be an excuse, but maybe something there.

Tyler: Probably because of how Oklahoma State performed in the trenches (and Drew living up to our preseason expectations) we’ve all said something like “anything is possible now” since Saturday.

Can this team really win the Big 12? Is that the right conversation to have now or what do you still need to see to buy into OSU as a true Big 12 contender in 2026?

Marshall: I sorta think they can. We’ll find out a lot about Texas Tech on Friday night, but the Red Raiders through two games haven’t looked like the world-beaters they were expected to be. And — even if Oregon is down from where it has been — if you can beat the Ducks, you can surely hang with any team in this league.

Think it comes down to consistency. Will this group revert to the team that lost to Tulsa or was that a one-off? I think everything we thought before the season is back on the table, but I’m going to be a little more cautious with my optimism until this group proves it a few more weeks.

Kyle: I think it’s a fine conversation to have because we are just reacting to what we’ve seen. I think it would pay off in stress dividends for fans to be a bit more measured. We’ve see a high high and a low low. What does it look like in the middle? That’s what we will learn through October, I guess.

I think we can learn a lot from this weekend, to be honest. There should be no version of OSU settling a bit coming into Murray State. If they come in focused, acting like they’re terrified for anything that resembled the Tulsa trip, I’ll feel that much better about this team’s constitution.

Tyler: I agree with Marshall, except I’ve abandoned all caution. Given Dante Moore’s talent and the other future NFLers on that Oregon roster, I just think Oklahoma State should at least be able to hang with everyone else on its schedule.

I could see Texas Tech waking up this week and reverting back into the giant we all probably expected, but even then OSU should have the talent necessary to be a threat in that game.

Given the conversation about Oregon tipping signals I should probably scale back a little bit, but not having BYU or Utah on the schedule makes it tough to imagine this team being dominated by anyone it faces in Big 12 play (unless we see more self-imposed mistakes like TU). I’m not predicting this team runs the table, just that it can and should probably have a realistic chance to finish with only one or two conference losses if it plays up to Saturday’s new standard.

Kyle: I would agree that they have the talent. And now that they’ve pulled off the unbelievable, the expectations should be much higher. Maybe I’m just jaded from every 2014 and 2015 and, to a lesser extend, 2022 season that got dashed against the rocks down the stretch.

Tyler: As Kyle pointed out, Murray State shouldn’t be testing OSU this weekend.

Assuming the Cowboys do show up the right way and turn this thing into a blowout what (specifically) do you need to see to feel confident OSU is continuing to move in the right direction as a potential Big 12 contender?

Kyle: I think they should control the line of scrimmage and limit mistakes. Just steady Eddie, controlled football. Big plays are nice too. But no mistakes and no injuries…

Marshall: Kyle’s section in his Three Things post laid out how OSU has left these FCS games a little closer than expected of late. I want to see OSU go in and dispatch this team like a team with Big 12 title aspirations should. I’m not sure that means covering a 55.5-point spread because that’s a crazy number to look at, but I think it’ll have been a successful game if I’m writing about how some young depth pieces looked playing in the second half after the game.

Kyle: Agreed. I want to see Grant Jordan and/or Brodie Vehrs sling it around BPS for the first time.

Marshall: Precisely. I want to get excited about watching KD Jones run.

Tyler: Marshall read my mind here.

I’d love to see a backup running back have real juice for an extended sequence. Caleb Hawkins is good, but I worry about him holding up for nine Big 12 games if he has to touch the ball 25 times each week.

I also want to see multiple receivers or tight ends make plays through the air. We already know Wyatt Young and Justin Bowick are great, and we probably don’t even need to see Chris Barnes do it to believe it.

This is the kind of game where a receiver buried a bit deeper in the rotation should show up with either a huge statline or one incredible play. That to me, would show me Oklahoma State has the depth needed to put everyone on notice.

You can also find this podcast on Spotify and Apple.

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OSU Bullets

• The Athletic reported on football roster costs, Oregon spent a lot more than the Pokes (PFB)

Thorough look at estimated college football roster budgets across the Power 4 from The Athletic. A glance at the Big 12 from Texas Tech ($38-42 million) on down to Cincinnati ($14-16 million): https://t.co/1RqzJVmMHH pic.twitter.com/2yezNcCQdv

— Andrew Pate (@AndyPate05) September 16, 2026

• Drew Mestemaker’s stock is skyrocketing, as is Oklahoma State Football’s (PFF + HCS)

• Drew Mestemaker made a heck of a statement against Oregon, some saying he should be the top quarterback taken in the NFL Draft.

Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker made a statement. In his very first game against a Power 4 opponent, he finished with 317 passing yards and two touchdowns while adding another 109 yards and a score on the ground. Mestemaker — along with Miami’s Darian Mensah — are certainly staking their own claims in the QB1 race. But I have Manning at the moment. [ESPN]

• OSU wasn’t fined for fans storming the field after the Oregon win (NewsOK)

• A look at the best college football games this weekend – outside of OSU-Murray St of course.

What I am watching on Saturday

The morning looks like it kinda sucks so it will probably turn out awesome because college football. pic.twitter.com/5qma8HwtLJ — Bud Elliott (@BudElliott3) September 16, 2026

Non-OSU Bullets

• Brutal for Western Michigan – NCAA agrees the wrong call was made in ending of Michigan game

• The smartest people live by the same rules This looks like a lot of fun:

The first car to park on the trailer wins , I’ve never been so invested in a sport like this pic.twitter.com/wIm7vsRqRE

— G-Block 🅱️aby (@Gxtso_) September 15, 2026

STILLWATER — Malik Charles joined Oklahoma State at the program’s lowest point in decades when he signed up as a Cowboy ahead of the 2025 season.

Only, he and the rest of the OSU’s 2025 players quickly discovered the team hadn’t hit rock bottom just yet. That came somewhere between a historic 69-3 shellacking at Oregon and a home loss to Tulsa.

So yeah, Saturday’s field-storming win against the then-No. 6 Oregon Ducks meant a lot to the defensive end.

“Yeah, this one was very personal,” Charles said. “After you lose by 66 points to somebody and they’re talking, like you see all this stuff that is being said about you guys as a team.

“Us playing them and being able to beat them this year, it meant a lot not only for me, but for the guys on last year’s team who aren’t playing no more. Like Aden Kelley, (Sitiveni Havili Kaufusi), all the D-linemen that played in that game last year that weren’t able to win. That game was for them.”

Despite playing his first-ever snaps as a Power Conference player, Charles finished as OSU’s ninth-best defender last season according to PFF grades. He finished fifth (according to PFF grades) or higher in four of his 11 games last season, including the game at Oregon.

Through two games this season, Charles grades out as the team’s second-best defender (79.5) behind only fellow defensive end James Williams (84).

On Saturday, Charles only recorded two tackles on 16 snaps, but he made the most of them since one was a 5-yard sack that saw the OSU defender either shoulder Oregon quarterback Dante Moore to the ground or wrap him up one-handed.

Either way, it looked pretty effortless and was the second-most impressive thing he did on the play.

“He bullrushes their 340-pound offensive tackle and throws him by and is able to obviously make a sack,” OSU defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity said. “And it set the tempo for the day, it really did. The physicality and effort that those guys were going to play with.”

After the play, Charles ran to the sideline with his arms stretched up in celebration and kind of looked up either at the crowd or the sky itself. On Tuesday, he confirmed that sack was his favorite play as a Cowboy.

“Not only because it was in a big game, but it was just a packed BPS stadium,” Charles said. “Like it was electric, and it was surreal. Honestly, I couldn’t hear myself when I had the sack. I kind of blacked out. I was just running around, and then I came off to the sideline, took my helmet off, and I was like, ‘Man, that really just happened.’”

Oklahoma State’s home crowds showed up last season, but it’s safe to say Charles’ experience of Boone Pickens Stadium in 2025 was a far cry from what had become the standard over the years.

Charles had to wait longer than he expected to get his first win over an FBS opponent as a Cowboy, but the defensive end said he didn’t worry that this season was about to be a repeat of last year following the Tulsa loss.

“I’ve practiced against Drew and that offense this whole summer, and I know what they’re able to do,” he said. “Yeah, that Tulsa game was frustrating, but I know we all would want to have it back. I knew after that game, we were just gonna have to attack this next week because I knew if we got Drew and [the offense the ball back], they were gonna be fine, they were gonna be on point. My whole goal last week was just try to get the defense on point, so that we would be able to give them the ball, and that’s what we went out and did.”

That’s a bit of an understatement considering Charles and the rest of the defense held Oregon to 4.8 yards per play. The Ducks averaged 7.9 yards per play against Boise State and 6.9 overall last season, after a whopping 10.2 showing against OSU.

Only two teams held Oregon to fewer yards per play last season than Oklahoma State did on Saturday. Indiana gave up 4.2 in the first meeting, and Texas Tech allowed 3.8 when they met in the playoffs.

That’s good company to keep. Not that Charles or any other player needed more of that on Saturday, considering they shared the field with all the fans after they rushed the field following the game.

“It felt like it was a win for the whole Cowboy fanbase as well,” Charles said. “We haven’t had a win in a long time around here, so it just felt like a weight was lifted off. I kind of got emotional after the game because it meant so much.”

Oklahoma State’s coach and quarterback did a carwash of media obligations over the past few days to help promote the program’s 39-31 win against the Ducks. A lot of those talks hit on some of the same things, but here’s is a unique quote from five of those interviews.

Morris Gives Linebackers Credit for Dante Moore Tell

Morris did about a 10-minute hit with Adam Zucker and Brian Jones at CBS Sports.

One of the storylines discussed there was OSU picking up on a pass-run key that Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was apparently giving away by his stance. Morris was asked who identified the key in the leadup to the game.

“I think it was our linebackers,” Morris said. “Ethan Wesloski and Tate Romney — super, super sharp kids, played a ton of football. I think those guys are the guys.

“And two, coaches are always paranoid. We’re paranoid about are we getting our signals stolen? We’re paranoid about are we tipping something off by stance, offensive linemen, by the way the quarterback stands? So, we always live in a state of paranoia. Those things help a little bit, but execution is still the most important thing in this game.”

Mestemaker Tells SportsCenter He’s Getting Noticed at Chick-fil-A

Drew Mestemaker was on SportsCenter on Tuesday night, where he broke down everything from his Boone Pickens Stadium leap to making the move with Morris to Stillwater.

The funniest moment from his six-minute interview came when Mestemaker was asked what life in Stillwater is like as the OSU quarterback.

“It’s pretty awesome, I will say, especially after this week,” Mestemaker said. “Last week, I really didn’t wanna go out that much because I didn’t know how much people would wanna see me, but after this week, I was driving through the Chick-fil-A drive-through earlier and got recognized, so it’s been pretty awesome.”

Practice Last Week ‘Was Bloody’

Morris was on The Triple Option with Urban Meyer and Rob Stone.

Meyer was interested in how the Cowboys went from losing to Tulsa one week to beating Oregon the next.

“We went back old school, and I take some of the responsibility of this as well, as the leader of this program,” Morris said. “My personality, I have little-man syndrome, everybody knows it. I’ve had a chip on my shoulder my whole entire life. And I kinda bought into studying how NFL teams practice. Everybody talks about how Curt Cignetti has these short practices.

“So, we have the indoor or whatever — we went straight old school. We had inside run. We went outside the whole entire time, on the turf. I mean, it was bloody. Our scout teams were as geared up as they’ve ever been. We went more good-on-good than what we’ve done. I mean, they were two-hour, hard-nosed practices on Tuesday and Wednesday.”

Mestemaker Details UNT Come-Up on Heisman Hopefuls

With this being the Cowboys’ first time through such a media lineup under Eric Morris, OSU fans are likely familiar with quite a bit of the stories being told.

But on The Heisman Hopefuls podcast, Mestemaker provided a bit more detail than I had ever heard in terms of how he went from being so far down on the depth chart when he first got to North Texas to quickly climbing the ranks.

“It was kinda like routes on air, I guess,” Mestemaker said. “You just gotta have a lot of arms for that drill, so luckily I got to do that drill and felt like I was making the most of it. And then I get sprinkled in some 7-on-7 reps and have to make the most on that. There was one day that one of our quarterbacks was sick, so then I got a chance in 7-on-7 then. So, it was just kind of like any time I got my chance, I knew I had to make the most of it.

“(The air raid) was a whole new thing I had to learn. They’d send out the practice script the night before, so I’d draw up every play on that practice script on my own in my little notebook and just try to engrain it into my brain as fast as I could.”

Morris Breaks Down the Mestemaker Leap with Jim Rome

Morris was on the Jim Rome Show, where he broke down the play everyone is talking about: Drew Mestemaker going airborne to give the Pokes the lead.

DREW MESTEMAKER, ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!

Oklahoma State is back in front! pic.twitter.com/pZFt3elz3c

— ESPN (@espn) September 12, 2026

“This is Dart, H Short Find — is the play that we called right here,” Morris said. “Has a read. He’s starting on the vertical to the right, right there and moving to the crosser. So, our left tackle gets a late jump. Now, we handled these ends, who are really good ends, for the majority of the game, really good. He got a jump on the ball, early pressure, Drew felt it, stepped up in the pocket and Drew’s a great athlete, not only does he have a good arm.

“So, this is one of his plays, like we get onto Drew if he take unnecessary hits. This is what I would call a necessary hit, and this is why all his teammates went crazy in the team meeting when we played this because they want a quarterback who will sacrifice his body, leap from the 3.5, 4-yard line get hit by two people to win a game against a Top 10 opponent in a home opener. Like, this is what it’s all about. Drew would do this 100 out of 100 times.”

Rome would go on to make note of Morris’ experience around NFL quarterbacks and asked Morris if Mestemaker also has an NFL ceiling.

“A thousand percent, yes,” Morris said. “Someone’s gonna look really smart when they take him. Great competitor. Like I said earlier, his spatial awareness is phenomenal, and he’s just gonna get better. I think that was his 15th start that he’s made in his whole entire life, so if you just think about that and how fast he’s grown, I think the sky is the limit for him.”

“Did you know the Cowpokes have won 30 straight home openers?” Davis said. “It’s the third-longest home-opener win streak in the AP Poll Era. It’s a really good thing I got that note in because that’s about to come to a screeching halt today when the Ducks come rolling in.”

It didn’t quite happen that way.

Oklahoma State upset the Ducks 39-31 to push that streak to 31 games. It also ended a streak of 21 straight losses the Cowboys suffered to FBS opponents.

Davis went on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday and ate crow.

“Also, the Oklahoma State people have been upset, Pat, because when we were doing the warmups — or actually, I think it was before we talked to (Dan) Lanning on Saturday,” Davis said. “I made a comment, sort of a snarky one admittedly, and I said Oklahoma State had won 30 straight home openers and I was really glad I got that note in because it was about to come to a screeching halt. I was wrong about that.

“Yeah, I was wrong about that. Now it’s 31.”

It’s hard to be too harsh on Davis here.

After the Cowboys’ Week 1 loss to Tulsa, not many were expecting OSU to put up much of a fight against the Ducks, but credit to Eric Morris and his team to turn things around so drastically in the span of a week.

“I think Oklahoma State coming off that loss to Tulsa against Oregon at home, Drew Mestemaker told his teammates, ‘You gotta forget about this stuff,'” Davis said. “And then went out and balled out. Overcame mistakes and then put his body on the line to get in the end zone late, and they beat the Ducks.”

STILLWATER — It feels like Duck season.

​Much of the national college football conversation since Saturday has centered on Oregon’s loss to the Cowboys in Stillwater, with topics including: Oregon quarterback Dante Moore’s pro future, the Ducks’ falling playoff chances, Dan Lanning’s coaching decisions, whether the Cowboys could accurately predict many of Oregon’s plays and, yes, the money spent on what now looks like an underperforming roster.

All of which paints the Cowboys, particularly Eric Morris and Drew Mestemaker, in a good light as they are praised for earning one of the early signature wins of the season.

On Wednesday, the Athletic posted a massive story that attempted to break down all Power Conference (and Notre Dame) football roster budgets. The reporters give several caveats that all of these are based largely on a combination of estimates given by more than 70 various contacted sources.

For what it’s worth, it does feel like the first somewhat accurate roster budget breakdown, even if there were almost as many disclaimers as you see on medical commercials.

Oklahoma State’s estimated budget fell between $15-19 million. Technically, that put the Cowboys in a tie with Houston for 63rd out of 68 teams, but that’s a little deceptive.

According to the Athletic’s reporting, the average Big 12 budget fell between $18-22 million. That’s $3 million behind the ACC range and a whopping $9 million and $15 million behind the Big Ten and SEC averages.

But, for now, it’s safe to say Oklahoma State should be more concerned with competitiveness with its league mates.

As expected, Texas Tech is well ahead of the pack with an estimated budget of $38-42 million. TCU is next with an estimate of $22-25 million.

The Cowboys are one of seven Big 12 teams spending between $15-22 million, and Arizona, Iowa State and Cincinnati are even lower on the list.

Here’s what Oklahoma State’s Big 12 schedule looks like based on roster budget:

NOTE: To make the data easier to understand, the middle of all ranges was used. So, in the chart below, Oklahoma State and Houston make the same money because their range is exactly the same, but technically one school could make $4 million more than the other if both teams fall at different ends.​

Again, it’s worth mentioning that it is possible West Virginia spends as much as $7 million more than OSU if the Cowboys fall at the bottom of the range while the Mountaineers top out at $22.

But in general, Oklahoma State is largely spending similar amounts to its 2026 conference opponents with UCF, Iowa State and Kansas all looking especially winnable from a financial standpoint. That alone would put the team two wins short of bowl eligibility, assuming OSU beats FCS foe Murray State this weekend.

Of course, none of this should limit Oklahoma State, who just proved that a talented team and a good coaching plan can still trump piles of cash.

Oregon’s range ranked second in the country, with an estimated budget of $48-54 million behind only Ohio State ($49-54 million). Even if the Ducks spent the lowest amount and the Cowboys spent the most, that’s still a difference of $29 million.

Whatever the Cowboys are paying everyone involved with Saturday’s win, it certainly seems to be worth every penny and then some.

Please check out the Athletic’s complete report (the graphics look really cool) for free using the link below, courtesy of the Athletic:

Very excited to share this project.

With a lot of reporting, we came up with the estimated roster budget for every P4 team.

They go up as high as $55M and start as low as $8M.

See where your team ranks. And everyone else’s.

Read for free:https://t.co/JObx6x7VaI

— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) September 16, 2026

It was a big weekend for Cowboy Football, but Cowboy Basketball also might’ve taken advantage of it.

Oklahoma State hosted Class of 2027 five-star prospect Moussa “Paris” Kamissoko, a 6-foot-8 wing, on a visit this weekend along with OSU’s 2027 commit Tyson Pogi.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Moussa “Paris” Kamissoko (@_parisdadonn)

Kamissoko is the No. 14 player in the 247Sports Composite ranking for the 2027 class. Along with his offer to OSU, Kamissoko has offers to BYU, Syracuse, Florida State, Virginia, Illinois, UConn, Baylor, Kentucky and others.

He’s from the Bronx but is set to play his final prep ball at SPIRE Academy in Ohio.

Kamissoko played with the PSA Cardinals on Nike’s EYBL circuit this summer, where in 18 games he averaged 16.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.4 steals a contest while shooting 35% from 3.

His EYBL season-high came in a game against Team Why Not (shout out Russell Westbrook), where Kamissoko scored 30 points on 11-for-17 shooting. He also ripped down 10 rebounds and collected three steals.

At Peach Jam in July, Kamissoko recorded three double-doubles in five games. In one of the games he didn’t have a double-double, he scored 26 points and had eight rebounds.

Kamissoko is making the most of the limit on official visits being taken away, as 247Sports’ Dushawn London reported in August that Kamissoko has visits lined up to Florida State (Aug. 28), Syracuse (Sept. 3), Virginia (Sept. 5), OSU (Sept. 12), BYU (Sept. 15), Illinois (Sept. 18), UConn (Sept. 25), Louisville (Oct. 6) and Baylor (Oct. 16).

Kamissoko has also shared photos of those visits to Florida State and Syracuse, and for good measure, he also shared photos from a visit to Providence. So, there is still work to be done for Steve Lutz and his staff to secure Kamissoko’s commitment.

It certainly doesn’t hurt that Kamissoko got to experience the OSU fanbase at its best this weekend during the OSU football team’s upset win against Oregon. Kamissoko was also visiting the same time as Pogi, OSU’s 2027 point guard commit, so that likely helped, as well.

Following Oklahoma State’s 39-31 victory against Oregon this past weekend, Cowboy coach Eric Morris has been doing a media carwash of sorts to promote his team.

One of those stops came on Barstool’s Pardon My Take, where he was asked about the ESPN push notification that got sent out after he shared news in fall camp that he had killed an armadillo that was tearing up his yard.

“It was getting after my yard pretty good,” Morris said. “I’m from Texas, and usually wild hogs is usually what roots everything up. I thought it was a wild hog. My yard guy, I called him and asked if I had a hog problem. He started laughing and said, ‘No, you got a bad armadillo problem.’ So, just couldn’t sleep one night during camp, 2:30 in the morning got up, and I finally won the match.”

But it didn’t stop there. Morris had a gathering at his house this past weekend after the Cowboys knocked off Oregon, and another armadillo went down.

“Now, ironically, I had a lot of people, a lot of family in town — 50-plus,” Morris said. “Everybody coming over the the house to celebrate. One of my nephews, 16 years old, we were up, about to go to bed at 12, and he said, ‘I wonder if there’s another armadillo out there.’ Low and behold there was Saturday night. So, we got one more.”

It was national news that Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris killed a Armadillo pic.twitter.com/zInTpTxmOk

— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) September 16, 2026

You’re not going to get these kinds of follow-ups everywhere, but Eric Sollenberger, better known as PFT Commenter, asked what Morris used to get through the tough shell of an armadillo.

“I have a nice little AR,” Morris said. “It’s a good match for the armadillo.”

Having watched the tape, Murray State coach Jody Wright has a nickname for Drew Mestemaker.

“I think he needs to be nicknamed Drew ‘The Playmaker’ instead of Mestemaker, the quarterback,” Wright said this week. “This young man, he should be a Heisman front-runner and a top pick in the NFL Draft watching him on tape because this guy can throw digs in the middle, crossers, deep balls. And when I say he stands in the pocket, keeps his eyes down the field. I mean he looks like — he’s got some of that Patrick Mahomes or Tom Brady or Peyton Manning how he — he’s got toughness.

“He’s not afraid of the rush. He’ll stand in there tall, and he’s got a great offensive line. But this guy’s got arm talent, he’s big, keeps his eyes down the field like I said. He’s very poised. His command of the offense. You can see he doesn’t get rattled.”

Another week, another opposing coach mentioning Oklahoma State’s quarterback in the same breath as some of the sport’s all-time names.

Wright is in his third year coaching the Racers following stints on staffs at South Carolina, the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, UAB, Alabama, Mississippi State and others.

So, Wright’s seen a lot of football at a lot of different levels, but he said this week that he’s never been to Oklahoma. By the sounds of it, he’s been doing his homework and sounds excited at the prospect of leading his team into Boone Pickens Stadium.

“I was telling our players, getting to go to Oklahoma State, aside from Racer One being the coolest mascot, I mean, Pistol Pete at Oklahoma State,” Wright said. “That’s gonna be really neat. I hope he doesn’t fire his gun that much. But I do think it’ll be neat. They have Spirit Rider, I think — a live horse that runs when they score (Bullet is the name of the horse, Spirit Rider is the rider) and the stuff that they do with the paddles and first down cheers. They have a great atmosphere, so we’ve gotta be prepared for a loud environment and handle all that. …

“I’ve known people that have coached at Oklahoma State — Coach (Todd) Monken at the Browns and Coach Greg Adkins I was with (at South Carolina). They all loved it. I think it’s a great university and different things. I know they got some neat traditions. I know the stadium, you’re kinda really close, I believe, tight on the field, seeing it on film and seeing it on TV.”

Wright was super complimentary of the Pokes, going down a long list of praises during his weekly news conference.

He talked up Eric Morris and his history of success. He praised the Cowboys’ defense and special teams.

Wright called OSU running back Caleb Hawkins an NFL back, praising his size, strength and contact balance.

“Hopefully we can play with like 14 or 15 on defense at times and get him down,” Wright joked. “But we’re gonna have to fly to the ball and tackle at an elite level to get this guy down.”

Wright praised the OSU receiver room’s ability to run, shouting out Miles Coleman, Wyatt Young, Chris Barnes, Terrence Lewis and Justin Bowick.

But it all comes back to Mestemaker.

“The quarterback, like I said, Drew Playmaker, he’s got talent around him, but he drives the bus and distributes the ball very well,” Wright said. “He’s gonna find the mismatches, and he can throw really well in tight spaces and windows, which is hard to defend. And makes good decisions.”

Not much different than Oklahoma State, it’s been a rough two years for Murray State, as the Racers have finished the past two seasons at 1-11. Murray State is off to a 1-2 start this season, but given those recent struggles and the fact that OSU just knocked off Oregon, the Cowboys are a 55.5-point favorite against their FCS foe this weekend.

Wright was asked about the mindset of his team going into this game, about the Racers wanting to prove themselves against Power Conference competition.

“In today’s world with what’s happened to college football and a lot of players getting paid, rightfully so, some rev share money and stuff,” Wright said. “I don’t know what all their roster is getting paid. I don’t know what their quarterback is getting paid, but he probably needs to double that because he’s probably worth it. But I’m sure he’s probably making more than our whole football budget. But I tell people all the time, you still gotta go put a helmet on and play.”

Despite coming in as three-touchdown underdogs, the Cowboys dominated No. 6 Oregon on the line of scrimmage (and in the boxscore) from tip to tail inside Boone Pickens Stadium.

As Oregon head coach Dan Lanning mentioned postgame, the scoreboard was not indicative of just how not close this game was, “We got our ass kicked.”

It was an all-timer for Cowboys fans with plenty of great plays which were cinematically captured in this video that OSU dropped on Tuesday.

Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Here are three things to know before the Pokes cap their nonconference slate with a visit from Murray State.

1. Murray State Having a Rough Go

Murray State has struggled this season at 1-2, but they got right a little bit after a 27-18 win over Valparaiso last week.

But the first two years under head coach Jody Wright looked a little like the last two years at Oklahoma State. The Racers went 1-11 each in 2024 and 2025 with their only wins coming over Mississippi Valley State and Indiana State, respectively. The Racers did end last season on a high note with a 31-17 win over those Sycamores.

The Racers haven’t had a winning season since going 6-5 in 2021. So, backing away from my former point, I’d be less worried about the Pokes looking past Murray State in terms of win/lose than I am about them keeping it close. This game is more about the Cowboys than the Racers.

Which leads us to…

2. Can These Cowboys Be Dominant Against an FCS Opponent?

This is the first meeting between OSU and Murray State. So in lieu of a series history, let’s take a look at how OSU has fared against FCS opponents in recent history.

The Cowboys are 32-0 against FCS opponents since the Division-I split in 1978, so that’s good. But that doesn’t mean it’s always been as dominant as fans might like to see.

The Cowboys’ huge win over No. 6 Oregon broke a 12-game losing streak that dated back to last year’s season-opener, a 27-1 win over UT-Martin. But the Cowboys only led 17-7 at halftime and didn’t score a TD in the second or third quarters before finally going up by 20 with four and a half minutes to go.

In 2024, they beat South Dakota State 44-20 but only led 17-6 at the half. Granted, that was a good FCS team that would finish 12-3 only losing to North Dakota State in the FCS Championship game by a touchdown.

In 2023, it was a win over Central Arkansas 27-13. The year before that they properly thumped Arkansas Pine-Bluff 63-7. But in 2021, it was only a 23-16 win over Missouri State.

One major difference between those non-blowouts and the 63-7 win over Arkansas Pine-Bluff was the timing. All of the closer games against FCS opponents in the previous five years were season openers. That game was in Week 3 like Saturday’s matchup.

The Pokes have already had their allotted slip-up game this season, and if tuning up Oregon and their Big 12 opener coming up a week later doesn’t ensure they are locked in, then they may have a problem. Fans are going to want this one to go more the way of 63-7 than 23-16.

3. Honoring the 1976 Cowboys

As part of the annual Cowboy Football Reunion, the university will commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the 1976 Tangerine Bowl team.

Headlined by the likes of Hall of Fame running back Terry Miller, the 1976 Cowboys beat No. 5 Oklahoma 31-24 in Norman and then went on to claim a share of the Big Eight Championship, with the Sooners and Colorado.

The season included wins over No. 8 Kansas, No. 5 Oklahoma, No. 10 Missouri and No. 14 Iowa State. The Cowboys ranked as high as 13th in the AP poll and defeated BYU 49-21 in the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando, Florida.

Miller finished fourth in Heisman voting after leading the conference with 1,541 rushing yards and finishing third in the country. He also led the Big Eight in rushing TDs, rush attempts, yards from scrimmage and led the nation in total points. And he rushed for even more a year later.

Mestemaker is coming off a big-time bounce-back performance after leading the Cowboys to an upset win over then-No. 6 Oregon. The question is how he will follow up a marquee QB matchup against Dante Moore now facing an FCS opponent that seems to have a quarterback competition.

On the opposite sideline, Murray State has been splitting reps between VMI graduate transfer Collin Shannon and returning junior Jim Ogle. Both have seen significant reps so far this season, but Shannon leads the way, so he’ll get top billing for our comparison.

Here’s a look at the QB numbers side-by-side before we get into matchup.

Still a QB Competition?

Although Shannon was the Week 1 starter, he has had to share reps and workloads with junior QB Jim Ogle, son of co-offensive coordinator Jimmy Ogle. The pair have been going back and forth as far as usage goes, but both have seen significant reps in the last two games.

Shannon was the Racers’ lone QB in a Week 1 loss to Eastern Illinois before taking the back seat to Ogle in Week 2 to Middle Tennessee State. In that game, Ogle got the lion’s share of snaps going 11-for-16 versus Shannon’s just 2-of-6.

Things seem to have shifted back in Shannon’s favor ahead of last weekend. He got the start and the Racers earned their first win against Valparaiso. Shannon went 11-for-17 for 121 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions. He was sacked twice. But Ogle came off the bench to complete 7-of-13 attempts for 73 yards. He had a TD and a pick but wasn’t sacked.

Shannon spent four seasons at the Virginia Military Institute where he was named team captain in 2023 and 2025 with a 2024 season that was shortened due to injury. There he threw passes to OSU transfer tight end Morgan McPhaul.

Shannon appears to be the most likely the guy to start based on the reps distribution, but he also got banged up last week, with Murray State coach Jody Wright calling him a game-time decision earlier this week. Don’t be surprised if we see multiple QBs.

The Racers do most of their scoring on the ground led by the likes of junior running back Tyrell Campbell. They have five rushing touchdowns to three passing on the year.

A Different Kind of Test for Mestemaker

We’ve witnessed Mestemaker go through highs and lows already in this young season. Each game will teach us more and more about him, but this will provide a specific challenge.

Fresh off a performance against No. 6 Oregon that earned him all the weekly awards, how will the sophomore look against an FCS opponent? Will he be steady and efficient? Hopefully the Cowboys won’t be in the situation where he feels needs to hurdle defenders all that often. Will he relax facing a lesser opponent? Ideally, the Cowboys are in a position to give someone else a few snaps by the fourth quarter.

In most situations, facing Murray State the week before your first Big 12 road game would be considered a potential trap. But the Cowboys seemed to have already been through that scenario. I think the best-case scenario is for Mestemaker to spend most of the fourth quarter on the sidelines.

Drew Mestemaker was named the Walter Camp FBS Offensive Player of the Week and the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Player of the Week on Tuesday, a day after he landed a slew of other weekly honors for his performance against Oregon.

Mestemaker threw 26-for-43 for 317 yards and two touchdowns. He did have two interceptions that both occurred on batted balls at the line of scrimmage. That performance extended Mestemaker’s FBS best streak to 17 games of at least 200 passing yards.

He also rushed for a career-high 109 yards and a score, making him the first QB to reach triple digits on the ground against Oregon in 10 years. It started with the first play from scrimmage which he took for 75 yards and was capped with an acrobatic 10-yard touchdown run.

Earlier this week, Mestemaker earned honors as the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, made the Davey O’Brien Award Great 8 and was named the Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week winner.

That’s a mouthful.

This is the first time a Cowboy has won the Walter Camp Player of the Week since Alan Bowman in 2024 and the first time an OSU player has won the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Player of the Week since Spencer Sanders in 2022.

Mestemaker and the Cowboys are back in action this weekend as they hose Murray State at 6 p.m. in Stillwater.

OSU Bullets

I’m not ready to put Oklahoma State in the Big 12 contender category just yet. I need to see more consistency, especially on the road. But everything OSU wanted to accomplish heading into this season is still very much on the table. The Pokes hard reset their season with that win…

But what matters most is that the Cowboys have shown us their true potential. [Open for Business]

Lindy Waters III is heading to China pic.twitter.com/qXv6ovfO68

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) September 15, 2026

Non-OSU Bullets

STILLWATER — In the midst of answering his first question after what had to be the biggest win of his coaching career, Eric Morris was already well aware of the flip in mindset his team might have after losing to Tulsa and then beating Oregon.

“We’re going to have to be really good as coaches this week because everybody’s going to tell them how good they are now all of a sudden,” Morris said. 

It didn’t sound as if last week’s practices in the fallout of that Tulsa loss were all that pleasant. Morris said his team didn’t use the indoor at all, instead practicing out in the Oklahoma heat that might’ve gotten the better of his squad in Tulsa.

Before that intensity was turned up a few notches, Morris had made note of Curt Cignetti’s quick, efficient practices that the Hoosiers get through in about an hour and a half a few times during the preseason.

So, now Morris has to balance the new-school and old-school ideologies to find a way to best prepare his team while also not running the Cowboys into the ground.

“It will be key for us all year, and I think every team’s going to be different, right?” Morris said Tuesday. “And I think for us, I thought that that’s what we needed at that time knowing we’re going to play in the heat. There are going to be times as the season goes on with our depth, we’re going to have to cut reps down. We’ve done that everywhere. Now, the intensity needs to stay high on Tuesday and Wednesday, and then we have to be able to get things out of walkthroughs and things of that nature, which we will.

“I think that’s something we’re going to have to monitor. I don’t have the perfect answer for you right now of what we’ll do, but it’s something we’ll spend time sitting down with all the coordinators and trying to figure out ‘hey, what’s the perfect limit for this group.’ At a certain point, you start getting banged up in certain positions. You’re going to have to monitor what you do.”

In the eyes of many, it’s been a backward start for the Cowboys.

Just about everyone had OSU starting 1-1 but by beating Tulsa and losing to Oregon.

The outside expectation for this week is that the Cowboys will cruise to 2-1 against Murray State, an FCS team that went a combined 2-22 in 2024 and 2025. The Cowboys are 55.5-point favorites, as of writing, on FanDuel, which is a crazy number regardless of the two teams involved.

With a spread that big, it feels like it would take some divine intervention for the Racers to pull an upset off in Stillwater, but it’s important that the Cowboys, no matter the opponent, keep taking steps forward while coming off the high of their big win.

“Our sample size in two weeks are two totally different results,” Morris said. “And so, like, for us to learn and grow from that and know, hey, this one thing that we did right here worked extremely well, and on the contrary, the other one didn’t, right? And I think we see it every week in college sports in general. It’s why people love it. They’re glued to it.

“I’ve been brutally honest with them. And obviously, you can say trap game, you can say rat poison, read your own press clippings, distractions, like everything that can be said as distractions, but like, I was really pleased by the way our kids came out and like the energy and the way we attacked the practice today.”

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State fans certainly hope Drew Mestemaker has more big-game moments left in his Cowboys career, but it’s safe to say the QB has already delivered one of those defining visuals that resonate with fans for years, perhaps decades.

​“He jumped higher than I thought and the picture is cool,” coach Eric Morris said of Mestemaker’s go-ahead rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. “I hadn’t seen the picture yet when we talked about it here (Saturday). There’s going to be a really cool picture of it for him to have for keepsake for the rest of his life and really cool photos.”

Offensive coordinator Sean Brophy said “those plays in those critical moments” are the ones that live on in infamy. He referenced John Elway’s Super Bowl helicopter in the end zone as one such example.

After the final kneel-down against Oregon, Brophy celebrated by hugging Mestemaker.

“Just another special moment on our journey together,” Brophy said. “Probably the most special, just because of the magnitude of that moment and what it meant for him.

“To be there for every step of his journey so far in college, to watch where he was when he came in as a fifth-string walk-on, obviously, it’s a very well-documented journey, to being with him when he threw for over 600 yards last year at North Texas and broke every conference and school record, to winning 12 games, to winning the first bowl game there in a decade, to becoming a highly touted, high-paid transfer here, winning the Burlsworth Award (nation’s top current or former walk-on). Being with him and his mom, his girlfriend and her mom in Arkansas for that. …To share that moment (after beating Oregon on Saturday) with him and tell him I was really proud of him and to experience that was really special.”

That was Mestemaker’s first-ever start against a Power Four opponent. He rushed only six times for a career-high 109 yards, shattering his previous best of only 55 yards.

Mestemaker threw for 317 yards, four more than he averaged in his first 16 starts, and completed 60.5% of his pass attempts, which is more than a full point better than his showing at Tulsa.

“I thought he was efficient,” Morris said. “He didn’t really put the ball in harm’s way, which is a big deal. I thought he was anticipating, getting the ball out on time, knowing we need to stay ahead of the chains. And so I thought it was really good. Some phenomenal throws mixed in there, a couple of deep throws with some people that were around him on the flea flicker. Some crossing patterns were really good. I thought he saw the middle of the field really good on some digs. Super accurate. Those are hard balls to throw.”

He did throw two interceptions, but Morris made it clear on Tuesday that he thought of those two turnovers as great defensive line play and not as mistakes made by his quarterback.

Mestemaker finished 2-of-4 for 85 yards on 20-plus passes and 7-of-13 for 150 yards when targeting guys 10-19 yards downfield on Saturday. In both ranges, Mestemaker showed improvement in accuracy, number of targets and completions.

It’s safe to say this is the version of Mestemaker most OSU fans and national media members pictured when the Cowboys got some hype during the offseason.

On Tuesday, Morris was asked if Mestemaker’s value to the program creates a fine line between playing it safe and being aggressive, involving his decision-making on plays like his touchdown run.

“Not in that situation,” Morris said. “He’s so competitive. The game’s on the line, a top-10 team at home, third down and long, he’s trying to score a touchdown to (give) your team a chance to win. Absolutely, he’s gonna do that. And I’ve been around great ones.”

STILLWATER — In the preseason, Carson Kolb’s quarterback and his head coach used the word “meathead” to describe the Oregon State transfer tight end. It’s a label Carson Kolb wears proudly.

“From the clothes I wear to the music I listen to, it’s all just trying to be as meathead as possible, I guess,” Kolb said. “… Yeah, I own a lot of cutoffs and smell a lot of smelling salts.”

Kolb caught his first college pass on Saturday — and it happened to also be his first college touchdown.

From just outside the 1-yard line, the Cowboys ran a heavy formation with Kolb lined up in the backfield. Kolb slipped past the edge of the line as Drew Mestemaker faked to Caleb Hawkins before taking a few steps to his right and firing the ball to a wide-open Kolb.

Kolb let out a Hulk Hogan-esque flex while essentially doing lunges in the end zone after he caught it.

“I’m a high-energy, high-intensity guy, so that was kind of just me getting all my energy out and just getting the crowd fired up as much as possible,” Kolb said.

44 THAT’S HIM @CarsonKolb3

📺: ESPN pic.twitter.com/s3rUNBRPtp

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 12, 2026

With it being his first score, Kolb said he’s working on getting the gloves he was wearing framed.

Although that was the only touchdown he scored against the Ducks, he just about knocked a teammate into another score.

On the possession after Kolb’s touchdown, the Cowboys got deep inside Oregon territory again when Caleb Hawkins scored. The play started at the 5-yard line, and Hawkins got hit about the 4. More and more Ducks started swarming Hawkins as he started to fall forward, and then like he was shot from a cannon, No. 44 flies in and launched himself into the pile, sending it into the end zone.

“I was like, ‘I gotta go get in on the action — go lower my head and hit someone,'” Kolb said. “Kinda sucks it ended up being Caleb, but it got him in the end zone, so worked out in the end.”

Out of Scottsdale, Arizona, Kolb walked on at Oregon State in 2024. He played in four games as a true freshman with all of that coming on special teams. He played in all 12 of the Beavers’ games in 2025, again almost exclusively at special teams.

In his two seasons with the Beavers, Kolb played nine total offensive snaps — run-blocking in every one of those instances. Through two games with the Cowboys, the now-former walk-on has played 133 offensive snaps.

“He’s worked his tail off,” OSU coach Eric Morris said. “His ball skills weren’t great when he got here, that was kind of a limiting factor. And he knew that going into the summer — that that might determine him not being able to play as much for us. Had him open a couple of more times, just didn’t get to that read, not that Drew made the wrong read. He did a nice job.

“A kid that played at Oregon State, that’s been up from that area. I just thought it was a really cool story to keep adding to how hard he’s worked. He’s been through a lot — played linebacker, special teams and tight end at Oregon State. That was pretty cool.”

A looming Oscar Hammond return could cut into Kolb’s snaps a bit, but for being way down the list in terms of transfers the OSU fanbase was super excited about going into the year, Kolb’s tenacity has seen him make a quick impact in the new orange and black he’s wearing.

“It’s been hard, for sure, but at the end of the day, God’s blessed me with these abilities,” said Kolb of his first extended playing time in college. “So, I’m gonna give everything in my power to use them.”

STILLWATER — The biggest question mark from the now even more head-scratching loss at Tulsa was the offensive line.

“I think they took it personal the whole entire week,” coach Eric Morris said Tuesday. “You know, I think that they were embarrassed by what we put on film the first game, and they went out with an attitude and an edge about themselves to prove themselves right.”

The Cowboys averaged 1.5 yards more per carry against the Ducks than they did at TU in the opener. Of course, quarterback Drew Mestemaker’s 75-yard run skews the data a bit, but even if you factor that play and the kneels at the end of the game out, the Cowboys still improved the ground game by more than a yard per carry.

Starting back Caleb Hawkins’ average improved from 4.4 yards per rush to 4.8 despite seeing five additional carries against Oregon.

“They were amazing,” Hawkins said of the OL on Saturday. “I already knew from the jump Monday. They came in ready to play. They told me that it is never going to be like that again and they are going to get it done this week and I had full confidence in everything they told me.”

When asked to preview the Ducks a week ago, Morris spent a lot of time talking up the Oregon defensive ends. According to PFF records, Mestemaker was pressured 15 times on Saturday, which was actually two fewer times than he was pressured at Tulsa despite having seven more dropbacks in the loss.

“I mean that whole defensive line is going to play on Sunday, there is no doubt about it,” Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Sean Brophy said. “I think that just the cohesiveness, the gelling, the subtle tweaks from a technique and schematic standpoint throughout the course of the week, couldn’t have shown up bigger than it did on Saturday.

“And then at the end of the day too, it comes down to winning your one-on-one matchup. So for those guys to go out there and stalemate that defensive line the way that they did for four quarters, and you kind of always just wondered when they were going to let those guys go. But you just realized, going back and watching the tape, man, we shut them down and did a great job up front at every level. So kudos to (center) Tyler Mercer getting it pointed out and getting it lined up and then our tackles doing a great job and so top-notch from everybody across the board.”

On rewatch, the offensive line looked improved against the Ducks. Those improvements aren’t reflected in the PFF pass-blocking grades, but the six linemen who played significant snaps combined to give up 13 pressures after allowing 12 in the opener.

Given the jump in competition, that certainly sounds like progress. Morris hopes the line can gain confidence from what they put on film against the Ducks.

“Across the board, we communicated so much better, our eyes were so much better, our technique was so much better, and the result ended up being so much better,” Morris said. “So I think anytime, too, against Oregon, where we’re able to run the ball effectively early in the football game, you know it really starts opening up so many different things that we can do. It opened up the play action. You know, I thought Drew was really good early in quick game, and we were really efficient in getting the quick game out and getting drives started.”

All of that happened despite the fact that OSU once again lost a starting lineman and had to shuffle the line. This time, right guard Joseph Hanson, arguably the team’s best remaining lineman, was only available for 31-of-87 snaps. This forced starting left guard Johnny Dickson to replace him while Desmond Magiya came off the bench at left guard.

Morris didn’t provide a clear update on Hanson, though he did mention the health and availability of several other guys unprompted on Tuesday. So it is possible that means Hanson’s injury wasn’t serious enough to be on the head coach’s radar.

Regardless of who suits up this weekend, it’s clear Oklahoma State’s coaches feel better about the offensive line heading into the team’s final non-conference game on Saturday against Murray State at 6 p.m.

“Not a first (game), and I think everything just felt like it slowed down for us,” Brophy said. “And communication was absolutely better, and then beyond the communication, the finish factor in the fourth quarter, all those different things. Everything about it was not even remotely close to what it was against Tulsa.”

STILLWATER — In the midst of their scrap with Oregon, the Cowboys saw a few guys go down with injury.

Oklahoma State beat the Ducks 39-31 this past weekend, but guys like Chris Barnes, Iman Oates and Joseph Hanson all went down at one point or another. At his regularly scheduled Tuesday news conference, Morris gave some updates on his injuries.

“Looks like he’s gonna be able to go this week,” Morris said of Barnes. “… D-line in the trenches, just a little bit nicked up — Iman. Tough. He was mad we wouldn’t let him go back in the game. I mean, you could tell. He’s a kid that has toughness and grit and it means a ton to him. So, I respect it when kids have the fire on the sideline like that.”

Barnes, a transfer receiver from Wake Forrest, took part in 42 of the Cowboys’ 87 snaps against the Ducks before leaving with an apparent shoulder injury. He finished having caught two balls for 51 yards, including a 39-yard catch and run early in the third quarter.

A rare returner, Oates exited after playing 14 snaps on the defensive interior, but it sounds like if it was up to him, he’d have closed the game out.

Morris didn’t give a definitive update on Hanson. A Coastal Carolina transfer offensive lineman, Hanson played 31 snaps at right guard. When he went down, they flipped North Texas transfer Johnny Dickson III from left to right then had Desmond Magiya, another UNT transfer, fill in at left guard.

The OSU line also lost center Tyler Mercer for a bit, but he returned after Jakobe Sanders filled in for a series.

“Hanson came out of the game at one point,” Morris said. “Des (Magiya) came in. We never really missed a beat when we had to make that switch. Tyler Mercer came out for a drive. We’ve had to roll. It’s been the next man up, but really haven’t seen just major drop-offs. It’s been awesome to see.”

The Cowboys were without defensive tackle Braylon Rigsby entirely against the Ducks. Rigsby garnered some preseason love from his fellow defenders and played 11 snaps against Tulsa, finishing with the best PFF grade among OSU defensive linemen who played at least five snaps.

“Rigsby has worked into practice (Tuesday),” Morris said. “So, health-wise, we’re trending the right way. Just like everyone in the country right now, we’re a little nicked up.”

There are also two guys on the precipice of a return who have yet to debut for the Cowboys — tight end Oscar Hammond and offensive lineman Braydon Nelson.

Hammond is a returner with experience with Morris, as he played for Morris at UNT in 2024 before transferring to OSU ahead of last season. But an injury saw him miss all of 2025, and he has now been out the start of 2026.

Nelson started all 14 of North Texas’ games at tackle last season, playing 736 snaps at left tackle and 173 at right. Given some of the early attrition the Cowboys’ line has faced, adding him to the fold sounds like it would be a big deal.

“Oscar’s getting closer and closer,” Morris said. “Him and Braydon Nelson right now are practicing out there and doing stuff with us and will be game-time decisions for us, probably the next two weeks, and then you get a bye. So, we’ll have to be just smart how we handle those situations, but Oscar will add a different dynamic, a little bit more of a receiver type out there that’s a really good route runner and has got speed.”

OSU plays Murray State this weekend before opening up their Big 12 schedule on the road against West Virginia on Sept. 26. The Cowboys then have a bye. By the way the Cowboys’ coached talked it sounds like at the least, those two could be back by Oct. 10 when OSU hosts UCF — barring any setbacks, of course.

Morris will be asked about some guys who were banged up this against the Ducks, but the depth chart OSU put out stays the same. Here’s a look.

Quarterback

QB1: Drew Mestemaker (R-So., 6-3, 215, North Texas)
QB2: Grant Jordan (R-Sr., 6-2, 217, UMass) OR Brodie Vehrs (Fr., 5-11, 205)

Running Back

RB1: Caleb Hawkins (So., 6-0, 219, North Texas)
RB2: Tre Page (R-So., 5-8, 184, Tarleton State)

Wide Receiver

Z1: Chris Barnes (R-So., 5-7, 169, Wake Forest)
Z2: Terrence Lewis (So., 5-11, 170, North Texas)

X1: Justin Bowick (R-Sr., 6-5, 209, Illinois)
X2: Rodney Harris II (R-Sr., 6-1, 207, Ohio)

Y1: Miles Coleman (Jr., 5-6, 158, North Texas) OR Wyatt Young (Jr., 6-0, 199, North Texas)

Tight End

TE1: Carson Kolb (R-So., 6-4, 243, Oregon State) OR Morgan McPhaul (R-Sr., 6-2, 265, VMI)

TE2: Bodie Boydstun (R-Jr., 6-5, 239, SWOSU) OR Donovan Green (R-Sr., 6-3, 238, LSU) OR Oscar Hammond (R-Sr., 6-3, 243, returner)

Offensive Line

LT1: Desmond Magiya (R-Jr., 6-4, 333, North Texas) OR Shaun Torgeson (R-So., 6-4, 302, Portland State)

LG1: Johnny Dickson III (R-Sr., 6-2, 317, North Texas) OR Desmond Magiya (R-Jr., 6-4, 333, North Texas)

C1: Tyler Mercer (R-So., 6-4, 300, Kansas)
C2: Louie Canepa (R-Sr., 6-3, 299, returner)

RG1: Joseph Hanson (Sr., 6-4, 302, Coastal Carolina)
RG2: Jakobe Sanders (R-Jr. 6-2, 327, returner)

RT1: Ashton Lepo (R-Sr., 6-7, 320, Michigan State) OR Shaun Torgeson (R-So., 6-4, 302, Portland State)

Defensive End

END1: Jaleel Johnson (R-Sr., 6-4, 270, returner)
END2: Malik Charles (R-Sr., 6-3, 284, returner) OR Keviyan Huddleston (R-Jr., 6-4, 269, North Texas)

RUSH1: James Williams (R-Sr., 6-5, 256, Florida State)
RUSH2: DeSean Brown (R-Sr., 6-2, 266, returner) OR DJ Jackson (Sr., 6-4, 243, Troy) OR Billy Walton III (R-So., 6-3, 253, SMU)

Defensive Tackle

NT1: Saadiq Clements (R-Jr., 6-4, 310, North Texas) OR Jerry Lawson (Sr., 6-1, 312, Louisville)
NT2: Luke Webb (R-So., 6-3, 311, returner)

DT1: Iman Oates (R-Sr., 6-3, 317, returner) OR Braylon Rigsby (R-Jr., 6-3, 283, Texas Tech)
DT2: Landon Dean (R-Sr., 6-5, 290, returner) OR Enai White (R-Sr., 6-5, 300, Penn State)

Linebacker

SAM1: Ethan Wesloski (R-Sr., 6-1, 234, North Texas)
SAM2: Trip White (R-Sr., 6-3, 234, returner)

MIKE1: Tate Romney (R-Sr., 6-1, 223, Arizona State)
MIKE2: Taurean Davis (Jr., 6-1, 231, Miss. Gulf Coast)

WILL1: Isaiah Chisom (R-Jr., 6-0, 234, UCLA)
WILL2: Gunnar Wilson (R-So., 6-2, 217, returner)

Cornerback

CB: LaDainian Fields (R-So., 6-1, 176, returner) OR Kobi Foreman (So., 5-10, 175, returner)

CB: Trudell Berry (6-1, 196, Vanderbilt) OR R-Sr., Mo Horn (R-Sr., 5-11, 183, Texas Tech) OR Kollin Lewis (R-Jr., 5-10, 188, North Texas)

Safety

FS1: Evan Jackson (Sr., 5-11, 188, North Texas)
FS2: Markeith Williams (R-Sr., 6-2, 175, Miami)

BS1: Quinton Hammonds (Jr., 6-1, 206, North Texas)
BS2: Mose Phillips III (Sr., 6-2, 196, Missouri)

N1: Christian Bodnar (R-Jr., 6-0, 188, Liberty)
N2: Cameron Epps (R-Sr., 6-2, 207, returner) OR Vincent Holmes (R-Jr., 6-2, 175, Washington)

Kicker

K1: Sam Keltner (R-So., 5-10, 185, SMU)
K2: Joseph Kim (R-Jr., 5-9, 196, UCO)

Punter

P1: Lachie Pozzobon (So., 6-4, 182, Stephen F. Austin)
P2: Nate Ost (R-Sr., 6-2, 198, Robert Morris)

Kickoff

KO1: Joseph Kim (R-Jr., 5-9, 196, UCO)
KO2: Sam Keltner (R-So., 5-10, 185, SMU)

Long Snapper

LS1: Caden Yates (R-Jr., 6-1, 223, North Texas)
LS2: Nolan Akins (R-Fr., 6-1, 198, SMU)

Holder

H1: Nate Ost (R-Sr., 6-2, 198, Robert Morris) OR Lachie Pozzobon (So., 6-4, 182, Stephen F. Austin)

Kick Return

KR1: Chris Barnes (R-So., 5-7, 169, Wake Forest)
KR2: Miles Coleman (Jr., 5-6, 158, North Texas)

Punt Return

PR1: Miles Coleman (Jr., 5-6, 158, North Texas)
PR2: Bobby Deal Jr. (R-Jr., 6-1, 190, Coffeyville CC)

OSU Bullets

• Pokes draw a night game in West Virginia for the conference opener (PFB)

• Cowboy Football nearly swept Big 12 awards this week after beating Oregon (PFB)

• Bill Haisten talked about the difference a week makes.

Everyone in the country noticed what happened in Stillwater on Saturday. Hope has been pumped into the hearts of Chad Weiberg and his Oklahoma State constituents.

OSU seems to have a completely different football situation than it had a week ago. [TulsaWorld]

• Great context on the Oregon side of the loss from this Bleacher Report article

• Three takeaways from the rewatch of Saturday’s win (PFB)

• Guilty pleasure – WWLS podcast of the Sooner postgame show – first meltdown comes around 31 minutes then starts getting into OSU postgame (Mixcloud)

• Adam Lunt calls out Drew Mestemaker’s transition from indecision to decisiveness:

The week over week difference is huge. Last week so much indecision. This week he’s ripping balls into tight windows. This will lead to INTs (he has 4 in 2 games). But you can live with 12-13 INTs if there are 34 TDs to go along with it. https://t.co/uubO8KRGrw pic.twitter.com/xpbTEDF4Pz

— Adam Lunt (@AdamLunt817) September 13, 2026

Non-OSU Bullets

• May have previously posted this – but experiences people don’t get anymore because of cell phones

• Honor God in work by avoiding sloth and burnout (faith-based)   

Here’s a look around Oklahoma State’s 2027 recruiting class from this past weekend, with stats and highlights provided when available.

Carson White / QB / Hightower (1-2) / Texas

Height: 6-2
Weight: 205
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 467

Hightower got on the board and did so in dominant fashion, throttling Foster 54-0.

Carson White was electric on the ground, running for 135 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. He was also credited with a passing touchdown while going 8-for-16 for 75 more yards.

Hightower travels to Fort Bend-Elkins (1-2) this weekend.

TJ Lewis / RB / Bolingbrook (3-1) / Illinois

Height: 6-0
Weight: 225
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1,087

TJ Lewis’ Bolingbrook Raiders made it three wins in a row after a 21-7 win against Oswego this weekend.

MaxPreps didn’t have stats for Bolingbrook, but Lewis shared a highlight reel to his Hudl, showing off a variety of nice runs. For being listed at 225, Lewis shows a lot excellent lateral quickness on his cuts, often leaving defenders wrapping up air.

Bolingbrook hosts Plainfield Central (1-3) this weekend.

Jake Baker / OL / Ensworth (3-1) / Tennessee

Height: 6-6
Weight: 295
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1,581

Jake Baker’s squad bounced back from its first loss last weekend with a 28-25 win against McCallie.

Based on the highlights, when Baker got his hands on McCallie defenders, there was little they could do against the right tackle.

Ensworth hosts Lipscomb Academy (2-2) this weekend.

Cooper Hooker / WR / Pryor (2-1) / Oklahoma

Height: 5-9
Weight: 165
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1,055

Cooper Hooker’s Pryor Tigers bounced back from their shootout loss to Coweta with a 43-7 win against Fort Smith-Southside (Arkansas).

Through the first three games of his senior season, Hooker has 22 catches for 305 yards and three touchdowns. He’s also rushed six times for 44 more yards and has three returns totaling 110 yards.

Pryor has this week off before hosting Tulsa-Edison on Sept. 25.

Ake O’Neal / WR / Argyle (2-1) / Texas

Height: 6-3
Weight: 195
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1,494

Argyle thumped Nevada’s Somerset Academy Losee this past weekend 70-21.

O’Neal finished with a 13-yard reception.

Argyle hosts Highland Park (1-2) this weekend.

Israel Hammons / LB / Choctaw (1-2) / Oklahoma

Height: 6-3
Weight: 230
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 172

Choctaw went to Union and left with a 36-14 win — the Yellowjackets first of 2026.

Choctaw plays at Muskogee this weekend.

Sonny Mullen / OL / Troy (3-0) / Texas

Height: 6-7
Weight: 285
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1,261

Troy continued its unbeaten start with a 23-10 win against Groesbeck in a game where the Trojans threw for 203 yards.

Mullen was credited with seven pancakes, bringing his three-game total to 17.

Troy has the week off before heading to Rockdale on Sept. 25.

Bryson Brown / DB / Broken Arrow (2-0) / Oklahoma

Height: 6-1
Weight: 190
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1,126

The Broken Arrow Tigers remained unbeaten with a 43-22 win against Owasso.

The Tigers have a week off before going to Norman North.

Chayce Davis / DB / Trinity (1-2) / Texas

Height: 6-0
Weight: 173
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 550

Chayce Davis’ team fell to Aledo 31-7.

Trinity has the week off before playing Irving on Sept. 25.

Odaefe Oruru / OL / Jenks (1-2) / Oklahoma

Height: 6-6
Weight: 310
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 486

Jenks was in a scrap with Bixby but ended up falling 13-6.

The Trojans have a week off before the Backyard Bowl against Union on Sept. 25.

Talan Scott / TE / ALA-Queen Creek (1-2) / Arizona

Height: 6-4
Weight: 225
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1,285

ALA-Queen Creek got its first win of the season in a rather unusual way, as Saguaro was forced to forfeit, citing a lack of players.

The Patriots visit Chandler (2-1) this weekend.

Jayden Vessell / EDGE / Baton Rouge Catholic (1-1) / Louisiana

Height: 6-2
Weight: 230
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1,286

Baton Rouge Catholic rumbled past Dunham 58-8 for the Bears’ first win of 2026.

Vessell’s squad hosts St. Thomas More (1-1) this weekend.

Noah Willis announced on Sunday that he had received an offer from the Cowboys. A 6-foot-1, 170-pound DB, Willis committed to Cincinnati in June over offers from BYU, Kansas State, Michigan State and others.

Blessed to receive offer from Oklahoma State! @JWilson_2 @__izayahh @gdudley18 @BTProspects @CoachEdDudley63 pic.twitter.com/N2l1E203yv

— Noah Willis (@_n0ah2) September 13, 2026

Out of Trinity Catholic in Roswell, Georgia, Willis is a three-star prospect, who the 247Sports Composite ranking lists as the No. 1,314 player in the 2027 recruiting class. That ranking pins him as the No. 122 corner in the class and a Top 150 player from Georgia.

According to MaxPreps, Willis has made seven tackles through the first four games of his senior season, which comes after a junior year in which he made 38 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and picked off a pass.

Willis also fits the mold of track runners that OSU coach Eric Morris likes to recruit. According to athletic.net, Willis ran a 11.16 100 meters in April.

The Cowboys have a dozen players committed in their 2027 class at this point. That includes a pair of defensive backs in Bryson Brown (Broken Arrow) and Chayce Davis (Euless, Texas).

Oklahoma State looked definitively better than Oregon for much of Saturday’s “upset,” which made this rewatch a much different experience than pretty much all other OSU vs FBS games in recent years.

It feels like EVERYTHING is back on the table this season, but we won’t know how good (or bad) Oregon is for a few more weeks.

Still, deep-diving this game should give us a sense of where Drew Mestemaker is as a quarterback and what the Cowboys have already proven will show up once Big 12 play starts in less than two weeks.

Today’s Final Draw will examine:

• How much did Mestemaker struggle or succeed when forced to move off his first read?
• The offensive player primed for a breakout perhaps as soon as this weekend?
• Oregon QB Dante Moore didn’t look awesome. Which Cowboy pass rushers ruined his day the most?

But first, are receiver Wyatt Young’s big performances all part of the plan, or was Saturday just an example of two guys with lots of chemistry falling back into old routines?

Wyatt Young Undisputed WR1 or the Ultimate Comfort Blanket?

There’s no question that Wyatt Young is tearing up college football once again. His 205 receiving yards through two games rank 26th nationally and put him only 46 yards short of 10th place.

Young has also created clear separation between himself and the rest of the Cowboys from a production standpoint, as he’s beaten all teammates by at least 40-plus receiving yards in both games this season despite finishing second in targets (16) behind receiver Justin Bowick (17) and just ahead of Miles Coleman (13).

The new fan-favorite torched the Ducks for 121 receiving yards and a touchdown on five catches Saturday.

Editor’s note: Some formations and/or route combinations make it tough to identify the primary read based on broadcast footage. In those circumstances, both players were awarded what we’re calling “a possible first read.”

Young’s first definitive route as the first-read for Mestemaker came on the quarterback’s 15th dropback. That play went down as a 33-yard catch on the flea flicker. I had him with one possible first read when Mestemaker was staring down both him and Bowick who ultimately got the target.

Young didn’t have to wait long to get back in the action. He hauled in a 16-yard catch on the very next play, though this time Mestemaker worked through his progressions to find him.

Young finished 1-of-2 for 16 yards when he wasn’t the primary read and hauled in 4-of-6 targets for 105 and a touchdown when he got the first look. Both incompletions came on plays where Mestemaker was under some duress after left guard Desmond Magiya and right guard Johnny Dickson allowed defenders to get through.

Overall, Young finished with seven first reads, resulting in six targets, and three possible first reads resulting in zero targets.

I didn’t rewatch the entire Tulsa game, but I did rewatch all nine targets Young saw in the opener. He caught 5-of-6 for 35 yards as the primary read, plus there was a 20-yard reception where Young was most likely the first read.

Half of those targets, if not more, came while OSU appeared to be running RPOs.

Young also caught two passes when Mestemaker bailed on his first read. Young turned those two plays into 29 yards, including a 27-yard catch which put the Cowboys just outside the red zone trailing 14 points with 6.5 minutes left at TU.

Bowick Breakout Coming?

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Sometimes you wonder how much of a coach’s message is getting through, but in the time since the Cowboys’ big win against the Ducks, just about every OSU player or coach who has spoken has made reference of Morris’ message entering that game: play fast.

Defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity reiterated that message Monday morning as part of Big 12 Today, and then Drew Mestemaker went on “See Ball Get Ball” with David Pollack and was asked about Morris’ pregame speech that saw Oklahoma State go beat Oregon.

“His only goal this week was to play fast,” Mestemaker told Pollack. “He was like, ‘I don’t care if you mess up. I don’t care if you — whatever. As long as you do it fast, we’ll live with the results.’ I think that really helped our team and kinda just not complicating it in their heads. Like, all you gotta do is go out there and play your game fast. I really think that made the biggest difference for our team.”

It was a good 15-minute conversation between Mestemaker and Pollack. The two went through Mestemaker’s journey from not starting at quarterback in high school to linking up with Morris at North Texas and then following him to Stillwater.

That led to the discussion about Game 1, where after an offseason of hype, the Cowboys laid an egg in Tulsa and lost to the Golden Hurricane. A week and some change removed from that loss, and it sounds like Mestemaker is still perplexed as to what the heck happened.

“Tulsa week, I mean, I don’t know if like the expectations got to us,” Mestemaker said. “I really don’t know what it was, honestly. Like, we weren’t playing our game. I feel like the heat was definitely a factor. We were just — I don’t know. It didn’t feel like we were clicking.”

But then somehow in a seven-day stretch, the Cowboys went from losing to Tulsa to beating Oregon — somewhat handily.

Mestemaker said he could see the tides turning in practice last week .

“This last week of practice was the best week of practice I’ve ever been a part of,” Mestemaker said. “Everybody kind of had those sad faces that first week, the first day we came back last week. I talked to Coach Morris, and he was like, ‘This is a defining moment for this team. Like, if we can pull this out, this really defines who our team is.’

“So, this was probably the most focused week of practice I’ve ever been a part of, and we just went and grinded at it. I knew (with) how locked in guys were after this week, we had a chance going into this game. I feel like guys came out on fire and that really built everyone’s confidence up again.”

Mestemaker earned a Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week nod among other national honors for his performance against the Ducks.

He threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another 109 and a score.

That rushing score was one of the more memorable touchdowns in OSU’s recent history, as he leapt over a Duck defender inside the 5-yard line before absorbing a shot on the way down.

Drew Mestemaker FLEW on the touchdown 😱 pic.twitter.com/fBTRv0cq7X

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 12, 2026

Mestemaker got the wind knocked out of him and had to delay the end zone celebrations because of it, but even with the big shot he took, it was worth it.

“I’ve never hurdled someone,” Mestemaker said. “I don’t know what came over me in that moment, but I knew it was third down and I had to make a play. I scrambled, and it was the same guy that went low on me earlier in the game, and so I was running and getting close. And it was just one-on-one, so I was like, shoot, I’m gonna go for it.

“Jumped, I saw him go low, and I was like, this perfect. Then he goes low, and I start tipping forward, and I was like, I’m gonna land on my face here, something. I don’t know what’s gonna happen. I felt like I was up there for a long time, and then got hit, landed on my back, got the wind knocked out of me, but it was all worth it.”

Skyler Cassity made the Cowboys’ upset win against Oregon – OSU’s first win against an FBS opponent in more than 700 days – sound simple.

Oklahoma State beat the Ducks 39-31 on Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium, and on Monday morning, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator went on Big 12 Today to help breakdown just how the Pokes pulled off what many deemed impossible.

“(Eric Morris’) biggest goal for the week was for our team to play fast,” Cassity said. “You can almost over-analyse or over-schematic things at times. At the end of the day, the game is always about fundamentals. It’s about running and tackling, making players miss in space – all those things. You can’t lose sight of the fundamentals that make you really, really good.

“I think he did a great job of preaching that last week. We eliminated all of the 10, 15 goals you have and said the only thing I want our team graded on is how fast did they play? And I think we were able to fly around on offense and defense and finish plays and make contested catches because guys took the thinking out of it and just played as fast as humanly possible.”

Morris also noted that need for speed – both physically and mentally – in his postgame news conference, but it sounds as if that really resonated from the top down.

Cassity’s defense has been a particular bright spot, even in the Cowboys’ loss to Tulsa. After OSU allowed 33.3 points and 418.3 yards of total offense a game last season, the Cowboys have given up 27.5 points and 321 yards a game through their opening two – and again, one of those two is Oregon.

The Ducks mustered just 281 yards and 12 total first downs against Cassity’s group on Saturday.

Turning around a defense isn’t a new undertaking for Cassity. It’s his third FBS defensive coordinator gig in as many seasons. Here’s a look at how those past two defenses were before Cassity and with him.

Sam Houston:
Before Cassity (2023) – 26.2 points per game, 394.4 yards per game
With Cassity (2024) – 20.5 points per game, 321.5 yards per game

North Texas:
Before Cassity (2024) – 34.2 points per game, 460.5 yards per game
With Cassity (2025) – 26.5 points per game, 381.9 yards per game

Again, Cassity made the process sound simple.

“We’re always gonna play a lot of guys on defense, and really understanding what your role becomes as the season progresses and giving a role for everybody on the team and everybody on the defense to master their role,” Cassity said. “We’re a team that’s gonna personnel-match people. We’re gonna get in a bunch of different packages, and being able to play that many guys and do it at a high level and people taking pride in what they do and the work they do, no matter the size of the role – whether they’re playing 70 snaps or if they’re playing 10 snaps. That’s how our programs will always be run under Coach Morris, and that’s our belief system.

“It allows the growth of your defense to be able to progress year in and year out. Since the first day that all these guys have come here and stepped on the field, they’ve tried to master their roles and done a really, really good job progressing. We’re doing the same thing now. We’re gonna need a lot of guys to progress through the season. Injuries are gonna happen, and our guys, their roles will increase or decrease based on their effectiveness and we’ll continue to do the same thing by playing hard and playing fast and playing fresh because we got a lot trust in a lot of guys on defense and have a lot of belief on our side of the ball.”

The Big 12 on Monday announced that Oklahoma State’s Sept. 26 Big 12 opener against West Virginia will kick at 6 p.m. (Central) down the Country Roads.

It’ll be the Cowboys second consecutive night game, as the Pokes are set to tangle with Murray State at the same time this upcoming weekend. OSU’s first two games of the year came in the afternoon and at 11 a.m. (but delayed until the afternoon), respectively.

The Mountaineers will also get their first evening kick of the year in this weekend when they travel to Charlotte to play Virginia at Bank of America Stadium.

WVU is 2-0 this season – their second of Rich Rodriguez’s second tenure. The Mountaineers opened with a 31-24 win against Coastal Carolina before thumping UT-Martin 52-7 this past weekend.

The Mountaineers are led by OU transfer quarterback Michael Hawkins and Jax State transfer rusher Cam Cook. Through his first two games with the Mountaineers, Hawkins has completed 76% of his 21 attempts for 287 yards, three touchdowns and no picks. He’s also WVU’s leading rusher with 199 yards and three more scores, while Cook has ran for 194 yards and three touchdowns of his own.

These teams last met in 2024, a game the Mountaineers won 38-14 in Stillwater, but WVU hasn’t beaten the Cowboys on home soil since 2013, as the Cowboys have won five in a row in Morgantown.

The OSU logo was littered all throughout the Big 12’s weekly honors.

In the fallout of Oklahoma State’s 39-31 win against No. 6 Oregon, the Cowboys picked up the Big 12’s Offensive Line of the Week and Defensive Line of the Week, while Drew Mestemaker was named an Offensive Player of the Week, Ethan Wesloski was named a Defensive Player of the Week and Sam Keltner was named a Special Teams Player of the Week.

The only Big 12 Weekly Award the Cowboys didn’t get in on was the league’s Freshman of the Week.

Mestemaker’s performance was star-making both within the conference and even nationwide, as he also was included in the Davey O’Brien Award Great 8, he was named a Manning Award Star of the Week and was the Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week winner.

Mestemaker did a little bit of everything for the Cowboys in his Boone Pickens Stadium debut, starting with a 75-yard run on OSU’s first play from scrimmage.

He finished having completed 60% of his 43 pass attempts for 317 yards, two touchdowns and two tipped interceptions. Then he also turned in a career-high 109 rushing yards and an acrobatic touchdown that turned into a national highlight.

Drew Mestemaker FLEW on the touchdown 😱 pic.twitter.com/fBTRv0cq7X

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 12, 2026

A linebacker, Wesloski led the Pokes in tackles during the upset win, bringing down nine Ducks. He was also credited with a half sack and a pass breakup. Through two games, Wesloski leads the Cowboys with 16 total tackles.

With all the highlight reel plays happening around him, Keltner – the Cowboys’ kicker – was somewhat of an unsung hero. He was 4-for-4 on field goals, with three of those coming in the second half. Keltner, a transfer from SMU with familial ties to OSU, hit from 20 yards, 24 yards, 44 yards and 31 yards against the Ducks.

As for the lines, it was perhaps the most surprising aspect of this game. Even Oregon coach Dan Lanning noted that his mighty Ducks didn’t win either line of scrimmage.

Offensively, the Cowboys rushed for 237 yards and two touchdowns on 5.9 yards a carry against Oregon. Mestemaker also finished the game without having been sacked.

Then defensively, the Cowboys sacked potential No. 1 pick Dante Moore four times and held the Ducks’ rushing attack to 90 yards on 30 carries (3.0 yards per).

The Cowboys return to action at 6 p.m. Saturday when they host FCS Murray State.

Here’s a look around the league and a preview of next week.

BYU Opens Big 12 Slate with Win

Big 12 play got started this weekend for two of the league’s western schools, as BYU hosted Arizona. The Cougars won 28-17.

In some way or another, sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier was responsible for all of BYU’s scoring, throwing for three touchdowns and running for the other.

The pivotal moment of this game came in the fourth quarter. Arizona was deep in BYU territory trailing 21-17 and went for it on fourth down. It was initially ruled that the Wildcats got to the line to gain, but after review, they hadn’t. BYU went down and scored after that to essentially ice it.

If BYU goes on to beat Arizona and reaches the Big 12 title game, never forget Tommy Prassas coming up with this 4th down stop…by inches! pic.twitter.com/qsTuOSkoGQ

— Diggin’ Brigham (@DigginBrigham) September 12, 2026

Jayhawks Fall in Border War

Kansas fell to old Big Eight rival Missouri 38-21 on Friday night in the Border War.

It went into half tied at 14, but the Tigers outscored the Jayhawks 24-7 from that point on.

KU quarterback Isaiah Marshall was 13-for-30 (43%) for 168 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. That’s, obviously, not a great line, but it was sort of fun being on the roller coaster with plays like this:

Isaiah Marshall SOMEHOW gets this throw off 😳

What a play for @KU_Football! pic.twitter.com/CdlTbBIuWr

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 12, 2026

Wheels Fall Off for Sun Devils in College Station

A Top 10 Texas A&M squad found itself in a scrap with the Big 12’s Sun Devils, but a pair of fourth-quarter pick-sixes saw the Aggies pull away and win 48-20.

Arizona State trailed 24-20 going into the fourth quarter. The Aggies promptly scored in the final frame to go up 31-20, and then the first of those pick-sixes made it 38-20. A&M then kicked a field goal and scored on another pick-six to win the fourth quarter 24-0.

It was another outstanding day for Sun Devil receiver Reed Harris, who caught nine passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Through two games, Harris has 15 catches for 326 yards and four scores.

Utah Pummels Arkansas

The past four seasons, Arkansas has gone a combined 20-30, so it’s not that the Razorbacks are some SEC power. But a Big 12 team thumping a team from the Southeastern Conference is never a bad thing for the league.

Utah beat Arkansas 43-10. The Utes were up 29-3 at halftime, and the Razorbacks’ touchdown didn’t come until there was just 6:43 left to play.

Devon Dampier had an excellent all-around game. He completed 75% of his pass attempts for 261 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for another 50 yards and two more scores.

One of the more viral moments from this game was Utah using two quarterbacks at the same time. Backup Byrd Ficklin (who’s from Muskogee) took a snap and handed to Dampier. Dampier then pitched back to Ficklin for a nice run.

I LOVE Utah’s 2-QB Package pic.twitter.com/yodwtxVuJW

— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) September 13, 2026

Heartbreak at Cy-Hawk

Going in, I would’ve said a 16-13 loss was somewhat of a success for Iowa State in this year’s Cy-Hawk game, but man, the Cyclones were right there.

In a game that featured five field goals and two touchdowns, the Hawkeyes beat their in-state rival 16-13.

The Cyclones got out to a 10-0 lead in Iowa City before Iowa responded with a touchdown. Then it was a game of field goals.

Iowa tied it shortly before the half. Iowa State took the lead back early in the third. Iowa tied it again with about six minutes to play, and then the Hawkeyes’ game-winner came with all of 15 seconds left for the Cyclones to respond.

Full Week 2 Results

Missouri 38, Kansas 21
Oklahoma State 39, Oregon 31
Texas A&M 48, Arizona State 20
Texas Tech 35, Oregon State 24
BYU 28, Arizona 17
Utah 43, Arkansas 10
Iowa 16, Iowa State 13
Houston 77, Southern 6
Kansas State 34, Washington State 7
West Virginia 52, UT-Martin 7
Colorado 52, Weber State 21
Pitt 12, UCF 7
Cincinnati 62, Western Carolina 10
TCU 63, Grambling 7
Baylor 44, Prairie View A&M 3

Next Weekend’s Schedule

No. 22 Houston at No. 12 Texas Tech — 7 p.m. Friday on FOX
Tulane at Kansas State — 11 a.m. Saturday on ESPN2
Bowling Green at Iowa State — 11 a.m. Saturday on ESPNU
Arizona State at Kansas — 11 a.m. Saturday on FS1
Miami (OH) at Cincinnati — 2:30 p.m. on ESPN+
Louisiana Tech at Baylor — 3 p.m. Saturday on ESPNU
Murray State at Oklahoma State — 6 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+
Georgia State at UCF — 6 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+
No. 11 BYU at Colorado State — 6:30 p.m. Saturday on CBS
West Virginia vs. No. 25 Virginia (Charlotte) — 6:30 p.m. Saturday on ACC Network
Colorado at Northwestern — 6:30 p.m. Saturday on FOX
Arkansas State at TCU — 7 p.m. Saturday on ESPNU
Northern Illinois at Arizona — 9:30 p.m. Saturday on TNT

MOOD. pic.twitter.com/DCO4BOq2uM

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 12, 2026

OSU Bullets

• Solid nugget from linebacker Tate Romney after the massive win – there were clear tells on if the Oregon offense was passing or running (Duck Sports Central)

• The Pokes were sniffing close to the top-25 after Saturday’s win (PFB)

• Let’s keep reading good things about OSU from Saturday’s win – take a look at the numbers and how the usual narrative of an upset is simply not true for the Pokes’ win. 

That a 24.5-point underdog pulled an upset in a game featuring a pick-six and nearly another one makes sense: Usually upsets require some funkiness. But in this case, Oklahoma State dominated Oregon so thoroughly that the Cowboys were able to overcome said picks and win by eight points anyway. In the first half, the Cowboys were shockingly dominant, outgaining the Ducks by a 353-101 margin, allowing zero tackles for loss, sacking Dante Moore twice and producing a 65% rushing success rate* to Oregon’s 33%. Only the picks kept Oregon close, and when the Ducks improved in the second half, OSU was still able to fend off the comeback attempt. [ESPN]

• You probably saw it already – but just in case – four teams have scored 39 points on Dan Lanning at Oregon, including the Pokes. Guess what they did after that? 

Oklahoma State becomes 4th team to score 39 points vs. Dan Lanning at Oregon. The other 3 won the national title: Indiana 56-22 (2025) Georgia 49-3 (2022) Ohio St 41-21 (2024) [X]

• Pokes are taking steps to rebuild confidence in the program (PFB)

• Awesome run from Hauss Hejny over the weekend:

I still root for Hauss Hejny. He’s the man. And looks great in orange. Happy to watch him succeed (and quite frankly dominate) at CSU pic.twitter.com/my4JqRr7uv

— Gino Fornaro (@ginoliciousboss) September 13, 2026

• What a record to hold – it’s all about when you win in this case.

Home is where the wins are pic.twitter.com/I139KizVAV

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 12, 2026

Non-OSU Bullets

• Like this rule for AI – let it support your thinking, not form it • Don’t hide from your neighbors (faith-based)

On Saturday, one coach seemed to learn from those, and it wasn’t the coach of the No. 6 team in the country.

“I know there will be a lot of questions about fourth-down situations,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “We need to be aggressive in those moments, especially when you’re not having success to keep it going. But if it works, it works. If it doesn’t, you create short fields. Ultimately it’s still an 8-point game there and the end. If you score, get a touchdown and get an extra point — or a 2-point conversion to have an opportunity to go to a tie.”

The Ducks lost their chance to tie following a lost fumble and a 7-yard run by OSU quarterback Drew Mestemaker on third-and-three to ice the game and secure the 39-31 upset that sent Lanning and his Ducks toppling down the rankings on Sunday morning.

Lanning and Oregon went 0-for-3 on fourth down in the opener against Boise State. The Ducks passed for a loss of 2 yards on fourth-and-2, then rushed for 0 yards on fourth-and-1 before throwing an incomplete deep pass on fourth-and-2.

That probably sounds a little familiar given Oklahoma State’s 2-of-6 success rate on fourth down at Tulsa when the Cowboys went 1-of-5 on fourth-and-1 situations, specifically.

“We’ve had fourth-and-inches in two games here than I’ve had maybe in my whole entire tenure as a head coach,” coach Eric Morris said. “I get so stressed out now because I mean, someone needs to do a stat on that for next week when we have the press conference. How many fourth-and-ones we’ve had in two games.”

On Saturday, Oklahoma State faced fourth-and-2 at the end of the opening drive, following quarterback Drew Mestemaker’s 75-yard run. Last week, Morris would have left the offense out without hesitation, but this time he broke his own tendencies.

“I just thought it was important today, even early in the game, for us to run off and like we scored points, and hey, we did something good, like against a really good team,” Morris said.

Oklahoma State settled for a field goal from the 2-yard line, which gave OSU the early lead. The Cowboys faced fourth-and-1 from their own 34-yard-line later in the first quarter. Morris left the offense out there, and they successfully lured the Ducks offside for a free play, which resulted in a pass interference call for the first down.

Morris settled for a field goal when the Cowboys faced fourth-and-goal from the 6-yard line early in the third quarter. That decision put OSU back up by 10 points.

Morris left the offense out once again on fourth-and-1 at the Oregon 43-yard line with the Cowboys clinging to a 3-point lead in the final minutes of the third quarter. Running back Caleb Hawkins rushed for six, and the drive resulted in a 44-yard field goal to put the team back up by six points.

OSU went for it on fourth-and-4 early in the fourth quarter. An Oregon facemask penalty gave the Cowboys a first down, and that drive went down in everyone’s memory as the moment OSU’s QB proved he could fly for the touchdown that put the Cowboys back up by five.

This score also seems to be the one that broke Lanning, who went for it on fourth-and-8 from his own 33-yard line with about seven minutes left in the game. At the time, the Ducks still trailed by five.

This decision followed two other failed fourth-down conversions by the Ducks, including an incompletion on fourth-and-1 at the Oregon 47-yard line in the first quarter and a 5-yard sack recorded by OSU defensive end Jaleel Johnson when the Ducks faced fourth-and-seven from the OSU 43 in the third quarter.

“There in the fourth, the idea is that you get more than half of it back on third down,” Lanning said. “But on the same note, when you’re looking at less than three or four minutes in a game, you have to be aggressive when you know you need a touchdown.

“Ultimately, had we stopped them consistently on defense? No. I think you have to be more aggressive. You go back and say, ‘Okay, on third down, can we find a play that gets us four yards or gets us half of it back?’ We didn’t do that.”

OSU safety Mose Phillips gets credit for the pass breakup on third downs there while Johnson and Isaiah Chisom share credit for hurrying Oregon quarterback Dante Moore’s fourth-down incompletion.

Five plays later, Morris found himself staring down fourth-and-1 from the Oregon 13-yard line with just under four to play. A touchdown would secure the win, but Morris decided to take the 31-yard field goal and go up by eight points.

Following the win, Morris explained that he threw the analytics “book” out for Saturday’s game. It was a big change for Morris, who said he used it every time he made a call to go or punt in 2025.

“I just didn’t go off the book today near as much, just all gut and feeling on where I thought we were,” Morris said. “That was a good team. And some of those points last week, we had some great drives last week, and I thought it deflated us a bit with where we’re at, and we’re growing as a team when we run off with no points. … I think it allowed us to get the fans into it and really gave us home-field advantage.”

This rewatch was a lot less ugly than the first.

Oklahoma State upset Oregon 39-31 on Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium. I already laid out 10 thoughts in the immediate fallout of the game, but after rewatching the game Sunday afternoon, here are three other things that stood out.

James Williams Was A Menace

Florida State transfer edge rusher James Williams might’ve not popped too much on the stat sheet, but the Ducks’ offensive tackles are likely glad they don’t have to deal with him any more.

Officially, Williams made one tackle, and it came on the first play from scrimmage when he brought down running back Jordon Davison after a 1-yard gain. Then on the next play, Williams did a good job of setting the edge and forcing Williams back to the inside for a 3-yard gain. He basically made two of the plays on Oregon’s game-opening three-and-out.

He wasn’t credited with a quarterback hurry, but Williams deserves an assist on Keviyan Huddleston’s second-half sack. Williams and Huddleston came off either edge and nearly met at Dante Moore. If anything, Williams beat Huddleston there, forcing Moore to step up and into Huddleston’s waiting grasp.

Williams’ hustle was finally rewarded with a countable stat at the end of the game, when he ran from the backside edge of that toss play to recover the fumble, all but icing the win.

Williams finished with a team-best PFF grade of 85.4. PFF credited Williams with three pressures.

LaDainian Fields Is a Playmaker

LaDainian Fields didn’t bat 1.000 against the Ducks, but he made a few pivotal plays.

Oregon had a 3rd-and-10 from its own 38 late in the first quarter when Dante Moore hit 6-foot-5, 235-pound tight end Andrew Olesh. Fields was there to wrap Olesh up as the big tight end kept churning his legs toward the line to gain, but Fields eventually dragged the tight end down, like a Cowboy to a steer, just short.

Like I said, it wasn’t always pretty. That set up a 4th-and-1 where Moore hit an open Dakorien Moore on a crossing route, but the latter Moore dropped it. Fields was in coverage. It was tough because, one, Dakorien Moore is quite good, and two, it was Cover 1. It looked like the Cowboys were expecting a run, and Fields was left in one-on-one coverage for a while against one of the more elusive receivers in college football. He dropped it. All’s well that ends well.

Then late in the first half, Fields had a perfectly timed pass breakup on a 3rd-and-7 from OSU’s 24-yard line. It ended up saving the Cowboys four points.

Fields also helped set up Dan Lanning’s head-scratching 4th-and-8 call in the fourth quarter, as Fields stuck his shoulder in against a running back to force a 2-yard gain, setting up 3rd-and-8.

Justin Bowick Showed His Versatility

This is back-to-back games now where Justin Bowick stuck out in the rewtch.

Wyatt Young justifiably gobbled up the receiver headlines with his 121-yard performance, but Illinois transfer Justin Bowick also had a dang good outing.

He finished with five catches for 81 yards, where the 6-foot-5 speedster was able to show off his versatility.

He had a few grown-man, big-body receiver catches like in the second quarter when he caught a slant route at the goal line with a defensive back draped all over him. It ended up being a 6-yard gain to the Oregon 1-yard line, setting up Carson Kolb’s TD.

He also caught a pass over the middle, bringing it in and securing it before two Ducks sandwiched him. That’s a tough grab to make.

But then on two other occasions, Mestemaker hit Bowick on a play-action crossing route where the field was clear for him. There, Bowick got to show off that speed, running away from his man coverage and picking up big gains.

On Sunday morning, the Cowboys (1-1) were rewarded for their win over Oregon (1-1), with some love from AP Top 25 voters who put the Cowboys back in the receiving votes section as the unofficial 29th best team.

Oklahoma State received 36 points in the poll, twice as much as the unofficial 31st-ranked Tulsa (2-0). For context, No. 25 Virginia (2-0) rounded out the poll with 182 points.

Oregon dropped down to 21st, a loss of 15 spots, following the Cowboys win. Oklahoma State won’t face another ranked team until traveling to No. 22 Houston (2-0) on Oct. 17.

Other ranked Big 12 teams include No. 11 BYU (2-0), No. 13 Texas Tech (2-0) which visits on Nov. 14, and No. 17 Utah (2-0).

AP Poll

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The Cowboys pulled off the unthinkable, upsetting No. 6 Oregon. But more impressive was the manner in which they did it.

Oklahoma State dominated Oregon in just about every game facet of the game in the first half. If it weren’t for a couple of somewhat fluky turnovers, this would have looked like a blowout at halftime.

The Good: OSU in the Trenches

Look, there’s plenty to like about what we saw in Stillwater on Saturday, but I’m going with the biggest difference I saw that made the biggest difference since Week 1.

The Cowboys’ offensive line looked like a different unit than the one that got bullied by Tulsa. A week after Drew Mestemaker needed eyes in the back of his head, OSU was able to get real push up front against what a lot of people think was the best defensive front in the country.

We will get into this more as we move into the week, but here are some quick bullet points:

• OSU sacked Dante Moore four times, gave up zero sacks.
• OSU rushed for 247 yards at 5.9 per carry. (That’s the most by OSU, and the most given up by Oregon, since 2024.)
• OSU out-gained Oregon 554-281

Beyond all that, Mestemaker had time to go through his progressions, and he and Caleb Hawkins each rushed for more than 100 yards. The Cowboys’ defensive line lived rent-free in Dante Moore’s head (and his backfield). It was an impressive outing for both groups of bruisers.

The Bad: Fourth Downs👉Points

(I didn’t say we only had to talk OSU.)

With as much as fourth-down decision-making has been in our collective consciousness over the first two weeks of the season, I think it bears discussing. A poor (or at least high-risk) fourth-down decision that goes wrong should be looked at similarly to a turnover. And so, what about fourth down calls that lead directly to points the other way?

Both Eric Morris and Dan Lanning like to be aggressive and get every opportunity they can with the ball in their hands, but a couple of Oregon’s fourth-down calls on Saturday were head-scratching. One lost them any chance of coming back against OSU. Conversely, after getting burned a few fourth-down calls in the loss to Tulsa, Morris and Co. went 1-for-1 on fourth down.

Oregon went 0-for-3 on fourth down and all three led directly to an OSU scoring drive.

On the first one, the Ducks went for it on 4th-and-1 at midfield up 7-3. Understandable based on the situation, but it came to bite them. Moore missed on a deep ball and gave Drew Mestemaker the opportunity to lead OSU on a five-play, 47-yard TD drive.

Then in the third, Lanning went for it on 4th-and-7 at the OSU 43. Jaleel Johnson sacked Moore for a loss of five yards, and the Pokes also paid that off. This time with a field-goal drive. But he still didn’t learn. The most egregious of the three was the last one.

Fourth-and-8 at their own 33-yard line. Oregon was down 36-31 with just under seven minutes to go. I was almost mad on behalf of Oregon fans. OSU had just scored to retake the lead with Mestemaker’s acrobatic Barry Sanders impersonation, so the Pokes had all the momentum. So, I kinda get it, but logic needs to be employed — unless Lanning had zero confidence in his defense’s ability to stop OSU. Given the way things had gone, maybe that’s true. It also says something about OSU’s offense.

But the play was almost a throw-away, and the Cowboys got a very short field and essentially were able to seal the win with a field goal.

The Ugly: Oregon’s Penalties

The Ducks shot every one of their webbed toes off.

Seven penalties for 66 yards with some of those coming at very costly moments in the game. They had a false start that turned a 3rd-and-2 into a 3rd-and-7 and would lead to their turnover-on-downs in the third. Then there was a facemask in the fourth that bailed the Cowboys out of their own fourth-down failure. OSU would continue that drive with the go-ahead TD.

Then Oregon bookended the very next possession with two delay-of-game penalties, which made no sense. They got one on the opening play of that drive and then another on 4th-and-11 to give OSU better starting field position after a punt.

OSU only had two for 30, but they seemed costly at the time. After a blatant missed facemask call (which would have offset a facemask by Ayo Adeyi) cost the Cowboys a touchdown opportunity, Morris gave a little too much grief to officials. The 15 yards he earned added to the kickoff was compounded when the kickoff went out of bounds. That gave Oregon the ball at the 50-yard line. Three plays later, the Ducks took back the lead. Fortunately for OSU, they have a quarterback bent on playing Superman.

If you’re anything like me, watching Oklahoma State football the last couple of years has changed you.

We used to call them the “Cardiac Cowboys” fondly. Games had more drama than seemed necessary but, in the end, you had at least a modicum of hope that they could pull it out, even down a couple scores in the fourth quarter. Teams that would downright frustrate their fanbase on the way to a nine- or 10-win season.

But over the last few years, something started to slip. Somehow, even with the 10 wins, the Bedlam game and the Big 12 title berth, those teams in 2022 and 2023 inspired doubt. OSU was talented and the 2023 Cowboys accomplished a lot, but they always felt one play away from disaster.

The Cowboys lacked confidence. Not necessarily in themselves or from their coaches, but from the rest of us: fans, spectators, those of us who cover the team. But on Saturday, the Cowboys took a huge step toward building that confidence, and it started from the opening kickoff.

OSU forced a three-and-out on Oregon’s first drive. They weren’t supposed to be able to do that. Then, look what we have here, a defensive lapse by the Ducks allowed Drew Mestemaker to break loose for a 75-yard run. Full disclosure: Once he was called out-of-bounds, I told group that I knew OSU would have to settle for a field goal. I was right about the field goal, but not right about the Cowboys.

Then the defense forced another three-and-out and essentially allowed 3 points the entire first half, if you don’t count a 1-yard drive resulting from Mestemaker’s second interception. Other than one long TD drive and another where Oregon started at midfield, the Pokes smothered the Ducks’ offense all game.

But the Cowboys need a star to lead them. Mestemaker inspired confidence in his teammates and that slowly bled up into the seats in the stadium.

“Yeah, I think it’s big time to have a big play that early in the game,” Mestemaker said of his 75-yard run. “I think it kind of sets the tone for the offense and gets everyone in the right mindset. Especially with guys like that. I’m not saying we didn’t expect to win, but like, those guys are good. So, to have a big play like that early, is big time for our confidence.”

There were the two interceptions, each a bit fluky, but not ideal. But Mestemaker didn’t flinch. After a rough outing and plenty of outside noise between Tulsa and Oregon, he looked as calm and collected as you’d expect a seasoned veteran would. After the first pick, Mestemaker came out and completed three-straight passes. Then after the second, he went 3-for-3 on the next drive including a touchdown.

Mestemaker looked more like the nation’s top draft prospect than Dante Moore, the one we were all touting coming in. He wasn’t perfect, but Mestemaker didn’t get rattled and was in control of the offense the entire game. He commanded the pocket, made some pro-level throws and then proved to his teammates and fans that he would do whatever it took to win, up to launching himself several feet over a defender knowing he’d take a body blow.

“I kind of like just knew I could get what was there and then things just kind of opened up,” Mestemaker said of his acrobatic TD run. “I’ve never been much of a jumper, but I guess today I was. I mean, I wouldn’t call myself a dual threat, but if you’re going to leave me open, I’ll take off on you.”

But hype and confidence are two different things. One can feed the other, but the former is for those on the outside. If the Pokes get too high on themselves, they risk a result similar to Week 1. That will be the true test of this team. Can they approach Murray State or West Virginia the same way they prepared for a Top 10 Oregon team?

That will be the difference.

“We just can’t get too high or get too low,” said Wyatt Young after the game. “You have to be able to calm yourself down in big moments and not freak out when stuff like that happens. I had full confidence, and Drew was going around preaching to everybody, ‘Stay levelheaded, stay levelheaded, we’re good. This is our game.’ We all felt it in the energy, and I felt like the fans felt it, too. They did a hell of a job today supporting us. It was loud as ever in there. It was just great to be a part of.”

It’s hard to divorce the Cowboys’ identity the last two seasons from the expectation placed on this year’s team. But the two squads are about as different as they can be over an offseason. And that’s what it looks like they are proving.

Confidence from the outside is going to be harder to earn after a 21-game losing streak against FBS opponents. Maybe Oregon just actually isn’t any good. Maybe OSU goes out and drops half of its Big 12 games. Shoot, maybe the Cowboys sleepwalk through Murray State next Saturday. It’s possible that Oregon was just lightning in the bottle, but I’m starting to doubt it.

College football talking heads from far and wide reacted to Oklahoma State’s 39-31 win against Oregon throughout Saturday night. Most of the focus was given to how this affects Oregon’s path to the College Football Playoff, which given recent history, is probably fair. But not all the focus was on the Ducks.

Here’s what the national perspective is on the Cowboys’ performance.

Josh Pate

Josh Pate called this game this first “big stunner” of the college football season.

Pate almost started by getting into Oregon, but then he remembered his own rule.

“First off, congratulations to Oklahoma State,” Pate said. “We talk about winners first. That’s the rule around here. Outrushed them 237-90. I know this final score is (39-31) — anyone who watched this game, as more and more of you probably did as the game went on, this was not a close game.”

Pate compared it to SMU’s win against Florida State in that it was close on the scoreboard, but it was evident SMU was the much better team. It’s just that better team was Oklahoma State in this instance.

Pate also made note of the quarterback matchup pinning Drew Mestemaker against Dante Moore. Both guys have been in the first-round conversation, but Moore moreso than Mestemaker.

“One team had a huge quarterback edge in this game,” Pate said. “It just wasn’t the favorite. Drew Mestemaker, for that clunky start they got off to last week, this is kind of what people expected it to look like — maybe not to this degree against Oregon, though.”

When getting into what this loss meant for Oregon, Pate called it the worse loss of Dan Lanning’s tenure before providing a take that would prove popular as we continue on.

“And maybe,” Pate said, “just maybe, Oklahoma State does Oregon a huge favor and becomes a real big factor and contender in the Big 12 race, where you look back on this loss three months from now, and you say, ‘Man, you remember that day? We were so shocked Oregon was a three-plus touchdown favorite, they lost outright. Maybe we shouldn’t have been that shocked, we just didn’t know about Oklahoma State.'”

Cover 3

The guys over at Cover 3 mostly attacked this game from the Oregon angle, but Chip Patterson cracked the seal on the OSU slant.

“A hardy congratulations to Eric Morris,” Chip Patterson said. “This was your home opener as Oklahoma State’s coach. I mean, you had a lot of Oklahoma State fans at the Tulsa game, that you lost — not great. But to be able to win your home-opener, against a Top 10 opponent, to have them rush the field, to have them take down the goalpost, to have them really take this in as a true ‘put the past behind us, and let’s move forward.'”

And then Bud Elliott also pointed out that there probably isn’t a team better than Oregon left on the Cowboys’ schedule.

“If they play like that — and again, that’s probably their A game, I would assume,” Bud Elliott said. “They outgained Oregon by 250. Like, there’s not a Big 12 game they can’t win. … If Mestemaker is gonna throw the ball like that, that thing is wide open again.”

Andy and Ari

Like Pate, Andy Staples treated the Cowboys’ upset win as breaking news.

He, too, made note of the fact that Oklahoma State looked the much better team.

“This was an utter demolition in terms of Oklahoma State moving the ball on Oregon’s defense,” Staples said. “Oregon’s defense had a couple really nice havoc plays. They had a pick-six early. They had another interception that put them on the 1 and set up another touchdown that really kept them in the game. But for the most part, Oklahoma State was moving the ball back and forth, up and down the field pretty much at will, which is amazing because they couldn’t do it last week against Tulsa. I do not understand how these things happen, but that is college football.”

And here that storyline is again — if OSU can beat Oregon, who can’t the Cowboys beat?

“But Oklahoma State, guess what? If you can beat Oregon, you can beat everybody else on your schedule,” Staples said. “Texas Tech is the toughest team remaining on this schedule, obviously. Texas Tech is the favorite in the Big 12. If you can beat Oregon, you can beat Texas Tech. … That should excite you.”

Brandon Walker

Most of this was expletive-laden, and it’s hard to transcribe a sentence that doesn’t have at least three cuss words.

But Brandon Walker and Liam Blutman were stunned, to say the least, wondering how it’s possible for a team to lose to Tulsa one week and turnaround and beat Oregon.

“But Mestemaker is that future NFL QB1, and he showed that today,” Blutman said. “He is one of the most talented throwers of the football in this country.”

STILLWATER — Could you imagine if I told you 12 months ago that Dan Lanning said this after playing Oklahoma State in Stillwater?

“We didn’t win the line of scrimmage on either side of the ball.”

Well, that is a real quote, and he isn’t lying.

Outside of a pair of tipped-at-the-line interceptions, Oklahoma State dominated Oregon in the Cowboys’ 39-31 victory in Boone Pickens Stadium, and the Ducks’ coach was well aware of that fact.

“The score was closer than it really was because it wasn’t close in a lot of ways,” Lanning said. “We got our ass kicked in a lot of areas. Tons of credit to Coach (Eric) Morris and his staff. Without the takeaways that we had on defense, it doesn’t look like it looked.”

The Cowboys won total yardage 554-281. They had the ball for nearly a quarter longer than Oregon.

As big as the explosive offensive plays were for the Pokes, Skyler Cassity’s defense was straight up dominant. The Ducks’ only trip to the red zone all day came because of Drew Mestemaker’s interception.

When asked if he thought going into this game that it was going to be an four-quarter scrap, Lanning said the Ducks are always alert for a heavyweight fight. But it seems Cassity switched to southpaw.

“I thought our guys prepared, but they gave us a lot of looks that were a little bit different, especially defensively, than what we had prepared for,” Lanning said. “We had prepared and anticipated what we thought we were going to see. I thought their defensive coordinator did a great job of changing things up.”

Lastly, even in the dark ages of the past two seasons, the Boone Pickens Stadium atmosphere had its charm, whether it be shirtless men or a section of bananas.

But it sounds like BPS was more than just a cute novelty on Saturday. Even through 4-20, that homefield advantage was just waiting to be woken up.

“It’s a loud environment,” Lanning said. “The goal is to take the environment out of it. We didn’t take the environment out of it because of the way we played the game, and that created some of the penalties that existed.”

This marks the first time Oregon has lost to an unranked team with Lanning as the coach. Lanning is now 49-9 as a head coach. Here are his losses:

Georgia
Washington x3
Oregon State
Ohio State
Indiana x2
Oklahoma State

STILLWATER — From the outside, the Cowboys’ defense was a big question mark heading into this season, but through two games, it’s certainly been the Cowboys’ most consistent side of the ball.

As part of Oklahoma State’s 39-31 victory against No. 6 Oregon on Saturday, the Cowboys’ defense held the vaunted Oregon attack to just 281 yards of total offense.

Morris was looking for one thing from that defense on Saturday: playing fast.

“I thought our defensive line was phenomenal today,” Morris said. “Our one goal this week was to play fast, as we talked about early on. That’s the only thing I’m grading them on. We’re going to have to chart literally every player that plays in every play of this game. It’s going to say whether he’s going to say fast, not fast, and that’s how he’s graded. No technique. I’m not allowing a coach to put one more thing on it. Usually, we come in here and we have a laundry list of things, and I thought it was kind of getting too much.

“Like, I wanted guys to be able to go out there and just execute and see it. And playing fast is mental too. Great example. I mean, that last play, like James (Williams) was so fast. I don’t know if he’s doing the right thing of the ball, but he saw that ball. They were so damn fast.”

Potential No. 1 pick Dante Moore threw for 191 yards. When throwing at least 25 passes in a game, it’s the third fewest yards Moore has thrown for. In games in which he had at least 25 attempts, he averaged 269.5 yards a game entering Saturday.

And the Cowboys pass rush was an issue for the Oregon O-line. After not getting home against Tulsa, OSU recorded a quartet of sacks on Moore and hurried him on another three occasions.

The Oregon rushing attack didn’t do much better — in fact, it didn’t do better at all. The Ducks ran for 90 yards on 30 carries. Last season, the Ducks ran for 3.0 yards or fewer on three occasions: against Texas Tech in the College Football Playoff, at Washington and Oregon’s regular season loss to Indiana.

“Nobody was scared,” defensive end James Williams said. “Nobody was scared. You could tell how we were last night at dinner. It wasn’t like we had just come off a big loss like we had against Tulsa. We were transparent. We were moving into the next game like how we needed to be.”

Whether it be against a Golden Hurricane or the Ducks (or a hurricane full of ducks), this defense has been outstanding on third down through two games. After holding Oregon to 5-for-14 on the money down, OSU’s defense has allowed just six conversions in 25 third-down attempts.

That was what Jim Knowles’ 2021 defense did so well, as the Cowboys allowed conversions on 28.8% of attempts. If you haven’t done the math of 6-for-25 yet, that comes out to 24%.

“The entire way we go about practice is phenomenal,” said Williams, speaking of defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity. “Everything I was seeing on film is exactly what they ran. Every single thing I was seeing in practice is exactly what they ran. It was essentially like it was easier than the practice was.”

OSU’s defense was a nice surprise against Tulsa. Against Oregon, it was outright dominant.

OSU’s Defensive Stats Against Oregon

• 281 total yards allowed (OSU had 554)
• 90 rushing yards allowed (OSU had 237)
• 12 first downs allowed (OSU had 25)
• 5-for-14 on third down
• 0-for-3 on fourth down
• 1 Oregon red zone trip (and it was off Mestemaker’s second pick)
• 4 sacks
• 3 QB hurries
• 4 pass breakups

OSU Bullets

• Marshall did a great job of sorting through his 10 Thoughts after such a whirlwind of a game. [PFB]

• Drew Mestemaker called the win “the best moment” of his life. [PFB]

• Caleb Hawkins said he almost got hit by the falling goal post. [PFB]

• Dan Lanning’s rationale for the fourth-and-8 near his own red zone.

“I think you have to be aggressive in those moments, especially when you’re not having success, to keep it going,” Lanning said. “If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, then you create short fields.” [ESPN]

• Love this.

I met @__CoachMorris in January. He looked me in the eyes and said, “We’re gonna beat Oregon. You’ll see.” pic.twitter.com/7cCu3bcSAx

— Chris Tobler (@ChrisTobler82) September 12, 2026

• Donnie Walton puts it away in extra innings. The Cowboy now has seven HRs on the year. 

DONN-O-MITE 🧨 pic.twitter.com/hWy3emo1dK

— Athletics (@Athletics) September 12, 2026

• And Carson Benge is becoming a “superstar.”
 

CARSON BENGE ROBS AARON JUDGE! pic.twitter.com/IOsGv4DFMp

— Mets’d Up Podcast (@MetsdUp) September 12, 2026

Non-OSU Bullets

• Drew did it better.

John Mateer is a competitor man. pic.twitter.com/ZLG9T6Bzgi

— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) September 12, 2026

• This is insane.

UNHINGED Fake Punt 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/qkRbruM66K

— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) September 12, 2026

But first off, Eric Morris celebrated with his team and then he used it as an opportunity to coach them up.

🗣️ HOW ‘BOUT THEM COWBOYS pic.twitter.com/kzt8nVX4BY

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 12, 2026

This video posted by 2029 Broken Arrow wide receiver Joseph Williams gave a longer look at Morris as he addressed the team. (Williams holds an OSU offer.)

“Guys, wait until you watch this film and see how fast we played,” Morris said. “On defense, one of the most incredible performances I’ve ever seen.”

He went to talk about preparing for next week with a reminder of how quickly opinions can chance and, basically, to shut out the outside noise.

“They are gonna tell you how great you were, the same people that are telling you how shi**y you were a week ago.”

So glad I was able to attend today’s game! This game today shows that even when everyone thinks you’re at your lowest, it should NOT affect the way you play. These… pic.twitter.com/5CX29GmBwt

— Joseph Williams 2029🤟 (@JosephWill18569) September 12, 2026

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There were plenty of memorable moments and Pistols Firing photographer Devin Wilber was on the sidelines to capture them. Here are some of his best shots from Saturday. You can check out the full album here.

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STILLWATER — Maybe the Cowboys just needed running back Caleb Hawkins back inside Boone Pickens.

In 2023, he attended the final Bedlam and rushed the field with the rest of the Cowboy faithful.

“I barely escaped getting hit by the goal post,” Hawkins said.

This time around, Hawkins was the one giving fans a reason to storm the field after he rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown in Oklahoma State’s 39-31 win.

It goes down as the program’s first top-10 win since Hawkins watched the Cowboys beat the Sooners in that infamous Bedlam game in 2023.

Within what felt like seconds of the final whistle, Hawkins found himself hugging his younger brother Tyson Hawkins.

“It was unbelievable,” Caleb said. “I took off my helmet, kinda tried to sit it down so I didn’t hit nobody with it. I hugged onto him tight. Tried not to get too emotional because I was excited, but it was a great feeling.”

Emotions were high across BPS as Oklahoma State fans stormed the field to celebrate the Cowboys’ first win over an FBS team in a drought that was just two days short of turning two years old.

“It was awesome,” receiver Wyatt Young said. “I mean, I’ve never experienced anything like that, and it felt great to give these fans a real good W for them. It’s been a long time for them, and yeah, it just felt great in that moment. So I was (like) I’ll take any pictures I had to.”

Young and several other players quickly found themselves engulfed by an orange mass of humanity. When fans weren’t taking pictures or making plans to party after the game, most of them were cheering for the goalposts to be taken down.

The ones in the west end zone didn’t last very long.

“It was awesome,” linebacker Ethan Wesloski said of the field storming. “I just kind of got swarmed, and you know, people I’ve never seen before (saying) ‘We love you. We love you. Good job. Good job.’ To have that support is awesome.

“So for me just being able to sit there and you know take that support, you work so hard and it feels good to have someone loving you like that. So, I love our fans, and I challenge them every week to be better and better.”

At one point, Wesloski asked fans to give him some space, and he crouched down for about 30 seconds to a minute.

“Just taking it in, right,” Wesloski said of that moment. “This, you know, I’m in my fifth year of football. God-willing, I play for a long time after this, correct.

“But you don’t get too many moments like that. You know, we beat a very big football team, and we earned it. And so for me to kind of take it in, take a step back. Thank my Lord and Savior Jesus too, for the abilities I have, and you know put me in the spot I am. So just take a step back. … It was just to take the moment in for me. It was awesome.”

Unlike his teammates, defensive end James Williams is something of a veteran of field stormings by now after helping Nebraska beat Colorado (led by Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders) by 18 points in 2024, and Florida State upset then-No. 8 Alabama by 14 points last season.

“That’s my third field storm that I’ve been a part of, and it gets better every time,” Williams said. “You know, because that’s a moment you’re never going to forget about.

“It’s a moment that everybody in that stadium is not going to forget about. Like that invokes Oklahoma State beating Oklahoma for the last time. You know what I mean? Like that, that’s a memory that every single kid that’s in that stadium is going to cherish.”

STILLWATER — After taking his final knee, Drew Mestemaker chunked the pigskin into the Stillwater sky.

He turned to see his offensive coordinator running at him for a hug. Then someone took his helmet, and the next thing he knew, a group of police officers was carry Mestemaker out of the rush of humanity for a postgame interview.

Not a bad Boone Pickens Stadium debut.

“I think it exceeded every expectation I had, honestly,” Mestemaker said. “That’s like the best moment of my life, honestly, and to have the fans behind us, it was just unreal the whole game.”

In a duel of two future NFL quarterbacks, Mestemaker won — not only on the field, but in the stat sheet.

He threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns, but he was asked a lot more about the plays he made with his legs after Saturday’s game.

The first of those came on OSU’s first play from scrimmage, when he pulled a zone read and galloped 75 yards down the field before stepping out of bounds just before the goal line.

That’s how you make an entrance 😤 pic.twitter.com/gi3s8RwA7T

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 12, 2026

“That D-end came flying down the line, so I pull it, and I was like, ‘Alright, getting like 8 (yards) here,'” said Mestemaker, recalling the play. “And then the safety tracked over the top. He thought the running back had the ball, and I was like, ‘Shoot, there’s no one in front of me.'”

“I was running and peeked up at the scoreboard to see how close everyone was, and I saw someone in the corner of my eye. I thought I was in, but I guess I barely stepped out.”

Then in the fourth quarter with his team down a point, Mestemaker made a play that the Loyal and True will remember for a long time.

With a defensive end over-pursuing, Mestemaker stepped up into the pocket around the 10-yard line and flushed to his left. The Ducks’ defense was sitting in a zone in the end zone, so the Cowboy QB pump-faked and took off.

Defensive back Aaron Flowers had a chance at Mestemaker at about the 2-yard line, but Mestemaker went Barry Sanders vs. Colorado and flew over him. He took another shot on the way down that knocked the wind out of him, but Mestemaker held on to the ball and gave the Pokes a go-ahead score.

Just be Drew.

📺: ESPNEWS | @DrewMestemaker pic.twitter.com/hen68zV71R

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 12, 2026

“Drew, he’s a dog, man,” OSU coach Eric Morris said. “I got no other way to say it.”

But it wasn’t just on the ground.

A week after having just two passing plays of at least 20 yards (and none longer than 27 yards), Mestemaker had five completions of at least 20 yards, four of at least 30 yards and a season-long 52-yard completion on a deep touchdown to Wyatt Young.

That touchdown heave to Young came way back in the pocket, and it didn’t really look like Mestemaker was able to step into it all that well — a sign of Mestemaker’s arm talent that he still pushed that ball so far down the field.

But the most impressive ball Mestemaker threw Saturday came on a flea-flicker, where the Cowboy QB buzzed a ball over the head of a turned defender and into Young’s waiting breadbasket.

Good things happen when Drew Mestemaker targets Wyatt Young 🏈 pic.twitter.com/0w12zRKXUr

— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) September 12, 2026

“He made some throws today that were just eye-opening,” Morris said. “There’s a throw on the flea-flicker that he threw to Wyatt Young across the field that not many people in this world can make.”

It wasn’t without a few mishaps, as Mestemaker threw two interceptions, but both of those were tipped at the line. So even those didn’t feel all that bad.

With myriad NFL personnel in attendance, and after a Tulsa game where many publicly questioned whether Mestemaker was the guy he was being made out to be, he led the Cowboys to a home-opening win against a Top 10 team in the country and ended a streak of more than 700 days since OSU’s last victory against an FBS team.

“I think that team was definitely the best I’ve ever played, but I just think whenever you’re in a groove and everyone is feeling themselves and everyone is confident, I think this offense is hard to stop whenever we’re in that groove,” Mestemaker said. “So hats off to Coach Morris, too. He called a great game, really put everyone in positions to succeed and this is definitely the best team I’ve ever played.”

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity designed what looked like the perfect trap for presumptive first-round quarterback Dante Moore on Saturday, but it was what he said to his players ahead of the game that might have sealed the Cowboys’ win.

​“He walked in and said, ‘Hey, you know, ESPN came in, had our interview with us, they didn’t ask about any single one of you defensive players,’” defensive end James Williams said. “And that was all we needed to hear. I was like, ‘Bet, they’re gonna ask about me after the game.’”

​Williams certainly made good on his promise when he fell on an Oregon fumble with 1:55 left to all-but seal the Cowboys’ win.

​“As soon as I felt it didn’t (pop out), I was like, yes, we got it, we got it, we got it, we won,” Williams said.

​The Cowboys spent the last week in college football’s basement after the 24-10 loss to Tulsa, but should now be the talk of the country after handing No. 6 Oregon a 39-31 loss that rarely felt as close as the final score reflected.

​“In my opinion, without the two tip passes that end up being interceptions in that first half, we might have won the game by 25-plus points,” coach Eric Morris said in the opening minutes of his postgame press conference.

​The Cowboys’ win snaps just about all streaks for both teams. Oregon had beaten 41-consecutive unranked opponents before this one, and OSU held the nation’s longest active losing streak.

​According to ESPN, this also marks the first time an FBS team ever snapped a double-digit losing streak against an AP Top 10 team.

​Williams said the showing Saturday sent a message.

​“Hey, we’re not going to be walked over, we’re not going to be picked apart,” Williams said. “The showing that we put up against Tulsa, that’s not who we are. So you know, it was a nice game to reset, show who we actually are and what’s to come for Oklahoma State.”

Speaking of Tulsa, multiple players said the loss to TU last week paved the way for the win on Saturday, which will go down as the program’s first top-10 win since the Cowboys won the final Bedlam in 2023.

“I think that loss last week was the best thing that could have happened to us,” receiver Wyatt Young said. “Woke us up. Realized we weren’t as good as we thought. We still are a great team, and we can go out and beat anybody we put our minds to, like I said last week.”

Young said Oregon’s players looked like “freaks” when the team watched film this week, but on Saturday everything felt easy.

“Really (we felt we could do) anything,” Young said. “I mean, the short game worked for us, the long game was working for us all game. I mean, obviously Caleb (Hawkins) had it over 100 yards, so he was cooking on the ground. … When you get out there against them, I mean, everybody’s just human at the end of the day. And it’s about who makes more mistakes and who makes less mistakes.”

Williams said something eerily similar when asked about defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity’s gameplan.

“Everything I was seeing on film is exactly what they ran,” he said. “Every single thing I was seeing in practice is exactly what they ran. It was essentially like it was easier than the practice was.”

Speaking of film, linebacker Ethan Wesloski suggested that OSU’s mistakes last week were crucial when it came to fixing the pass rush against Moore.

“Two dynamic quarterbacks,” Wesloski said. “So we were able to learn last week about how we needed to change our game a little bit. So for us, we knew we needed to close some B-Gap windows and keep in a balanced rush lane.

“You know, we did some zone match coverage today where we were, you know, allowed to close on running backs or tight ends staying in a seven, six-man pro. So, I had a couple of them. I know Tate and Zay (Isaiah Chisom) both had a couple times where they were able to add enough, not let the quarterback get vertical down the field, and you know he dropped his eyes off the rush game and wasn’t able to make plays on the field like we’ve seen.”

Moore was a big reason at least 19 NFL scouts, and reportedly two GMs, attended Saturday’s game. The Oregon quarterback finished with a 60.5 grade on PFF, which was his third-worst grade since taking over as the Ducks starter last year.

The only games where he did worse? Both matchups with national champion Indiana last season.

“This was 100% a statement game,” Wesloski said. “Because it’s going to test our abilities to show us what kind of football team we are. And you know, then adversity hit last week, and now it shows you how you’re going to respond.

“So, it gives myself and everybody in this room, and everyone in that locker room, a lot of confidence that we don’t let the past affect us. We can shed plays, shed drives, shed series after, and you know, go focus on the next one at hand.”

Now the Cowboys have to prove they can shed success and remain just as focused as competition dips first against Murray State next week, then against some of the Big 12’s other recent basement dwellers starting with West Virginia and UCF.

Williams was asked if it would be challenging to leave this win behind when the team starts practice next week.

“I mean, we lost to Tulsa,” Williams said.

Although the Tulsa loss is still an embarrassing stain on this team’s start to the season, the defensive end said that it should serve as a reminder to be humble, especially when Big 12 play begins. Williams added that he still believes the Cowboys can win the conference.

Barring an Oregon collapse the rest of the way, it’s hard to argue with his assessment of the team’s potential even with the Tulsa loss.

“We needed to see that. … We needed that game,” Williams said of the TU loss. “That was very important. I think that was going to change the entire dichotomy of the season.”

STILLWATER — The Cowboys took the scenic route to a 1-1 record, and what a scene it was.

Oklahoma State upset Oregon 39-31 on Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium.

The fans stormed the field, ripped down the goalpost and took it to Theta Pond. The Cowboys were humming up and down the BPS turf. And — for at least a day — everything seemed like it once did.

Here are 10 thoughts on that game.

1. It Was Sort of Domination

Similar to how OSU’s loss to Tulsa could’ve been worse, the Ducks’ loss in Stillwater could’ve been a lot worse.

OSU outgained the Ducks 554-281. Oregon ran for 90 yards to OSU’s 237. OSU had 25 first downs to Oregon’s 12.

Outside of a few batted passes that Oregon intercepted, this game might’ve been over midway through the third quarter.

2. Drew Mestemaker Is A Dawg

If you ever find yourself questioning Drew Mestemaker’s grittiness, just rewatch this play right here:

Just be Drew.

📺: ESPNEWS | @DrewMestemaker pic.twitter.com/hen68zV71R

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 12, 2026

That dude is a D-A-W-G DAWG.

In his BPS debut against the No. 6 team in the country, Mestemaker threw for 317 yards, ran for 109 yards and accounted for three touchdowns.

After a nightmare Week 1, Week 2 couldn’t have been scripted any better for OSU’s new QB1.

3. The Nastiest Ball I’ve Seen an OSU QB Throw in Some Time

Oh my goodness, this ball.

DREW MESTEMAKER TO WYATT YOUNG OMG pic.twitter.com/FWXMMmSMF7

— Pick 6 Pack (@Pick6PackFB) September 12, 2026

Need another angle?

Good things happen when Drew Mestemaker targets Wyatt Young 🏈 pic.twitter.com/0w12zRKXUr

— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) September 12, 2026

Mestemaker could not have placed that in Wyatt Young’s hands any better. That defender closest to Young had to be in immense shock when he all of a sudden saw the ball appear.

That’s why NFL-types are drooling over OSU’s quarterback.

4. Take A Bow, Skyler Cassity

A lot of thought No. 1 has to do with Oklahoma State’s 31-year-old defensive coordinator.

Dante Moore — perhaps the No. 1 pick in next year’s NFL Draft — went 14-for-29 for 191 yards against the Pokes. Between this season and last, Moore has only thrown for fewer yards in four games. In that same stretch, he’s averaged 246.4 passing yards a contest entering Saturday.

On top of that, Oregon ran for 90 yards Saturday. Only twice in the past two seasons have the Ducks ran for fewer yards in a game.

This Cowboy defense dominated the Oregon Ducks. That’s no other way to put it.

5. OSU’s Pass Rush Feasted on Money Downs

Against Tulsa last week, the Cowboys were credited with one quarterback hurry and no sacks.

Against the mighty Oregon Ducks, OSU hurried Dante Moore three times and sacked him on four occasions.

The sacks:
Malik Charles on 3rd-and-9 from the Oregon 26 (second quarter)
Isaiah Chisom and Ethan Wesloski on 1st-and-20 from the Oregon 40 (second quarter)
Jaleel Johnson on 4th-and-7 from the OSU 43 (third quarter)
Keviyan Huddleston on 3rd-and-6 from the Oregon 29

HUGE 4TH DOWN STOP @JaleelJohnson18

📺: ESPNEWS pic.twitter.com/wXTqk1qOY6

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 12, 2026

All but one came on third or fourth down, as the Cowboys forced Oregon to go 5-for-14 on third and 0-for-3 on fourth.

Through two games now, teams are 6-for-25 on third down against the Cowboys. That’s Jim Knowles-type behavior.

6. Dan Lanning Lost His Mind

Seemingly, punting physically hurts these two coaches, but Morris learned from last week while Lanning didn’t.

With about seven minutes to play, the Ducks were down 36-31 and had a 4th-and-8 on their own 33.

For whatever reason, Oregon went for it. Moore’s pass fell incomplete, and the Cowboys essentially spawned in field-goal range to go up a full score (eight points) with 3:13 to go.

I’m all for aggressiveness, but that was one of the more wild fourth-down attempts I recall. It’s a little extra wild considering the Ducks went 0-for-3 on fourth down against Boise State — one of the main reasons the Broncos hung around in that game.

After going 2-for-6 on fourth down against Tulsa, Morris was 1-for-1 Saturday. Despite more than a couple fourth-and-short opportunities presenting themselves, he didn’t take the bait.

Morris said after the game that he ditched the analytics book he followed all of last season to go with more of a feel on fourth downs. It worked.

7. Helluva Response from the O-Line

Oklahoma State’s offensive line took it on the shins for much of the week, but what a response to have against what might be the best defensive line in the country.

Mestemaker was hurried on three occasions but wasn’t sacked Saturday. Meanwhile, the OSU ground attack bullied out 237 rushing yards on 5.9 yards a pop.

The Cowboys were without Jacob Sexton. Guard Joseph Hanson went down in the first half and didn’t return. Center Tyler Mercer missed a handful of plays. And no matter who was in there, the line kept Mestemaker clean and kept providing openings for whoever was running the ball.

8. The UNTrio Shined

The Big 3 that moved up from Denton all shined in what was their BPS debut.

We’ve already ran down Mestemaker’s day, but Caleb Hawkins ran for 110 yards and a score on 23 carries. And receiver Wyatt Young caught five balls for 121 yards and a score.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Hawkins’ performance is he didn’t have a negative rush. Some of that credit obviously goes to the offensive line, but Hawkins essentially only falls forward. It was a day of chipping away for Hawkins, as his biggest gain was a 26-yard run in the second quarter. Outside of that, he didn’t have a run of more than 9 yards, but he just kept churning forward.

Along with the dot Mestemaker threw Young on that flea-flicker, Young also caught a James Washington-esque post route for a 52-yard touchdown. Freaky arm strength from Mestemaker on the throw, as he was drifting backward and chunked it off his backfoot.

It is not always pretty with Mestemaker, but man he is fun pic.twitter.com/IU1LaAFBaR

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) September 12, 2026

9. The Season Is Reset

Just like most predicted, the Cowboys are 1-1.

Unlike anyone predicted, that came because the Pokes beat Oregon and lost to Tulsa.

A mere seven days after we were ready to take a lot of stuff off the table for the Cowboys, it’s all back on — the Big 12, X number of wins — it’s all possible again.

Maybe Oregon ends up not being national title-level good. But if OSU can beat that team, you’re going to have a hard time convincing me the Cowboys can’t beat anyone else on the schedule. That, obviously, doesn’t mean they will beat everyone else (see Tulsa), but even the most daring of predictions again seem possible.

10. The Streak Is Over

After 729 long, long days, the Cowboys beat an FBS football team again.

Rock bottom was evasive.

Was it the 52-0 loss to Colorado to end the 2024 season? Was it Hauss Hejny breaking his foot minutes into the 2025 season? Was it a 69-3 loss in Eugene resembled a high school team taking on a college team? Was it the first home loss to Tulsa since the 1950s? Was it the fact that a wide receiver was playing quarterback for a chunk of the 2025 season? Was it the 42-0 loss in Lubbock? Was it a 1-11 finish? Was it losing to Tulsa again?

Wherever rock bottom was, the Cowboys have climbed their way out. Maybe this doesn’t last forever, but what had to be the worst streak of OSU football ever is finally over.

It was dark on my timeline while the Cowboys floundered in Tulsa. So we might as well enjoy when things go well.

MOOD. pic.twitter.com/DCO4BOq2uM

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 12, 2026

Then-unranked Oklahoma State upset then-No. 6 Oregon on Saturday. Let’s see what some former players, talking heads and fans had to say.

Congrats #Pokes… way to respond https://t.co/XBBlW3Yfkm

— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) September 12, 2026

1-1 after week 2 like we all expected.

— Southwell (@JustinSouthwell) September 12, 2026

Can we please @EASPORTSCollege boost @CowboysFB ratings? Thank you in advance. Also, can we get @CowboyFB back in the top 25? LFG! 🚀 Orange power 🍊🍊

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) September 12, 2026

Pokes!! https://t.co/NGaP5qoV9g

— Mason Rudolph (@Rudolph2Mason) September 12, 2026

I see you!!!👀 @CowboyFB

— Tylan Wallace (@OfficialTylan2) September 12, 2026

Congrats Coach Morris!!! @CowboyFB
What a bounce back!!

— Alan Bowman (@alanbowman_) September 12, 2026

Don’t let us get hot.
pic.twitter.com/k2HNulHTZE

— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterNS) September 12, 2026

We got scenes in Stillwater pic.twitter.com/UZ3vLDe94s

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) September 12, 2026

Everybody: “Don’t jump to conclusions this early in the season.”

Me: pic.twitter.com/xmmbb0VLb4

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 12, 2026

I low-key respect OSU losing to Tulsa just to raise the state’s football prowess (too bad OU didn’t get the memo.)

Can someone check Kalshi for Tulsa’s chances of winning the Big Ten?

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) September 12, 2026

As time expired in Oklahoma State’s 39-31 win over No. 6 Oregon, fans stormed the field intent on making some modifications.

Following the historic upset, the Loyal and True contingent quickly celebrated with players and coaches before getting right to work on the goal posts. It was the Cowboys’ first Top 10 win since beating Oklahoma in 2023. That was also the last time the goal posts went for a swim.

Here’s how it all played out as documented by ESPN’s Max Olson and others.

Goal post is coming down and the party is on in Boone Pickens Stadium pic.twitter.com/StoXijtKfF

— Max Olson (@max_olson) September 12, 2026

See ya later, goal post pic.twitter.com/hNXva4IXdM

— Max Olson (@max_olson) September 12, 2026

The goalposts are down as #OKState upsets No. 6 Oregon, 39-31. The Cowboys’ 21-game losing streak to FBS opponents ends against a top-10 team. pic.twitter.com/EQYYn0vaRp

— Braden Bush (@BradenBush21) September 12, 2026

pic.twitter.com/QQFKlhchmj

— Max Olson (@max_olson) September 12, 2026

The goal post made it to Theta Pond. #OKState pic.twitter.com/D8lS7grETz

— Jacob Unruh (@jacobunruh) September 12, 2026

The rest of the goal post. #OkState #GoPokes https://t.co/eSKgyKFgk3 pic.twitter.com/7bU9wKjOI9

— StillH2🤠Dad (@StillH2Odad) September 12, 2026

WE’RE FIRED UP, Y’ALL pic.twitter.com/oSTEXuKia5

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 12, 2026

A week after an embarrassing loss, the Cowboys just pulled off a historic upset.

Oklahoma State defeated No. 6 Oregon 39-31. After a 90-minute weather delay, Eric Morris caught lightning in a bottle.

In a battle of potential first round QBs, Drew Mestemaker looked more like the pro. The sophomore QB went 26-for-43 for 317 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He ran for 109 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Conversely, Heisman hopeful and projected No. 1 overall pick Dante Moore finished 14-for-29 for 191 yards and two scores.

The Cowboys dominated the Ducks in the first half. If it weren’t for two batted passes that were picked off, it would have looked like mirror image of last year’s trip to Oregon when the Ducks held a 41-3 at the break.

Mestemaker took off on the Cowboys’ first offensive play and picked up 75 yards. He stepped out of bounds at the 3-yard line. The Cowboys would have to settle for a field goal, but something had changed inside Boone Pickens Stadium. The Pokes would find the end zone three times in the first half.

Drew Mestemaker with a massive 75-yard rush on Oklahoma State’s first play of the game 😤 pic.twitter.com/zTyXZb8ISH

— ESPN (@espn) September 12, 2026

The offense may have been reminiscent of ones we used to see in Stillwater in years past, but it was the defense that looked impressive in the first half, and throughout. The Cowboys held the Ducks to 101 yards and five first downs in the first. Oregon’s first two TDs came off a pick-six and a 1-yard score, both off batted Mestemaker passes that were intercepted.

Oregon might have been lucky to be down just a touchdown at halftime, but it looked like a different coming out of the visitor’s locker room in the third quarter.

The Cowboys marched down the field on the opening drive of the second half, but once again stumbled at the end zone and had to settle for 3. The Ducks’ offense finally woke up and made the Pokes pay. After going 5-for-15 for 56 yards in the first half, Dante Moore went 5-for-5 on the drive, culminating with a 36-yard touchdown to Dakorien Moore to pull within 27-24 just three minutes into the third. The Ducks’ defense also came out of the locker room looking different. They forced OSU’s first three-and-0ut of the game on the very next possession.

Just when it felt like Oregon was going to turn it on, the Cowboys’ defense came up with a huge play. After a false start stymied their drive, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning elected to go for it on fourth-and-7 at the OSU 38-yard line. Jaleel Johnson came up with a huge sack to give OSU the ball at midfield. OSU sacked Moore four times.

The Cowboys were rolling before a missed facemask on Oregon defender Devon Jackson killed the drive. Eric Morris then picked up a penalty complaining about the egregious miss which led to Oregon getting the ball at the 50-yard line on a kick out of bounds. A couple plays later, the Ducks really made them pay for it. Moore found Evan Stewart for a 38-yard touchdown to push Oregon back in front 31-30 just nine seconds into the fourth quarter.

Morris has talked a lot about how much confidence he has in his quarterback. After a performance he called “embarrassing” in the loss to Tulsa, Mestemaker took over the game and led his team to historic win.

He put his body on the line for what would be the game-winning play.

DREW MESTEMAKER GOES AIRBORNE FOR THE TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/IQwxd1KrFB

— College Football Report (@CFBReport) September 12, 2026

And time and time again, the Cowboys’ defense came up big. OSU out-gained Oregon 554-281 and held the Ducks to just 4.8 yards per play.

In another head-scratching fourth-down decision, Dan Lanning opted to go for it on fourth-and-8 at their own 33, down 5 with less than seven minutes to go. Moore’s ensuing incomplete pass set the Cowboys up for a field goal to extend their lead to 39-31 with 3:11 to go.

The game started and ended with a Drew Mestemaker run. After Oregon running back Dierre Hill Jr. fumbled a pitch with 1:55 left, and the Cowboys recovered, the Cowboy QB sealed the win with a 7-yard run to get the first down.

This win makes Oklahoma State the only team in college football history to break a 10-plus losing streak to FBS teams to a Top 10 team. Coming in, Oregon was 35-0 against unranked teams.

Next up, the Cowboys host Murray State at 6 p.m. next Saturday in Stillwater.

He put OSU back in front with this acrobatic TD.

DREW MESTEMAKER GOES AIRBORNE FOR THE TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/IQwxd1KrFB

— College Football Report (@CFBReport) September 12, 2026

Mestemaker punches back.

After a second batted pass was intercepted and gave Oregon a TD, the young QB answers with an impressive 52-yard TD to Wyatt Young.

DREW MESTEMAKER TO WYATT YOUNG TD pic.twitter.com/Sn6EQ2xBBw

— FD (@flooduck) September 12, 2026

The Pokes add to their lead. This time Caleb Hawkins just pushes through Oregon’s vaunted defensive front. He’s got 67 yards on 10 carries and the Cowboys are up 17-7 midway through the second.

Caleb Hawkins TD OKST leads 17-7 pic.twitter.com/aenP9KCmvz

— FD (@flooduck) September 12, 2026

The Cowboys retake the lead with a 1-yard touchdown connection between Drew Mestemaker and Carson Kolb. Another nice face from the Cowboys QB.

@CowboyFB goes with the big backfield to show run and Drew Mestemaker completes the wide open short pass for a TD to put Oklahoma State up 10-7. pic.twitter.com/zVxLAKtDJq

— Glenn Naughton (@JetsPicks) September 12, 2026

Things got off to a fast start for OSU on both sides of the ball.

After the Cowboys’ defense held No. 6 Oregon to an opening drive three-and-out, Mestemaker added a play to OSU’s season highlight reel.

On the first play from scrimmage, Mestemaker keep it on a zone read. The complete defense followed Caleb Hawkins, and Mestemaker saw nothing but turf and showed off his wheels.

Drew Mestemaker with the WHEELS to open things up in Stillwater 😯 pic.twitter.com/0gmjzMhePP

— Sport & State (@SportNState) September 12, 2026

The Cowboys would have to settle for 3 but it did allow them to take an early lead.

But to NFL scouts and GMs, it’s one of the most important games of the weekend. College GameDay reported that 22 scouts will attend No. 1 Ohio State at No. 4 Texas. GameDay had the NFL turnout for the Cowboys vs the Ducks listed at 20.

Officially, the count provided on the press box seating chart includes 19 NFL reps, headlined by three from both the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons, followed by two scouts from the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens.

Other teams represented include the Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams.

ESPN reporter Max Olson posted online that Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort, Falcons GM Ian Cunningham and Falcons president of football Matt Ryan were in attendance for Saturday’s game.

Altough most eyes will be on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, who is commonly projected as the first or second quarterback off the board in the 2027 NFL Draft, Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker was in the first-round conversation this offseason before last week’s disastrous start at Tulsa. A good showing by him, or any of the Cowboys, on Saturday could boost their draft stock.

The folks at College GameDay interviewed Lanning as he was on the field inside Boone Pickens Stadium, and it turned into a bet as to whether Lanning could hit the cross bar with the football he had.

It’s something Pat McAfee has done in the past with these on-field interviews. McAfee ended up offering Lanning $500,000 to the Sam Day Foundation, which funds childhood cancer research, if Lanning could hit the crossbar from the 10-yard line. Lanning initially missed.

I like what you’re doing @CoachDanLanning..

A $500,000 donation to the Sam Day Foundation if you hit the crossbar…

SO CLOSE #CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/VxTxwzJfo7

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 12, 2026

But he got another shot, this time moving back to the 15-yard line, where he hit the crossbar on the west side of Boone Pickens Stadium.

McAfee ended up in a surrender cobra, having just seen $500,000 leave his bank account, but at least it’s going to a good cause. Lanning also pledged $50,000 to the Sam Day Foundation.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning hit the crossbar and @PatMcAfeeShow is donating $500K to a cancer charity of Lanning’s choice and Coach is donating $50K of his own 👏 pic.twitter.com/7pI9xOid6K

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 12, 2026

Lanning and his Ducks play Oklahoma State at 11 a.m. Saturday on ESPN.

Three Thoughts

• This is the best non-conference opponent to visit Boone Pickens Stadium since it (fully) opened against Georgia in 2009 – Go Pokes (ESPN)

𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫 pic.twitter.com/nDqcFWe87y

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 11, 2026

• Big time NFL talent playing in Stillwater today – according to this article, two NFL GMs and many more scouts will be on hand (NewsOK)

• Ted says “it’s the hope that kills you”, but if you’re looking for a shiny lining in the clouds for today’s matchup against Oregon…

But if you’re looking for some hope for the Pokes, Oregon’s secondary showed some vulnerability last week, and I just can’t believe OSU QB Drew Mestemaker will continue to look as bad as he did at Tulsa. [Open for Business]

Two Quotes

• Really cool move here by the New York baseball teams – former Cowboy Nolan McLean shown here (No. 26 for the Mets).

The Yankees and Mets are wearing hats to honor the First Responders in New York for tonight’s game ❤️ pic.twitter.com/tGBDRefTNL

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 11, 2026

• Only thing that would be better – OSU all-black against Oregon all-white (as much as the green/yellow look great):

Elite jersey matchup.

🦆🤠 pic.twitter.com/Ltmn67Ktaf — 🦆 B1G Duck Energy 🦆 (@B1GDuckEnergyy) September 11, 2026

One Question

• Would you trade six or seven win seasons across the board from 2021 to now, or take the highs of 2021 and 2023 and the lows of 2024-2026?

Try to wrap your heads around these two facts. • The only XII football program to make the conference championship game twice in the last 5 seasons is Oklahoma State. • Oklahoma State is 0-19 in their last 19 conference games. #MakeItMakeSense pic.twitter.com/73Rxj7k5Ia

— Nick The Geek (@n_squared614) September 10, 2026

Non-OSU Bullets

• The unforgettable (really sad/hard to read 9/11) story of the falling man

• Outliving your bucket list

“The person who complains loudest will get attention, but at the expense of their reputation. And yet, following up is an important life skill. If you want something done and you’d like it done soon, then you need to follow up. The balance is in the delivery. Be pleasant and persistent when things matter to you. Always kind, but don’t let it rest until it’s done and done well.” James Clear

Joshua Lane, Class of 2027, announced an Oklahoma State offer this week. A 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive lineman, Lane committed to his hometown Memphis Tigers in June and also has offers to USF, Ole Miss and others.

After a great conversation with @CoachMikeOG i’m blessed to receive an offer from Oklahoma State @CoachGRichDL @coach_ikeDL @CowboyFB @OSUAthletics@_COACHMORRIS #OKSTATE#GoPokes @WMajorWright @LetsGo_Bo5 @ClarenceTK74@Lee_Wilbanks @BlakePVincent @RGibsonMSU @CoachMathies pic.twitter.com/8KJiSPe7AW

— Joshua lane (@thejoshualane77) September 10, 2026

Lane preps at Memphis Central. His high school team is off to a 3-0 start in 2026. In that stretch, Lane has made 15 tackles, five tackle for loss and a pair of sacks. That came after a junior season in which Lane made 69 tackles.

Lane is a three-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite system, which lists him as the No. 1,833 player in the 2027 class and a Top 70 player from Tennessee. ESPN lists Lane as the No. 50 player in Tennessee.

The Cowboys have a dozen players committed in their 2027 class. One is an edge rusher in Baton Rouge Catholic standout Jayden Vessell. A few weeks ago, the Cowboys also offered 2027 edge rusher Nasir Braxton (Decatur, Georgia), and OSU has recently extended offers to junior college edge rushers LaDarius Jemes and Eddie Robinson.

OSU’s class ranks 14th in the Big 12, but a lot of that has to do with the class’ size, as OSU, Arizona State and Baylor are tied for the fewest commitments with a dozen apiece, while schools like Kansas State (27 commits), West Virginia (24), Iowa State (24), Colorado (20) and Utah (20) occupy the top half of the standings.

OSU’s 2027 Commits

After a major letdown in Tulsa last weekend, Eric Morris said he hasn’t been able to put much thought into what it’ll be like running into Boone Pickens Stadium as the Cowboys’ coach for the first time.

“First and foremost, after a week like last week and being obviously so disappointed, it’s been something I just haven’t even thought about, to be honest,” said Morris on his radio show with Dave Hunziker. “… The excitement and the build and then the letdown, obviously when you’re in charge of something is something that — I think our players felt it. And there were so many great learning lessons that will come out of this. …

“Now, I think once I am actually in the moment, and we run out of the tunnel for the first time, I think this is a game where you’ll be able to feel the excitement in the building and to actually hear the Paddle People the first time, the band play, the crowd cheer, all those different things. But also I know we gotta give this crowd something to be excited about, and we gotta create some excitement in this game. At some point, we gotta capture some momentum against this team.”

Depending on how big of an optimist you are, this week provides either the ultimate bounce-back opportunity or a less-than-ideal one.

Oklahoma State hosts No. 6 Oregon in the Cowboys’ home-opener. The Ducks have perhaps the best defensive line in college football and also boast quarterback Dante Moore, who might be the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

This game will be well-watched by quarterback gurus, as Moore is pinned up against OSU’s Drew Mestemaker. After leading the nation in passing as a redshirt freshman last season, Mestemaker struggled in his opening game as a Cowboy, throwing for 241 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in the loss.

“I think first of all, just making all the layups,” Mestemaker told Hunziker of where he needs to improve. “There were two or three throws that I want back, honestly. There were guys wide open, and I didn’t hit them. Whether that’s being decisive and pulling the trigger or just giving my guy a chance, there’s definitely two or three throws that I wish I had back.

“Also, just not turning the ball over. I think toward the end of the game, I was just really trying to press and make a play. If you’re gonna do that, you gotta make the play. … Those are my two big things — I gotta make the layups and I can’t turn the ball over.”

Mestemaker said he took also leadership lessons from the Cowboys’ season-opening loss, saying he could’ve stepped up more on the sideline in trying to light a fire under the team.

Hunziker asked Morris if managing these types of situations is different in the modern portal movement/NIL era. Morris noted that he mistakenly once thought it was different.

“I’ve totally reset and gone back to some old-school thinking on this just because as you build the culture, and then as you play the game to win, there were some things that were inexcusable that happened in that game,” Morris said. “So, I owe it to our whole entire university to be able to put our best foot forward and continue to build this thing. Now, when I took this job, I knew it’s not something easy, right. I’ve done this twice before, and I’ve taken over programs that were in bad spots and neither one of those did we start off on a good foot. It took time to get us built back up to championship-caliber football, and we’ll do the same thing here.”

Morris is right about his previous tenures not exactly starting ideally. His first head job at Incarnate Word started with back-to-back losses to New Mexico and North Texas, losing by a combined score of 120-46. Incarnate Word would finish that season with a share of the Southland Conference title. Then at North Texas, Morris started 0-2 with losses to Cal and FIU by a combined score of 104-60 before building that program within a game of making it to the College Football Playoff last season.

Morris didn’t exactly get into what “old-school thinking” meant in reference to building a culture, but he did compare his current predicament to a spot he watched Mike Leach navigate.

Leach took the Washington State job in 2012 and hired Morris to his first full-time position as the Cougars’ inside receivers coach. Leach went 3-9 in that first season but eventually had a four-year stretch when the Cougars went 37-15.

“We won one (conference) game that year,” Morris said. “I continually watched him set the tone, week-in, week-out, in building something for the future. He did a lot of things at that time that I thought were crazy. We got rid of so many players that wouldn’t buy in to what we were preaching, and ultimately knowing we were gonna play a worse player after that because he thought it was important for the future and being able to build the culture the right way inside.

“It was such a great learning lesson for me. I was the receivers coach. He cut my best three receivers in Week 2 after he did some stuff. All of a sudden your best three players are going, you’re not very good at that point anyways, and you’re thinking as a coach, like, ‘What am I gonna do now?’ But hindsight and having conversations with him and seeing what kinda happened down the road and the way he was able to flip that program.”

Morris, again, harped on the Cowboys’ need to be better in key situations after the Pokes went 5-for-16 on third downs, 2-for-6 on fourth downs and 2-for-4 in the red zone against the Golden Hurricane.

Mestemaker noted how it’s hard to replicate game reps in practice, and while he’s excited to play in Boone Pickens Stadium for the first time, he’s also just excited to right some wrongs from the Tulsa game.

“I’m definitely excited to get in front of our fans,” Mestemaker said. “I’m excited to feel the energy in Boone Pickens Stadium. It gets talked about as soon as you step in Stillwater, it seems like, and just all the stories about being in Boone Pickens and all the big wins. Obviously I’m excited for that.

“And I’m just excited to get our there with the guys again and really show what this team really is. I don’t think last week — I mean, that just leaves a bad taste in your mouth. I’m just excited for another opportunity.”

In the offseason, this game carried some hype to it, but after a rough Week 1 for the Pokes, much of the talk has dropped to wondering how close the Cowboys can keep it.

Oklahoma State hosts Oregon on Saturday. Here’s a look at how to watch, betting info, stats and more for OSU’s game against the Ducks.

Viewing Info

Time: 11 a.m. Saturday
Location: Boone Pickens Stadium
Watch: ESPN (Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek and Taylor McGregor)

Betting Info (via FanDuel)

Spread: Oregon -23.5
Over/under: 54.5
OSU money line: +1,060

Team Stats

Statistical Leaders

Passing:
OSU — Drew Mestemaker — 29-for-49 (59%)/241 yards/1 touchdown/2 interceptions
Oregon — Dante Moore — 28-for-37 (76%)/378  yards/3 touchdowns/0 interceptions

Rushing:
OSU — Caleb Hawkins — 18 carries/79 yards/0 touchdowns
Oregon — Jordon Davison — 12 carries/90 yards/1 touchdown

Receiving:
OSU — Wyatt Young — 8 catches/84 yards/0 touchdowns
Oregon — Jeremiah McClellan — 6 catches/150 yards/1 touchdown

Tackling:
OSU — Tate Romney and Ethan Wesloski — 7 total tackles each
Oregon — Koi Perich — 11 total tackles

Sacks:
OSU — N/A
Oregon — Bear Alexander, Matavo Uiagalelei, Teitum Tuiot — 1 sack each

Series History (Oregon Leads 2-0)

Further Reading

Dan Lanning breaks down OSU, Mestemaker
OSU updates depth chart for Week 2
Jacob Sexton is out for the year
What went wrong for Mestemaker in Tulsa
‘As bas as it gets’: Morris reflects on Tulsa loss
OSU’s RB2 spot ‘completely open’
Three things to know about OSU-Oregon
Four things Dan Lanning said ahead of his trip to Stillwater
What Oregon’s players said about Oklahoma State
Resetting expectations following OSU’s Week 1 loss
What success looks like against Dante Moore
‘Respect everyone, fear no one’
Uniform reveal
Predicting OSU-Oregon

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The Cowboys had won the offseason, but that didn’t matter on a hot September Saturday in Tulsa.

Oklahoma State lost the first game of the Eric Morris Era 24-10 after months of Cowboy fans imaging their new offense setting the world ablaze. A few more days removed from Saturday’s disappointing result, Morris met with Dave Hunziker on OSU’s Inside Oklahoma State Athletics.

“It’s been a humbling experience for I think the whole entire department, and hopefully they felt that,” Morris said. “So, we’ve been super transparent with our players this week. I’ve been transparent with our coaches this week. Obviously, that was not a performance that we’re proud of by any stretch of the imagination, but now we need to see the steps of us getting better week by week.”

Enter No. 6 Oregon.

The Cowboys’ bounce-back opportunity comes against a team that seemingly has few weaknesses and brings with it a defensive line that might be the best in the country after OSU struggled up front against the Golden Hurricane.

“One of our mottos has been respect everyone, fear no one,” Morris said. “And I don’t think that we respected Tulsa like we should’ve. Hats off to them. They came out, and they executed better than us. So we’ll see how far along — I think our practice have been super spirited this week, which I’m proud of the guys. We’ve challenged them in a lot of different ways. So, excited to get back out there and get this taste out of our mouth.”

Much of Morris’ chat with Hunziker had to do with leadership. Before the season had started, Morris had noted multiple times that it’s easy to lead when things are going well.

In a team made up of 90+ newcomers, it sounds as if Morris is still seeking a higher level of leadership.

“The teams that are really, really special are led (from) within, and the accountability is at such a high level,” Morris said. “We’re not there yet.

“I think two, there’s this moment as you’re trying to establish things is we have all these people that we see in this sport as alphas as we got through practice, and then sometimes that alpha doesn’t produce that on tape and all of a sudden he’s looked at a different way by his peers and teammates. So, that’s always an interesting psychological thing in my opinion when all of a sudden, you had this big, bad, tough kid and the tape doesn’t show that when you come in the meeting room the first time. And you have to reset and encourage. There’s a part of telling these kids the truth and break them down, and you gotta build them back up with encouragement.”

When running down the list of things that need to be different in Game 2 than they were in Game 1, Morris noted the Cowboys need to play fast, not just physically but mentally. He said OSU needs to stack routine plays, something he felt the Cowboys didn’t do a good job of outside of the first drive against Tulsa. And he said they need to be better situationally — third downs (5-for-16), fourth downs (2-for-6) and in the red zone (2-for-4). Lastly, Morris noted the need to grab some momentum.

“And then, like, we gotta grab some momentum at some point during this game,” Morris said. “… We gotta create some excitement in that stadium by what we do on the field, right. And that’s creating some of those moments, some of those plays in key situations to give these fans something to cheer about.”

After we all picked Oklahoma State to win comfortably last week, we’ve picked ourselves up by our bootstraps and come ready to guess again.

Oklahoma State hosts No. 6 Oregon at 11 a.m. Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium. Here is how we see the game shaking out.

(These uniform picks came in before OSU did its early drop. If you don’t believe that I guessed it 100% correctly, it’s on video).

Marshall Scott

Uniform: White (Patriot Pete) — Orange — White (NAILED IT)

Drew Mestemaker over/under 250 passing yards: Over

Tulsa’s gameplan was to slow the game down. On top of that, left tackle Jacob Sexton went down just six plays and and the offensive line seemingly never recovered. With a week to work without Sexton and the fact that I think there will be more possessions in this game, I think Mestemaker hits the over here even with the jump up in competition.

OSU’s Second-Leading Rusher: Tre Page III

There are few things coaches hate more than a running back putting the ball on the turf. That’s what happened to Tre Page early in Tulsa, and he didn’t get another shot. With Morris challenging the Cowboys’ running back depth this week, I think Page regains ahold on his spot and the football.

Score: Oregon 38, Oklahoma State 21

I have to believe this would feel like a notable improvement from last week, though hosting Oregon isn’t exactly the ideal bounce-back opportunity. Had the Cowboy offense not been stuffed on four fourth downs, OSU might’ve won in Tulsa but it would’ve at the very least looked a lot less ugly. I say, notable improvement but that doesn’t exactly put the Cowboys in the same class as the Ducks.

Kyle Cox

Uniform: Black (Pete) — Orange — Black

Drew Mestemaker over/under 250 passing yards: Over

I’ll go over to be optimistic. I still hold out some hope that some of the bugs will get worked out and/or OSU hits on a big play or two.

OSU’s Second-Leading Rusher: Ayo Adeyi

I guess I’ll go with Ayo Adeyi. I wonder just how sparing Morris and Co. can be with Caleb Hawkins this week when they badly need to sustain drives. So I think, at least early, it’s going to be heavy on Hawkins until and unless it gets out of hand. Then give me Adeyi to get the carries next.

Score: Oregon 45, Oklahoma State 21

OSU Bullets

• Previewing the 2026-27 NFL season and looking at the Cowboys playing in it (OKState.com)

• Weekend watch guide for college football (PFB)

• What a “win” looks like for Oklahoma State against Oregon (NewsOK $$$)

• Liked the take here Kyle Cox (PFB) had during a recent roundtable – expectations have to be reset. 

From the expectation standpoint, I think a reset of what is a successful season is needed. I think a bowl game would be a win.

Which, like I’ll go back to, is more on par with a complete roster reset and new staff. [PFB]

• Oregon Ducks that could be missing for this week’s game (SI)

• Who will backup Caleb Hawkins? (PFB)

• Haven’t fact-checked this but wild if true – explains part of why we all have such great whiplash.  

Try to wrap your heads around these two facts.

• The only XII football program to make the conference championship game twice in the last 5 seasons is Oklahoma State.

• Oklahoma State is 0-19 in their last 19 conference games. #MakeItMakeSense pic.twitter.com/73Rxj7k5Ia

— Nick The Geek (@n_squared614) September 10, 2026

• Biggest non-conference opponent at BPS since Georgia in 2009?

Ducks flying south to Stillwater 🤠 pic.twitter.com/gbiv74BGR1

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 10, 2026

Non-OSU Bullets

• How to raise a boring young man 

• How to fight anxiety (faith-based)

This Nate Bargatze bit is hilarious: 

What a game what was the single best moment of this match for you.😍😍 pic.twitter.com/HRH3ZppH1W

— Pop Waves (@popwavesx) September 9, 2026

In a rare early release, Oklahoma State announced that the Cowboys will wear white-orange-white against the Ducks on Saturday with on the Patriot Pete helmet.

Uni drop pic.twitter.com/UxVNLbs9nc

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 11, 2026

It matches up nicely with the green-white-green of Oregon.

Move quick.
Uni combo for Game 2. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/RPD6xmPlLd

— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) September 10, 2026

Not to toot my own horn (entirely to toot my own horn), I nailed the uniform prediction on The Reload.

The Cowboys rocked the classic color combo twice last season, going 1-1. The win was … well, OSU’s only win, against UT-Martin. The loss actually came on the road, as Arizona wore special white uniforms in its 41-13 win against the Pokes in Tucson.

Since the start of 2011, OSU is 16-3 in white-orange-white.

The last time the Cowboys wore this color-combo and helmet decal was in their season-opening win against Tulsa in 2020.

Oklahoma State and the Ducks do battle at 11 a.m. Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium. The game will be televised on ESPN.

STILLWATER — Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was a somewhat surprising returner over the offseason considering what draft analysts thought of him.

The Athletic and ESPN have both listed him as the second overall pick or higher. Now he leads the No. 6 Ducks to Stillwater.

“This guy is super talented, right?” coach Eric Morris said. “Projected top-10 pick, if you just sit back there and give him a ton of time to go through reads, he’s probably going to do a pretty good job getting the ball to where it needs to go.

“So being able to get him off of his spot at some point, and that’s easier said than done. They’re pretty good up front and have a good running game and a balanced attack, so coach (Skyler) Cassity will have to do the same thing and keep them off balance at times and be able to mix up the picture for him. Any good quarterback, if you keep the picture the same, they’re going to go through and pick you apart a little bit.”

With the lack of competitiveness when these teams met last year, Moore might as well have been playing a video game on freshman difficulty while OSU appeared to be playing on Heisman.

The opener didn’t give a lot of reason to believe the result will be different this time around, but it’s possible the Cowboys can at least make Moore work for it this year.

“He’s got a big arm, so I mean he can launch that thing,” OSU nickel Christian Bodnar said. “So that’s the number one thing. And I said he makes quick and smart decisions with the football. So that is gonna be one thing to see for sure. But we’re gonna get the ball off him.”

Moore completed 3-of-5 deep passes (20-plus yards) for 99 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. He completed 3-of-4 in the 10-19 yard range for 124 yards and another touchdown.

Last season, PFF graded him as the best deep-ball thrower in the country with an overall grade of 98.5. Mestemaker finished 50th among players with at least 15 such attempts, with a grade of 88.8.

Moore completed 55% of his 55 serious attempts for 962 yards, 15 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Oklahoma State allowed 2-of-4 deep shots against TU, but corner LaDainian Fields did come up with one interception and nearly got a second.

OSU also held TU to 1-of-4 in the medium range (10-19 yards), so there’s a case to be made that the secondary can at least force Moore to work for it when he looks downfield.

Morris praised Moore’s ability to get the ball out quickly and accurately. Linebacker Tate Romney seemed to pick up where the Cowboys coach left off when he walked into the press conference a few minutes later.

“He’s very accurate, and obviously he’s a guy with experience now,” Romney said. “Just, he’s able to go through his progressions and put the ball where he wants it to.”

Moore finished last season fourth among qualified quarterbacks, completing 71.6% of his passes while throwing only 10 interceptions on 412 attempts. Only first overall pick Fernando Mendoza (6 INTs on 382 attempts) and Moore’s current backup Dylan Raoila (6 INTs on 251 attempts at Nebraska) had a higher completion percentage and fewer interceptions while still dropping back at least 250 times.

Bodnar only played a handful of defensive snaps in the Fiesta Bowl when then-No. 8 Oregon demolished Liberty in the 2023 postseason. The names have changed quite a bit since then, as Oregon was led by Bo Nix, but the OSU defensive back said he sees a lot of similarities when it comes to the type of players suiting up for the Ducks.

On Tuesday, he was asked how the Cowboys can counter Oregon’s speed.

“You just kind of have to play top down on a lot of stuff,” Bodnar said. “You know, kind of take the speed off of them by, you know, touching them up a little bit, getting some hands on, and just forcing them to take the easy way, the easy throws.”

Before the Week 2 schedule gets rolling, here’s an updated look at my power rankings for the league.

1. Texas Tech

Record: 1-0
Week 1 Result: W, 33-10 vs. Abilene Christian
Week 2 Matchup: at Oregon State (-26.5)

Compared to other more-gaudy results around the league, Tech’s 33-10 win against Abilene Christian was somewhat pedestrian.

Will Hammond threw for 298 yards, a touchdown and an INT in his season debut. Hammond wasn’t sacked, but Abilene Christian finished with as many tackles for loss (six) as Tech did.

So, there are things to clean up, but for now, the Red Raiders maintain my top spot.

2. BYU

Record: 1-0
Week 1 Result: W, 63-7 vs. Utah Tech
Week 2 Matchup: vs. Arizona (-7.5)

BYU was one of many FCS pummelers the Big 12 had in the opening weekend. Without having any idea how good Utah Tech is, it’s hard to know what all to take from that game, but Bear Bachmeier had three passing touchdowns and only four incompletions, so the Cougars will also maintain their spot in the rankings.

We should have a much better idea about BYU after this weekend with the Cougars taking on another top-half Big 12 team.

3. Utah (+1)

Record: 1-0
Week 1 Result: W, 66-14 vs. Idaho
Week 2 Matchup: vs. Arkansas (-12.5)

Another FCS bully, the Utes threw for five touchdowns and ran for four against Idaho.

Utah has an excellent opportunity this week with a lesser-thought-about SEC foe going to Salt Lake City. Even if Arkansas ends up stinking, that’s not a bad pelt for the mantle (ask 2024 OSU).

4. Arizona State (+3)

Record: 1-0
Week 1 Result: W, 70-7 vs Morgan State
Week 2 Matchup: at Texas Tech (+14.5)

Morgan State already had a win on its schedule when it headed out to Tempe this past weekend, but boy, the Bears weren’t close to getting another.

It was an awesome Sun Devil debut for Kentucky transfer QB Cutter Boley, who threw for 387 yards and six touchdowns. Meanwhile the Sun Devil D held Morgan State to 188 total yards.

We’ll find a lot more out about Boley and the Sun Devils this week when they head to Kyle Field for a game against a Top 10 Texas A&M team.

5. Kansas State (+3)

Record: 1-0
Week 1 Result: W, 71-3 vs. Nicholls
Week 2 Matchup: vs. Washington State (-17.5)

Opening week of the Collin Klien Era went as smooth as you could ask, with the Wildcats outgaining Nicholls 559-122. Former Cowboy Rodney Fields Jr. ran for 101 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, while the K-State defense allowed just 30 total passing yards.

Washington State should provide a solid test this week.

6. Houston (-2)

Record: 1-0
Week 1 Result: W, 33-20 vs. Oregon State
Week 2 Matchup: vs. Southern (-49.5)

Was it fair to drop the Cougars after a win against a team that was in a Power Conference a few short years ago? Perhaps not. But it’s hard to look at two teams that scored in the 70s and not bump them up a little.

Houston didn’t cover in its Week 1 win, but the Cougars were up 26-7 with a minute left in the third quarter before the Beavers made it a little more interesting.

The Cougs will have their shot at a big FCS blowout this week with Southern coming to town.

7. Arizona (-2)

Record: 1-0
Week 1 Result: W, 35-7 vs. Northern Arizona
Week 2 Matchup: at BYU (+7.5)

With so few data points, Arizona drops a few spots because the Wildcats didn’t hang 70 on its FCS opponent like some others did.

But worry not, Wildcat fans. Win this week, and you’ll be flying up this ranking.

8. Cincinnati (+4)

Record: 1-0 
Week 1 Result: W, 34-15 vs. Boston College
Week 2 Matchup: vs. Western Carolina (-36.5)

One of the biggest risers in my rankings, Cincy straight up took it to ACC Boston College last weekend. The Bearcats were up 24-0 and 34-8 in this game. It wasn’t close.

Cincy did all that despite throwing for just 85 yards, as the Bearcats ran for 254 yards and made eight tackles for loss and four sacks.

9. UCF (+1)

Record: 1-0
Week 1 Result: W, 73-6 vs. Bethune-Cookman
Week 2 Matchup: at Pitt (+7.5)

The Knights joined the “beat the crud out of an FCS team” party, holding Bethune-Cookman to just 181 yards of total offensive while hanging 73 on the Wildcats. UCF had nine tackles for loss and Duke Watson ran for 110 yards and a touchdown on only seven carries.

I’m really intrigued to see how Scott Frost’s bunch handles this road test up to Pittsburgh.

10. Colorado (+4)

Record: 1-0
Week 1 Result: W, 14-13 at Georgia Tech
Week 2 Matchup: vs. Weber State (-34.5)

It wasn’t pretty at all, but the Buffaloes beat an ACC team and join Cincinnati as my biggest risers of Week 1. Julian Lewis’ 20-yard TD pass to Charlie Williams with 37 seconds to play got Colorado the W.

It was an impressive performance from the CU defensive front, getting eight tackles for loss and three sacks.

11. Baylor (-2)

Record: 0-1
Week 1 Result: L, 17-16 vs. Auburn (in Atlanta)
Week 2 Matchup: vs. Prairie View A&M (-38.5)

Even in a loss, the Bears showed some fight, which means they won’t drop too far.

It came down to an unsuccessful 2-point try that saw the Bears come just a few inches short of beating Auburn to start the year. DJ Lagway threw for 333 yards, two touchdowns and a pick. Former Cowboy Gavin Freeman might’ve been the best player on the field, catching a dozen balls for 154 yards and a touchdown. But alas, it wasn’t enough.

If it comes to be that Auburn also stinks, Baylor will stop getting credit for this close loss, but for the time being, not too shabby, Bears, not too shabby.

12. Kansas (+3)

Record: 1-0
Week 1 Result: W, 51-6 vs. Long Island
Week 2 Matchup: vs. Missouri (+4.5)

The Jayhawks sort of took a bit to get rolling, but once they did, they steamrolled Long Island for a Week 1 W.

First-year starting QB Isaiah Marshall went 14-for-19 for 246 yards and two TDs, while KU outgained the Sharks 613-111. While playing a ridiculous amount of guys, the KU defense made 11 tackles for loss and sacked the QB three times.

What an opportunity for the Jayhawks this week with a ranked SEC foe coming to town for a little Border War.

13. West Virginia (-2)

Record: 1-0
Week 1 Result: W, 31-24 vs. Coastal Carolina
Week 2 Matchup: vs. UT-Martin (-40.5)

The Mountaineers didn’t come close to covering the three touchdowns against Coastal, but they won, which (ask OSU) is the most important deal.

Cam Cook ran for 142 yards and two TDs on 30 carries in his WVU debut, while OU transfer quarterback Michael Hawkins threw for 132 yards and ran for another 103. The WVU defense got five sacks.

14. TCU (-1)

Record: 0-1
Week 1 Result: BYE
Week 2 Matchup: vs. Grambling (-43.5)

I dropped the Horned Frogs a spot while they sat idle after their Week 0 loss to North Carolina in Ireland.

The good news for the Horned Frogs is they have a shot to look really good this week considering they’re favored by more than six touchdowns against Grambling.

15. Iowa State (+1)

Record: 1-0
Week 1 Result: W, 38-10 vs. SEMO
Week 2 Matchup: at Iowa (+13.5)

The Cyclones didn’t outright steamroll FCS SEMO, but for a team that isn’t expected to do a ton in 2026, winning by four touchdowns is a solid start to the Jimmy Rogers Era.

The concern you have is that Iowa State managed 303 yards of total offense, and Jaylen Raynor competed just 50% of his attempts for 184 yards and two scores. But Rogers’ defense made a dozen tackles for loss and six sacks.

Iowa State has won the past two Cy-Hawk games, but it would take a fairly decent upset to make that three wins in a row.

16. Oklahoma State (-10)

Record: 0-1
Week 1 Result: L, 24-10 at Tulsa
Week 2 Matchup: vs. Oregon (+22.5)

No matter how much I try to slather lipstick on this pig, there’s no way I can justifiably put a team that lost to a Group of 6 school in Week 1 anywhere but the bottom of this list.

Do I think OSU is the worst team in this league? No. But can I prove anything otherwise at this point? Also no.

This weekend’s Big 12 slate is outstanding, with one conference game getting going and another six Big 12 teams taking on a team from another Power Conference.

Here’s a breakdown of games worth keeping an eye on this weekend.

Big 12 Schedule

No. 23 Missouri (1-0) at Kansas (1-0) — 7 p.m. Friday on FOX
No. 6 Oregon (1-0) at Oklahoma State (0-1) — 11 a.m. Saturday on ESPN
Arizona State (1-0) at No. 10 Texas A&M (1-0) — 11 a.m. Saturday on ABC
Washington State (0-1) at Kansas State (1-0) — 11 a.m. Saturday on TNT
UT-Martin (1-1) at West Virginia (1-0) — Noon Saturday on ESPN+
Arizona (1-0) at No. 15 BYU (1-0) — 2:30 p.m. Saturday on FOX
Weber State (1-1) at Colorado (1-0) — 2:30 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+
UCF (1-0) at Pitt (1-0) — 2:30 p.m. Saturday on ESPN2
Southern (1-1) at No. 22 Houston (1-0) — 6 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+
Western Carolina (1-1) at Cincinnati (1-0) — 6 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+
No. 13 Texas Tech (1-0) at Oregon State (0-1) — 6:30 p.m. Saturday on CBS
Iowa State (1-0) at No. 21 Iowa (1-0) — 6:30 p.m. Saturday on NBC
Prairie View A&M (1-1) at Baylor (0-1) — 7 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+
Grambling (2-0) at TCU (0-1) — 7 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+
Arkansas (1-0) at No. 20 Utah (1-0) — 9:15 p.m. Saturday on ESPN

Border War: An old Big Eight rivalry takes the stage Friday night as a ranked Missouri team heads to Lawrence.

The Jayhawks handled Long Island 51-6 last week, with first-year starter Isaiah Marshall throwing for 246 yards and two touchdowns while running for another 49 yards. Look out for receiver Nik McMillan, who caught six passes for 130 yards and a touchdown in Week 1.

Mizzou started the year with a 54-14 win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, with quarterback Austin Simmons throwing for 252 yards and four TDs with just two incompletions.

Arizona State-Texas A&M: A new Big 12 team vs. an old Big 12 team.

The Aggies enter this one as two-touchdown favorites after beating Missouri State 50-0 to start the year.

The Sun Devils hung 70 on Morgan State, with QB Cutter Boley throwing for 387 yards and six touchdowns. Three different ASU receivers hit the century mark:

Reed Harris — six catches, 137 yards, two touchdowns
Grayson Rigdon — two catches, 110 yards, two touchdowns
Omarion Miller — eight catches 102 yards, one touchdown

It would be huge for the Big 12 if Arizona State could go to Kyle Field and get the job done.

Arizona-BYU: Hello, Week 2 conference action.

The Cougars are a touchdown favorite against an Arizona team that brings in one of the league’s more experienced quarterbacks.

Noah Fifita threw for 279 yards and two touchdowns in the Wildcats’ 35-7 win against Northern Arizona in Week 1.

BYU steamrolled Utah Tech 63-7 with Bear Bachmeier completing 80% of his attempts for 198 yards and three scores.

UCF-Pitt: This game might not catch as many eyeballs as the others we’ve mentioned to this point, but it could still be a big deal in the battle in solidifying the third-best conference in college football between the Big 12 and ACC.

The Knights blasted Bethune-Cookman 73-6 in Week 1, running for 360 yards on 9.5 yards a carry. It wasn’t a super dominant game from a passing standpoint, with Alonza Barnett III going 11-for-18 for 158 yards, a TD and an INT, but it’s hard to nitpick a 73-6 win too hard.

Pitt opened with a 59-14 win against Miami (OH) in which Panther QB Mason Heintschel threw for 453 yards and seven touchdowns.

Cy-Hawk: In perhaps the gnarliest in-state rivalry of them all, Iowa State has won two in a row against the Hawkeyes, but this will be the first Cy-Hawk with Jimmy Rogers leading Iowa State onto the field.

Iowa bucked its reputation and put up 40 points in a Week 1 win against Northern Illinois. Receiver Tony Diaz has made some noise with his seven-catch, 84-yard performance.

The Cyclones beat SEMO 38-10 in Rogers’ debut in a game where the Iowa State defense made a dozen tackles for loss and six sacks.

Arkansas-Utah: The Big 12 has to take advantage of when a team perceived to be at the top of its league takes on a perceived bottom-tier team from one of the two big leagues.

The Utes rolled through Idaho 66-14 last week, gaining 633 yards of total offense while throwing for five touchdowns and running for four more.

Ryan Silverfield’s Arkansas debut came in a 31-14 win against North Alabama.

Other Games to Watch

No. 11 Oklahoma (1-0) at Michigan (1-0*)
No. 12 Alabama (1-0) at Kentucky (1-0)
Memphis (2-0) at Boise State (0-1)
No. 1 Ohio State (1-0) vs. No. 4 Texas (1-0)

OU-Michigan: This game had some hype going into the year, but after Michigan’s controversial win* against Western Michigan last week, the thought now is can Michigan even keep it close? This might not be a very good game, but it’ll be a highly talked about contest.

Alabama-Kentucky: These teams get the SEC slate going.

The Crimson Tide is a 10.5-point favorite at the time of writing, following a 48-10 win against East Carolina. Sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell threw for 256 yards and ran for 86 yards in that game.

Kentucky thumped Youngstown State 45-13, with QB Kenny Minchey throwing for 301 yards and four TDs.

Memphis-Boise State: There isn’t a game this weekend that has more College Football Playoff implications than this one. With it being likely that only one Group of 6 school gets in, Memphis and Boise State are two front runners at this point.

Memphis has already dispatched one of those other contenders in UNLV before the Tigers beat Arkansas State 42-24 last week.

Boise State went to Eugene and gave the Ducks all they wanted in a 34-27 Oregon win.

Ohio State-Texas: All the storylines — No. 1 ranking on the line, Arch Manning vs. Julian Sayin, two coaches who seats are seemingly always a little warm.

Both took care of business against lesser competition in Week 1, but now two of the nation’s most talented rosters will get together and see who is better.

With Oklahoma State losing its season opener to the Golden Hurricane last week and now welcoming a Top 10 Oregon squad to town, we’ve gotten back together and reset our expectations for the Cowboys’ 2026 season.

Marshall Scott: Now that some time has past, where are you guys at with this team?

It was obviously a massive letdown, but I think it hit the fanbase particularly hard because the past two seasons when the Cowboys started to lose, it felt terminal — like it wasn’t going to get better. I don’t think that’s the case with this team. I think they’ll win some games, but losing to Tulsa definitely reset/lowered expectations for the group.

Kyle Cox: You said it. Definitely knocked them off a bit of a pedestal that I think we all had put them on. I think the key to remember is that this is Year 1 and it’s a new team and coaching staff.

And it is a different team than the one that went 1-11 last year. It also doesn’t help that they’ve got to follow up that loss with a visit from a Top 10 Oregon team that embarrassed OSU last year.

Kinda need to get through it this week, hopefully keeping it closer than 66 points.

Tyler Waldrep: I think Morris is a good coach still. The offense was a lot more interesting, harder to defend that what we’ve seen in the last two years. Now most of that is probably because of the talent at QB.

I still think Drew is a good, probably great QB, from a physical standpoint. He definitely has NFL traits. I’ve always said I need to see how he plays mentally at this level. For the most part, I thought he did average in that regard in Game 1 given the pressure the OL allowed. That’s where I’m worried. I’m not confident the line will get much better. It totally could, but we saw poor offensive line play absolutely since 2024 and it played a big role in 2025’s failures as well.

I guess I think this team will win a few games, but hard to say how many or when.

Marshall: Going into the year, I thought games against Houston, Kansas State, Texas Tech and Arizona State would determine OSU’s season. It now feels like games against West Virginia, UCF, Colorado, Iowa State and Kansas will determine the season.

Tyler: I think I agree with that. I’m now worried about every Big 12 game instead of just the really tough road ones and Texas Tech.

Kyle: From the expectation standpoint, I think a reset of what is a successful season is needed. I think a bowl game would be a win. Which, like I’ll go back to, is more on par with a complete roster reset and new staff.

Marshall: I don’t know that many will pick the Pokes to beat the Ducks this weekend. To Kyle’s point, this isn’t the preferred get-right spot. But what could we see in this game that would sooth some concerns you have for the Cowboys?

Kyle: I think Tyler touched on it. The offense needs pay off some of those drives with touchdowns. Oregon’s defensive front is really good so I’m not super confident. But a flash of some of the playmaking ability would really help, I think. Maybe that means getting more creative with the playbook.

But that is where this team is now. They’re going to be underdogs until they prove otherwise, especially this weekend, so why not chuck the kitchen sink?

Tyler: I think I need to see three things.

1. At least one truly awesome longer completion from Drew (like 15ish or longer yards).
2. The offensive line provide more consistent protection (even if they still give up sacks to a pretty good DL)
3. I’d like to see the defense still remain competitive. I actually really liked how they played TU. Fourth-down failures and turnovers put them in a bad position last week. Yeah, they gave up big plays, but I’m OK with that especially in Game 1 under those circumstances. I’m sure Oregon will expose this group a lot, but if the defense can still win high-leverage plays like third down and mostly be in the right spot I’ll probably feel OK regardless of the final score.

Marshall: Yeah, I think I’m in a similar boat to you guys in that the offense needs to show some signs of life through points or big plays. That was perhaps the most-surprising part about the actual game in Tulsa is that OSU had virtually no big chunk plays that resembled the No. 1 offense from North Texas a year ago. If you can hit on a couple of those against the Ducks and keep the score around the spread (+22.5), I think you take that on the chin and get ready for the next week.

Kyle: I’m really interested to see how this team responds. Do they come out swinging? Do they embrace the underdog role? Morris even mentioned a need to let them know they hadn’t won anything during camp. Did they come in riding too much hype against Tulsa?

Tyler: Either we will never fully know what undid this team at Tulsa … or we will watch this team lose a lot like last year’s and realize in a month that somehow these guys just aren’t good. I’m hoping TU just stands out as this really weird anomaly when we look back on this year.

Marshall: Yeah, I’m leaving room for the world that the Tulsa game was just a wacky, Week 1 upset, but the past two seasons also have me on my toes in thinking maybe we were all just dead wrong about this group.

The past three seasons have showed OSU what the floor and the ceiling are for losing to a Group of 6 team. In 2023, the Cowboys lost to South Alabama and made the Big 12 title game. In 2025, the Cowboys lost to Tulsa and were basically dead from that point on.

I’m not sure either extreme is realized this year, but those are the waters the Cowboys are swimming in.

Tyler: Besides OL (which I assume we agree on), what’s the weak link for this team?

Kyle: I’m not sure I have one. I’m not ready to point to any one spot on the offense based on the OL and a short sample size. Maybe RB depth? But that feels to early to say.

Like you said, I thought the defense played OK in Week 1. I know that’s a non-committal answer.

Marshall: It was all so meh, that I’m not really sure I know.

Felt like Clint Eastwood was watching that Tulsa game

Tyler: From a position point, I think it’s TE, which to be fair to both OSU, the guys we saw Saturday were probably supposed to be third options at best. So from that standpoint, they probably excelled, but it felt like they were a slightly worse than needed to be as blockers and definitely not good enough receivers.

I was a bit worried about the “super deep and awesome and strong and fast and did I mention awesome DE” spot not producing much at Tulsa. Feels like if you can’t get to Tulsa’s QB who will you get to?

Marshall: Yeah, I’m perhaps wondering if the depth of the edge rushers might’ve said more about the offensive line in camp than it did about the edge rushers. I’m trying to not be too over reactionary to the O-line considering Sexton’s injury threw a wrench into things, but muting those feelings is difficult.

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OSU Bullets

• All the Oregon intel – what Oregon players said, what Oregon’s head coach said, plus three more things to know (PFB)

• A non-biased Big 12 writer predicting the OSU-Oregon game (HCS)

• Looking at Eric Morris and his former American Athletic conference peers that took Power Four jobs –  this statement appears to be proving out regarding roster construction:

Continuity buys a coach a head start on terminology. It doesn’t make him a better player than the one lining up across from him. Three athletic directors spent the winter betting it did, but it didn’t quite work out in their debuts. [CBS Sports]

• No sight of the Cowboys in ESPN’s bottom-ten of college football (ESPN)

• Pokes join a solid slate of games this week – OU/Michigan, Ohio State/Texas, and Iowa State/Iowa (without Matt Campbell) will draw eyes:

College Football Week 2 TV schedule pic.twitter.com/QFx53E2IKW

— Top Tier (@TopTierStateX) September 9, 2026

Non-OSU Bullets

• See Lewis & Clark’s journey on Google Earth

• Ten things to hate about college football (for those of us who love college football) Can’t tell if this would solve analysis paralysis or create more – I think it’s the former.

There is always more than one way to do something. Write down as many ways as you can think of to achieve your desired outcome. Then, rank them based on how much time they take, how much money they cost, and how effective you expect them to be. Choose the best.

— James Clear (@JamesClear) September 9, 2026

After failing what many viewed as a practice test, the Cowboys are being thrown into the final.

Oklahoma State hosts a talented Oregon squad at 11 a.m. Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium. After beating Boise State 34-27 on Saturday, the Ducks actually dropped from No. 2 to No. 6 in the AP Poll.

When these teams met last season in Eugene, it wasn’t competitive. Oregon stormed to a 69-3 win in a game where the OSU offense mustered just 144 yards of total offense. A few weeks later, Mike Gundy was out and the Cowboys’ roster evaporated over the coming months, leading to this big reset with new coach Eric Morris.

When the Oregon players met with the media on Tuesday, it didn’t sound as if they were leaning on last year’s result.

“It’s a whole different team,” running back Jordon Davison said. “Whole new roster. I believe they have like 90 new players, so we’re not in that mindset of, ‘Oh, this is gonna be like last year.’ We’re in a mindset of we’re playing a really good team and a really good coach.”

Despite the closer-than-anticipated score, the Ducks’ offense had a nice day against Boise State, gaining 497 yards from scrimmage — 378 through the air and 119 on the ground.

Ziyare Addison is Oregon’s left tackle. Only a redshirt freshman, Addison was a four-star recruit in the 2025 recruiting class, taking visits to UCLA, Georgia and Florida before committed to the Ducks.

“They kind of remind me of Boise State, with the stems and the pops they have,” Addison said of OSU’s defense. “I feel like this offensive line group is really special, and (offensive line) coach (A’lique) Terry and coach (Dan) Lanning are always gonna put us in position to win, so I’m just trusting in the game plan that they have, and I feel like we’re gonna execute like we did against Boise State.”

Before the results of last weekend, the college football world at large was excited to see how Oregon’s stout defense would handle the high-powered attack of Morris and quarterback Drew Mestemaker. But after the Cowboys scored just 10 points against Tulsa, a lot of that hype has dwindled.

The Cowboys narrowly outgained Tulsa, totaling 368 yards. In 49 attempts, Mestemaker threw for 241 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. The OSU ground attack managed 127 yards on 37 carries, with running back Caleb Hawkins providing 79 of those yards on 18 totes.

“I feel like that just comes down to doing my job, making sure my eyes are on point, I’m aligned, looking at my keys and just doing my job,” linebacker Dylan Williams said. “Respectable running back, for sure. He’s a bigger-bodied power back, so like I said, coming from corrections from last game, our defense feels like we really need to fix up tackling, so we’ve been working on that every single week, just to make sure we’re nitpicking our tackling.”

Coaleon Johnson announced announced an Oklahoma State offer on Wednesday. The Cowboys join the likes of SMU, Kansas State and others that have extended offers to the 6-foot-4, 180-pound corner.

Blessed to receive an offer from Oklahoma State University! 🧡🏈 Thank you to Coach and the entire Oklahoma State staff for believing in me. Go Pokes! 🤠#GoPokes #Big12 #RecruitMe #Blessed pic.twitter.com/XprPeqObaV

— 3⭐️Coaleon Johnson (@CjSauceJohnson) September 9, 2026

Johnson plays at Iowa Western. He’s coming off a two interception game against Coffeyville this past weekend, and through two games this season, Johnson has also made five tackles.

He’s out of Chicago and played his freshman year at Rochester Community and Technical College. In 10 games there, Johnson intercepted six passes, recovered three fumbles and made 55 total tackles. That was enough for Johnson to be named an NCJAA First Team All-American.

So that means that through a dozen games at the junior college level, Johnson has intercepted eight passes.

Per his X account, Johnson is set to graduate in December.

The Cowboys have a pair of defensive backs committed in their 2027 recruiting class in high school seniors Bryson Brown (Broken Arrow) and Chayce Davis (Euless, Texas).

OSU’s new staff hasn’t been shy about taking guys from lower levels of college football, including the junior college ranks. OSU added safety Bobby Deal Jr. this offseason from Coffeyville, and linebacker Taurean Davis joined from Mississippi Gulf Coast.

STILLWATER — Eric Morris was hired to rebuild Oklahoma State into a Big 12 title contender the same way the Pokes usually got there — with a high-scoring offense.

That clearly didn’t happen in the opener, but the Cowboys’ defense looked more than competent for most of the loss against Tulsa.

In fact, the defense ranks seventh in the nation on third down after holding TU to 1-of-11.

“If we’re able to dominate on third down, we should be able to dominate on second down and fourth down,” nickel Christian Bodnar said. “… If we can have like a same mindset that we have on third down that they’re not going to get to the sticks, then if we do that every down, I mean, it will be a hard defense to stop.”

Both Bodnar and linebacker Tate Romney said they take a lot of confidence from OSU’s performance on third down even if they were disappointed with some of the other plays on Saturday.

When asked what was different in those moments, Romney made it sound simple.

“I mean, it’s just doing your job,” he said. “You know, when everybody on defense does their job, good things happen.”

Although much better than the Cowboys, No. 6 Oregon’s offense struggled on third down as well, converting only 33% of the time, which currently ranks 96th in the nation.

“We were very great on third down,” Bodnar said. “It was just a lot of plays where we just didn’t align right, or maybe just didn’t do our job. As maybe one person didn’t do the job, and it can create explosive play just by one person not being in the right spot. So I think we showed that we can be a great defense, but we just had to have competitive stamina to do it for a full game.”

Those explosive plays proved to be the defense’s undoing on Saturday as Tulsa picked up 58% of its offensive yards on seven plays of at least 15 yards or more. That doesn’t bode well considering the Ducks rank 29th in the country in yards per play (7.89) despite their struggles on third down.

In fairness to Oklahoma State, 47 of those yards almost went away when cornerback LaDainian Fields came what felt like centimeters away from an interception on a nearly simultaneous catch that went Tulsa’s way when he hit the ground first.

“Best thing I can say is you got to have strong hands,” Bodnar said of the near pick. “Especially since he was, you know, in front. … It was just a great play by both.”

That set Tulsa up for seven points. In fact, all four of TU’s scoring drives included at least one big play. It would be the understatement of the year to say those kinds of plays were an issue for Oklahoma State last year against the Ducks.

It’s possible this group is much more well-equipped to hang with the Ducks on the ground, at least. One of the only things Morris chose to praise during his press conference on Tuesday was the defensive front.

“A really bright spot for us was I thought our interior D line played good,” he said. “I thought they were physical and rolled in and out of there. I really liked what they were able to put on tape.”

The offensive-minded coach often praised OSU’s defensive ends as the deepest position on the team. That depth struggled to live up to those compliments for most of Saturday as only Jaleel Johnson and James Williams recorded a single pressure in the loss.

When asked what the defense did well last week, Romney echoed his head coach when it came to the defensive line.

“I think our defensive line played really well,” he said. “I think they did a great job stopping the run, especially interior run. I think we did a really good job handling the interior run. Obviously, they had some perimeter runs late in the game that broke through, but I think that was really the main thing we did well. I think we did good playing together as a unit, pretty good too.”

Romney and fellow linebacker Ethan Wesloski finished tied for the team lead in tackles with seven each. Wesloski finished as the team’s second-highest graded defender (69.1 on PFF) behind only Williams (70.5).

Wesloski paced the team with five stops, defined by PFF as tackles that constitute offensive failures. That puts OSU’s defensive leader in a tie for 23rd in stops per game nationally.

“Everything works together,” Morris said. “I think when your interior D-line sticks out, your linebackers usually are getting off, and they’re making plays. … But Ethan played well. He was fast, he saw it. He ran the alley, made some great plays in space.”

We’ve made it to Wednesday, and thus far there haven’t been any funding-based shots flying between Stillwater and Eugene to add any more tension to Saturday’s game like there was last season.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning was rather complimentary of Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris and quarterback Drew Mestemaker ahead of OSU’s game against Oregon at 11 a.m. Saturday in Stillwater.

Here are four other things Lanning hit on this week to preview the game.

1. Skyler Cassity’s Defense

Lanning is one of the premier defensive minds in college football.

A former linebacker himself, Lanning climbed the coaching ranks on the defensive side of the ball, eventually coordinating Georgia’s defense from 2019 to 2021. The Bulldogs won a national title that last year.

So, Lanning knows what he’s talking about when it comes to good defense, and he seems to be a fan of what OSU defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity brings to the table.

“Skyler Cassity does a really good job there,” Lanning said. “Again, presents a lot of different looks. They’re primarily a four-down team, but they do a lot of stuff ultimately, and they can do it in a lot of different ways. They utilize nickel personnel. They can play bracket quarters. They can bring a lot of simulated pressures that you have to be prepared for. But yeah, just the fact that they’re adaptable and adjustable, I think you can see that. They travel the nickel to the boundary sometimes, they don’t sometimes. It’s a combination of both, so it’s a lot of different pictures that they can present.

“They get to go against tempo every single day. I think that’s one of the biggest things that obviously they present on offense. Their ability to line up — we had some successful plays on Saturday because we were able to line up fast and get the ball out before the defense was lined up. I don’t know that you can anticipate that happening in this game because they get to face that quite a bit.”

2. The Stillwater Heat

The heat has been a big talking point in the southern half of the United States to start this football season.

Turf temperatures reached north of 160 degrees in OSU’s game against Tulsa this past weekend.

For now, the forecast actually predicts it to be about 86 degrees with about 65% humidity when Saturday’s game kicks off, which is much more mild than it has been. But the other side of that coin is that it’ll be about 56 degrees in Eugene when this game kicks off in Stillwater.

Along with the increased temperatures, it’ll also feel like it’s 9 a.m. to the West Coast Ducks when the game kicks off at 11 a.m. Central on Saturday. Lanning said because of that early kick, his team is actually traveling on Thursday, a day earlier than normal.

“Just a little bit different,” Lanning said. “We’re playing this game at 9 a.m. our time. I think the heat will be something that we have to adapt to relatively quick. It hasn’t been hot up here, and it’s obviously gonna be really warm on the turf there. So, just traveling, how you hydrate, how you make sure that you’re fresh when you get down there, all those things will contribute, and we have to handle it really well.”

3. Responding from a Closer-Than-Expected Week 1

Both of this games’ coaches were asked a decent amount about response going into this game.

For Oklahoma State, that need to respond is obvious given the Cowboys’ loss in Tulsa. For Oregon, it’s just a matter that the Ducks’ 34-27 win against Boise State was closer than the experts might’ve thought.

The stats show a more controlled game than the score might. Oregon outgained the Broncos 497-274. But the kicker is that Oregon went 0-for-3 on fourth down, a similar issue that plagued the Cowboys in Tulsa, which kept Boise in the game.

“I thought the guys responded well,” Lanning said. “You see a result like that for us, ultimately there were some things that we did that were really good in the game, and then there were some things that we didn’t do well in the game, as well. And there’s individual performances that were really positive and then some that weren’t, but ultimately just came out slow.

“And give credit to a good team, too, in Boise. Boise is a good team. They always play us tough, but I thought our guys responded today, attacked what they needed to attack.”

4. Injury Updates on Two Receivers

Throwing the ball wasn’t a big issue for the Ducks against Boise State.

Quarterback Dante Moore threw for 378 and three touchdowns while completing 76% of his attempts. Then three Ducks had at least 70 receiving yards in Jeremiah McClellan (six catches for 150 yards and a touchdown), Dakorien Moore (six catches for 93 yards and a touchdown) and Evan Stewart (eight catches for 72 yards).

But Lanning was asked Monday about two receivers who didn’t suite up in UAB transfer Iverson Hooks and five-star freshman Jalen Lott.

The OSU staff will be familiar with Hooks, as he had six catches for 58 yards in North Texas’ win against UAB last season. He finished the year with 72 catches for 927 yards and seven touchdowns. When Hooks hit the portal, OSU reportedly reached out.

Lott was the No. 19 player in the 247Sports Composite ranking for the 2026 recruiting class. Out of Frisco, Texas, Lott chose Oregon over offers from LSU, Georgia, USC, Texas, Ohio State, Alabama and others.

“Jalen will be down just for a little bit,” Lanning said. “Had a minor corrective surgery on his hand. Iverson kind of tweaked his hamstring in the middle of last week, so just wasn’t able to go full strength. Think we’ll have him back this week.”

Let’s take a look at three things to know about this weekend’s matchup as we brace for Saturday.

1. A Dangerous Defensive Front

The Cowboys’ offensive line had a hard time handling Tulsa’s defensive front on Saturday. Now it has to try to hold back maybe the best defensive line in college football.

Defensive tackle A’Mauri Washington is a projected first-round pick who racked up 33 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss last season. From the interior of the line, he had 1.5 sacks and eight pass breakups. And his fellow defensive tackle Bear Alexander had 50 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss.

On the edge, the Cowboys will have to deal with sack-leader Tetium Tuitoti (9.5 plus 16 TFLs) and Mayao Uiagalelei (six sacks and 9.5 TFLs). And that’s just the first wave of a defensive line that rotates

It’s going to be even tougher given that starting left tackle Jacob Sexton is out for the year after going down early in Week 1.

It’s hard to know exactly how big of a factor that loss was since we didn’t really get to see the line gel for an entire series with him in there, but the group wasn’t able to keep Drew Mestemaker’s jersey clean or make running lanes consistently against a defensive front that, let’s face it, isn’t littered with projected draft picks coming off a big year.

2. Oregon Also Had a Disappointing Debut

OK, on the spectrum of disappointing season openers, the Cowboys and Ducks aren’t even in the same universe. The Ducks won, obviously.

But a team that came in ranked No. 2 in the nation, had to see some late-game heroics and a career outing by its quarterback just to come out with the win. The Ducks scored with 19 seconds in the second just to pull within 17-14 to Boise. They trailed at halftime and didn’t go up for good until deep into the fourth quarter.

That’s when Dante Moore found Dakorien Moore for a 62-yard touchdown with just under eight minutes to go that finally let Oregon take the lead. Yes, the same Dakorien Moore that scored a 65-yard touchdown on the Cowboys last season.

That leads us to the last point, and it ain’t pretty.

3. Watch Out for Chunk Plays

The Ducks can hit home run plays, and the Pokes can give them up.

Dakorien Moore is not the only Duck who can fly away from a defense. Against Boise State, Jeremiah McClellan had catches of 50, 51 and 23 yards. The Ducks had seven passing plays of over 20 yards in Week 1, plus a 40-yard rushing play by Jordon Davison. And we remember the number of haymakers last year’s Cowboys took in Eugene.

And though it’s a small sample size, this year’s Cowboy defense has shown to propensity to get beat.

Tulsa receivers logged plays of 56, 47 and 59 yards, and Damari Alston hit them with a 29-yard rushing TD. All in all, that’s six plays down the field of at least 20 yards given up. Somehow that only resulted in 24 Tulsa points. The Ducks have a lot more firepower.

If the Cowboys want to stay within striking distance, they’ll need to limit to big plays, but that’s easier said than done.

OSU Bullets

• Couple of nuggets from Eric Morris’ press conference yesterday – running back two gig is wide open + Jacob Sexton was ruled out for the rest of the year (PFB)

• ESPN’s SP+ projects the Pokes to lose 37-16 to Oregon (X)

• Eric Morris pointed out you can’t get where you want to be if you don’t know where you are.

“But the only thing is, I’m excited because I know exactly where we’re at right now as a program, as a team, where we did OK, where we were just awful and you start making a checklist of things you got to improve on, right? And can you do that all in one day? Absolutely not. I know exactly where we’re at. There are things that obviously were not good.” [PFB]

• The short history of competing between OSU and Oregon (PFB)

• We’ll see if it was a bad game, responding poorly to pressure, or just where he’s at – but Drew Mestemaker has some growth ahead of him.

The amount of easy *day one* throws missed by DM was pretty eye opening, I counted atleast 7. Maybe the team stinks 🤷🏻‍♂️, but have to think this won’t happen this much again. If so, can safely delay any NFL talk. pic.twitter.com/l4fqKCdL6v

— Adam Lunt (@AdamLunt817) September 9, 2026

Non-OSU Bullets

• LIV Golf has reportedly filed bankruptcy

• Daily vigilance for lifelong productivity (faith-based) So much football to look forward to:

Here is what your Quad Box should look like during each TV window on Saturday. We’ve got a loaded Saturday coming up. pic.twitter.com/vgiU8KIQ0f

— BoxScore (@BoxScore_FB) September 8, 2026

Let’s take a look at the short history between the two schools but first, here are the particulars.

Capsule

Overall record: UO leads 0-2
Neutral site meetings: UO leads 0-1
Meetings in Stillwater: N/A
Meetings in Eugene: UO leads 0-1
Past 10 meetings: UO leads 0-2
First meeting (2008): Oregon won 42-31 (Pacific Life Holiday Bowl)
Most recent meeting (2025): Oregon beat OSU 69-3

I’m going to assume that most of us are pretty familiar with last year’s game. To touch on it briefly, the Cowboys got embarrassed by the Ducks to the tune of a LOT to a little. Oregon started with a 59-yard touchdown run by Noah Whittingham followed less than a minute later with a 65-yard touchdown connection between quarterback Dante Moore and receiver Dakorien Moore. The Ducks didn’t look back. Chunk play after chunk play decimated the Pokes’ defense and sent the scoreboard up into absurdity. I think I just kind of blacked at some point in the first quarter.

It was the worst loss in Mike Gundy’s career at OSU and the largest deficit at OSU in over a century. A week later, the Cowboys lost to Tulsa at home and then they fired their head coach.

Holiday Bowl (2008)

The first time OSU and Oregon met, the Cowboys were just getting going under Gundy. It was the Cowboys’ third straight bowl game in Gundy’s fourth season, a streak which would last 18 years. Unfortunately, it was also his first postseason loss.

It was Dez Bryant’s breakout year, and Zac Robinson was at the height of his powers, which made the ending of this one so disappointing for OSU fans.

Coming in the Cowboys, who had been ranked as high as No. 8 had dropped to No. 13 after losing three of their last four games. Those were to No. 1 Texas, No. 2 Texas Tech, and No. 3 Oklahoma, respectively. They also beat No. 3 Missouri earlier in the season.

Oregon came in as the slight underdog, ranked 15th in the nation after winning their last three including a Top 20 matchup with in-state rival Oregon State.

Byrant and Kendall Hunter each crossed the goal line in the first quarter to help the Cowboys take a 17-7 lead which they retained into the second half. But a pair of interceptions by Robinson and an absolute beatdown on the ground, allowed the Ducks to outscore the Cowboys 35-14 in the second half.

Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli threw for 258 yards, a touchdown and a pick, but he also rushed for 106 yards and three more scores. Ducks running back Jeremiah Johnson added 119 yards and a rushing score.

Hunter had another TD and Robinson rushed for one to take the lead back at 31-28 early in the fourth, but the Cowboys next three drives went: punt, punt, turnover on downs while the Ducks scored consecutive touchdowns to put it away.

STILLWATER — Caleb Hawkins’ backup was one of the more intriguing position battles of the offseason, but that intrigue took a new meaning this past weekend in Tulsa.

No one took ahold of Oklahoma State’s RB2 slot in the Cowboys’ 24-10 loss to the Golden Hurricane. So much so, that — despite Tre Page III being listed on the depth chart — OSU coach Eric Morris said the spot is up for grabs.

“Yeah, completely open,” Morris said Tuesday. “Completely open. So, may the best man win.”

Page and Ayo Adeyi were the only backs outside of Hawkins to play offensive snaps against Tulsa.

A James Madison transfer who was at North Texas under Morris in 2023, Adeyi carried six times and gained 24 yards. A Tarleton State transfer, Page carried seven times and gained 19 yards.

Both Adeyi and Page failed to convert a 4th-and-1, with Page fumbling on his try, which led him to not get any more carries from midway through the second quarter.

Morris was asked if Adeyi will continue to get carries against Oregon.

“It depends how he practices this week,” Morris said bluntly.

The Cowboy running backs forced two missed tackles Saturday, per PFF, both via Hawkins. They ran for five first downs — four from Hawkins and one from Adeyi. They were targeted 11 times in the passing game and made seven catches — six from Hawkins and the other from Adeyi. Needless to say, Hawkins needs some help.

UCO transfer William Mason got in for three offensive snaps on Saturday, but didn’t touch the ball. Mason also played five special teams snaps, where he picked up a personal foul penalty while blocking on a kick return.

North Texas transfer Dennis Moody III also played three special teams snaps, two on kick coverage and one on punt coverage.

The other running backs on the roster are freshmen KD Jones and Javen Hall.

If the OSU fanbase had a vote in the matter, Jones would get some run. In the new five-for-five eligibility model, there isn’t redshirting, so OSU wouldn’t need to protect him from that.

Jones is, though, slighter of frame than most of the running back room while he develops his body as a college football player. Still, he’s Jenks’ all-time leader in rushing yards (4,742), all-purpose yards (5,798) and rushing touchdowns (67).

Who steps up as Hawkins’ backup doesn’t seem as important as long as someone steps up to give the Cowboys’ hard-nosed rusher an occasional breather.

STILLWATER — The offseason was filled with people from all over the country wondering just how good the Cowboys could be with the roster first-year coach Eric Morris assembled.

And then the first game came and muffled all of that excitement.

Oklahoma State is now a few days removed from its 24-10 season-opening loss to Tulsa. On Tuesday, Morris met with reporters for the first time since that loss. It wasn’t the ideal debut by any means, but it sounds like that first sample size of live bullets gave the Cowboys’ coach a direction.

“That’s as bad as it gets, what we faced starting off the way that we started off with so much hype and whatever,” Morris said. “And, as crazy as it sounds, people are saying, ‘Oh, he’s just saying that.’ I just told our team this. I’m happy in a way — not happy at all that we lost — we spend way too much time, resources, too many people over here that pour their heart and soul into this to want to go out there and have a performance like that. 

“But the only thing is, I’m excited because I know exactly where we’re at right now as a program, as a team, where we did OK, where we were just awful and you start making a checklist of things you got to improve on, right? And can you do that all in one day? Absolutely not. I know exactly where we’re at. There are things that obviously were not good.”

Among the checklist of negatives that Morris pointed out Tuesday included: the Cowboys were off early, Drew Mestemaker missed some early throws, the O-line allowed pressure, there were busts on offense and defense, the Cowboys got beat at the point of attack and various other examples of poor execution. He also noted some positives, pointing to the interior of the Cowboys’ defensive line as a group that played well.

Morris said he didn’t like the conditioning shape his team showed Saturday, citing body language and players throwing up. Morris gave a somewhat similar quote following the Cowboys’ first practice of fall camp, noting it looked like the heat got to some guys.

“All these things are self-reflection,” Morris said. “The mind is, all night, can’t sleep and you just replay everything in your mind. You take notes. Obviously, there’s people that have been around it and there’s a bunch of science involved. So we’ll get a bunch of smart people in a room and try to figure out the best way to solve it.”

Working through the team’s deficiencies is one thing. But the Cowboys are starting that process while awaiting one of the nation’s top teams, as Oregon is set to travel to Stillwater this weekend.

On a few occasions since taking over as the Cowboys’ head coach, Morris has noted the importance of momentum. Going into this past Saturday, the Cowboys seemingly had the wind at their back. That was stopped abruptly.

“You have all of this momentum, and then when you have it, you want to keep it,” Morris said. “When you don’t got it, you’ve got to go get it. Almost like leverage in life. And there’s a bunch of people obviously disappointed, and then we have a bunch of people reading press clippings and social media saying how bad we are and what a disgrace we are and all that stuff. Like, are we mentally tough enough to block that out?

“And we have another opportunity, like a great opportunity. Obviously when you see, you build something up to where you want to play the best. This is a team that is up there in the conversation to being one of the best in the nation this year, and rightfully so. It’s something we’ve got to go out there, and we’ve got to get one game better. There needs to be a ton of growth from Game 1 to Game 2 for our program.”

How does that growth start, with a firm look in the mirror … or the film.

Morris said the team film session Monday was uncomfortable, but it was important for his team to face the truth.

“We tell the truth to our players,” Morris said. “We sat up here yesterday morning, in the first team meeting, and we had some hard discussions, and we watched it together. Football is one of those things, it’s the greatest team sport in the world. One person not doing their job exposes everybody in this program. That happened in a variety of different ways. …

“There’s a bunch of issues. I’m not discounting that. I know that probably more than anybody. And there’s things that we got to start addressing and we got to start building the program. This is the way that I’ve done it in the past and I have full confidence in the way we’re going to do it here again. Is that acceptable and OK? Absolutely not. But that’s the spot. That’s our starting point. Not a great one, and off we go.”

STILLWATER — On Saturday, Oklahoma State did its best impression of Charlie Brown kicking the football when it came to 4th-and-1.

The Cowboys converted the first one, then failed to convert on the next four, including the final fourth-and-short opportunity, which came when OSU trailed by only seven points halfway through the fourth quarter on the Cowboys’ 34-yard line.

“Fourth down-and-1 are ‘GOs,’” Morris said. “Going back and look at it, don’t hate the calls. Obviously, hate the execution piece of it and what the outcome was. But I’ve always been aggressive in those situations.

“But obviously, if this becomes a trend, I gotta be smart enough to say, let’s punt the ball away and let our defense play good defense and try to get it back.”

Morris has been on both ends of the fourth-down spectrum, coaching the nation’s seventh-most efficient fourth-down offense last season after his UNT team ranked 91st in 2024.

Morris gave three running backs a chance to carry the football on 4th-and-1. Hawkins, who rushed for 3 yards on the first 4th-and-1, was stuffed at the TU 3-yard line, which Oregon coach Dan Lanning took notice of during his press conference on Monday.

“I don’t put a ton of stock that they didn’t win the game. … They also had some really tough situations throughout the game,” Lanning said. “Down at the goal line they are about to punch it in for the score and they don’t get it. Some costly turnovers that happened throughout the game, so the score could be completely different given a couple of situations. Just like our score could have been completely different based on a couple of situations.”

Then Tre Page, who was the clear-cut No. 2 back before this play, lost a fumble on his shot. Fellow back Ayo Adeyi found himself stalled out at the line of scrimmage on his opportunity, then Morris turned to the air where receiver Miles Coleman lacked enough push to break through when the Cowboys threw a quick screen his way.

“Really liked the first one, the call that we had down there,” Morris said of Hawkins’ play on the 3. “Got out-executed. The second one, we fumbled. Not very good. We put the ball on the ground. Third one, we misidentified the front and went to the wrong people up front.

“So, there’s so many problems in so many different things. We’ve got to address those, and we’ve got to be tough, like, ‘Are we mentally tough enough more in key moments to focus on what your job is and communicate it and get it done?’ Obviously, the answer was no for last game, and that’s an area that we’ve got to grow.”

Overall, Saturday’s offensive output was largely an improvement from last season, but it fell well short of the expectations that come with an up-and-comer in Morris and a high-profile transfer quarterback in Drew Mestemaker.

Morris described Saturday’s performance on fourth down, third down and in the red zone as “atrocious.” Hawkins seemed to share his feelings when asked about the issues on fourth down.

“It was hard,” he said. “Going to the sideline, maybe a little bit of anger coming out of it. Those situations, we already knew that coach Morris is aggressive and he likes to go for it on fourth down. We needed to capitalize on those things and do our job in every shape and form.”

It sounds like Morris isn’t ready to give up on fourth down just yet, so the Cowboys will get another chance to prove they can win in high-leverage spots.

Center Tyler Mercer has thought a lot about those missed chances over the last several days and the responsibility the offensive line has in turning those plays into wins for the offense.

“That’s kind of the weight that comes on the O-line, those fourth-and-shorts, third-and-shorts,” Mercer said. “So, like watching the film, those are tough pills to swallow, seeing where we fell short on those. There are obviously plays you wish you got back, but that’s the game of football, and you don’t get those back. So, learning off the film and putting in the work to fix it for the next time.”

STILLWATER — On Saturday, quarterback Drew Mestemaker took ownership of “the most embarrassing offensive performance he’s ever been a part of.”

It sounds like he showed up with a similar mindset this week.

Running back Caleb Hawkins said Mestemaker was “Super vocal, he came back on Monday at practice and told us straight up: ‘Hey, that’s unacceptable. We’re not gonna have a performance like that again. We’re gonna pass the ball better, we’re gonna run the ball better and we’re just gonna get everything in harmony again.’”

Most won’t need, or want, a reminder, but Mestemaker completed 59% of his passes for 241 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

It looked rough in every sense of the word, and the graders at Pro Football Focus agreed, giving him an overall offensive score of 50.9, which marks a new career low.

“I thought we were a little off early and maybe we’re extra excited right?” Morris said of Saturday’s game. “We missed some early throws early in the game, and then pressure got to us at certain points where we didn’t protect very well, and some of those throws weren’t Drew’s problem. We had some busts on both sides of the football. That happens everywhere in America, but those are things that exposed us in the game right?”

PFF agreed with Morris, and PFB’s rewatch where pass protection was concerned. PFF charted that Mestemaker was under pressure for 17 of his 54 dropbacks. He completed 4-of-13 passes (31%) for 52 yards and both interceptions. His receivers were also credited with one drop on these plays. The OSU QB’s grade under pressure plummeted to 36.2.

During the other 69% of his dropbacks, Mestemaker graded out at 61.7, and PFF had him completing 25-of-36 attempts (69%) for 189 yards and a touchdown. Plus, his receivers are credited with two drops that would have bumped his adjusted completion percentage up to 77%.

For context, Mestemaker was under pressure on 26% of his dropbacks last season and completed 49% of his attempts but threw only five touchdowns while also tossing five interceptions. Considering he only threw nine picks all of last season, it’s fair to wonder if he could be especially vulnerable to poor decisions in these moments.

That could be another problem again this week, as Oregon edge rushers Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti were the first thing that stood out to Morris when discussing the Ducks’ defense.

“I mean, you got two guys that have played that much football, long and aggressive and can get after the passer, set the edges in the run game,” Morris said. “They have so much experience up front in their starting four guys. … Obviously (the defense) they’re fast, they react, they tackle well, they create a bunch of issues, and so for us to stay in front of the chains and not be in predicaments down and distance getting in third-and-longs is going to be something key.”

PFF ranked that duo 62nd in the nation, incredibly they tied among pass rushers with more than 100 attempts last season. They combined for 11 total pressures in No. 6 Oregon’s opening win over Boise State.

Morris also expressed some disappointment with OSU’s ability to hit big plays through the air. Mestemaker finished 1-of-3 on throws 20-plus yards downfield. It had to be extra frustrating for Mestemaker considering he spent the offseason talking up both his play and willingness when it came to looking deep.

“Maybe a little antsy early and missed a couple,” Morris said of Mestemaker. “He’s just so accurate, especially intermediate (passes). I probably would have liked to have gotten a couple shots. They really put an umbrella on the defense.”

Mestemaker completed 39% of his deep shots last season, which resulted in eight touchdowns and only one interception. Arguably, the best area of the field for him to attack was between 10-19 yards away, as Mestemaker completed 65% of those throws, averaged 12.2 yards per attempt, and tossed nine touchdowns compared to only three interceptions.

On Saturday against Tulsa, Mestemaker completed 4-of-10 such throws for 63 yards, his lone touchdown and two interceptions.

Despite the healthy amount of criticism Morris has tossed his quarterback’s way since the end of Saturday’s loss, the OSU head coach isn’t concerned about Mestemaker’s response to tough coaching.

“Phenomenal, he’s someone that’s going to take it first,” Morris said. “And I think that just great competitors have that built in them, right? And Drew is exactly the same, and he’s never been one that’s going to point a finger. And so yeah, I think he took it really well.”

His teammates expressed similar sentiments throughout the last several days.

“He’s a baller,” OSU center Tyler Mercer said. “I think he’s gonna respond in the right way. He’s kept his cool. He’s kept level-headed. He’s a mature player, a mature quarterback, so he’s been in situations like this. We’ve seen him do well and pass for a lot. So, I believe in him. The whole team still has faith in him. The whole team has faith in the team itself. Yes, it was a rough weekend last weekend, but I don’t think that’s a good representation in any of (our) play.”

STILLWATER — What many feared but probably knew was true was confirmed on Tuesday: Cowboy left tackle Jacob Sexton is out for the year with a leg injury.

Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris provided that news Tuesday after Sexton went down with an apparent leg injury just six plays into Oklahoma State’s surprising 24-10 loss to Tulsa this past weekend.

The only change on OSU’s updated depth chart was at left tackle, where North Texas transfer Desmond Magiya and Portland State transfer Shaun Torgeson shared an OR after those two rotated following Sexton’s injury.

Torgeson played the most snaps among OSU tackles in Tulsa, taking part in 69. Of those, 48 came at right tackle, where he was already set to rotate with Michigan State transfer Ashton Lepo as the two battled for that spot. But then with Sexton going down, Torgeson filled in with 21 snaps on the left side.

Magiya was second in tackle snaps, with all 64 of his Saturday snaps coming on the left side of the line of scrimmage, while all 43 of Lepo’s snaps came on the right side.

“Whoever practices the best this week,” said Morris of how the tackle spots will get worked out. “So, we’ll see who gives us the best chance to win.”

Six plays into the season, and the Cowboys were essentially down two left tackle options, as Braydon Nelson, who played 1,190 snaps at the position across the past two seasons for Morris at North Texas, missed fall camp with an injury. Morris said after Saturday’s game that Nelson has recently returned to offensive line drills but hadn’t started working into team drills quite yet.

The offensive line was put under a microscope in the fallout of that Tulsa loss with the Cowboys’ offense having a tough time keeping quarterback Drew Mestemaker clean and failing to convert four fourth-and-short opportunities. Now the Cowboys have to focus on corrections as Oregon, one of the top defenses in the country, heads to Stillwater this weekend.

“Definitely hard with Jacob, but also just motivated,” said center Tyler Mercer of the mood of the O-line room. “Just asking for broader shoulders and realizing that we’ve gotta take another step, evidently, with this unit coming up this weekend. Obviously that’s gonna be a challenge. Kind of just motivated to take that next step and have a good challenge.”

The interior of the Cowboys’ line played every snap against the Golden Hurricane, with Mercer, left guard Johnny Dickson and right guard Joseph Hanson joining Mestemaker as the only offensive players to participate in all 91 of the Cowboys’ snaps.

Mercer played 565 snaps for Morris at UNT in 2024 but was at Kansas last season, where he redshirted while playing only 44 snaps total. So, Saturday acted as a reintroduction to the field of play for him. That center spot is a little extra important, as Mercer also plays a roll in setting protections.

“I think we didn’t give Drew much time,” Mercer said. “I think that’s what we saw on film a lot. That’s a collective effort, keeping him up, giving him time. We have elite skill guys and quarterback, so kind of just focusing on that and getting communication right and playing fast and protecting him.”

Oklahoma State plays the Ducks at 11 a.m. Saturday in what will be the first home game of the Eric Morris Era.

The only change on this one from the first one is at left tackle following Jacob Sexton’s first-quarter injury. That spot is listed at Desmond Magiya or Shaun Torgeson, who rotated at the spot after Sexton’s injury.

Quarterback

QB1: Drew Mestemaker (R-So., 6-3, 215, North Texas)
QB2: Grant Jordan (R-Sr., 6-2, 217, UMass) OR Brodie Vehrs (Fr., 5-11, 205)

Running Back

RB1: Caleb Hawkins (So., 6-0, 219, North Texas)
RB2: Tre Page (R-So., 5-8, 184, Tarleton State)

Wide Receiver

Z1: Chris Barnes (R-So., 5-7, 169, Wake Forest)
Z2: Terrence Lewis (So., 5-11, 170, North Texas)

X1: Justin Bowick (R-Sr., 6-5, 209, Illinois)
X2: Rodney Harris II (R-Sr., 6-1, 207, Ohio)

Y1: Miles Coleman (Jr., 5-6, 158, North Texas) OR Wyatt Young (Jr., 6-0, 199, North Texas)

Tight End

TE1: Carson Kolb (R-So., 6-4, 243, Oregon State) OR Morgan McPhaul (R-Sr., 6-2, 265, VMI)

TE2: Bodie Boydstun (R-Jr., 6-5, 239, SWOSU) OR Donovan Green (R-Sr., 6-3, 238, LSU) OR Oscar Hammond (R-Sr., 6-3, 243, returner)

Offensive Line

LT1: Desmond Magiya (R-Jr., 6-4, 333, North Texas) OR Shaun Torgeson (R-So., 6-4, 302, Portland State)

LG1: Johnny Dickson III (R-Sr., 6-2, 317, North Texas) OR Desmond Magiya (R-Jr., 6-4, 333, North Texas)

C1: Tyler Mercer (R-So., 6-4, 300, Kansas)
C2: Louie Canepa (R-Sr., 6-3, 299, returner)

RG1: Joseph Hanson (Sr., 6-4, 302, Coastal Carolina)
RG2: Jakobe Sanders (R-Jr. 6-2, 327, returner)

RT1: Ashton Lepo (R-Sr., 6-7, 320, Michigan State) OR Shaun Torgeson (R-So., 6-4, 302, Portland State)

Defensive End

END1: Jaleel Johnson (R-Sr., 6-4, 270, returner)
END2: Malik Charles (R-Sr., 6-3, 284, returner) OR Keviyan Huddleston (R-Jr., 6-4, 269, North Texas)

RUSH1: James Williams (R-Sr., 6-5, 256, Florida State)
RUSH2: DeSean Brown (R-Sr., 6-2, 266, returner) OR DJ Jackson (Sr., 6-4, 243, Troy) OR Billy Walton III (R-So., 6-3, 253, SMU)

Defensive Tackle

NT1: Saadiq Clements (R-Jr., 6-4, 310, North Texas) OR Jerry Lawson (Sr., 6-1, 312, Louisville)
NT2: Luke Webb (R-So., 6-3, 311, returner)

DT1: Iman Oates (R-Sr., 6-3, 317, returner) OR Braylon Rigsby (R-Jr., 6-3, 283, Texas Tech)
DT2: Landon Dean (R-Sr., 6-5, 290, returner) OR Enai White (R-Sr., 6-5, 300, Penn State)

Linebacker

SAM1: Ethan Wesloski (R-Sr., 6-1, 234, North Texas)
SAM2: Trip White (R-Sr., 6-3, 234, returner)

MIKE1: Tate Romney (R-Sr., 6-1, 223, Arizona State)
MIKE2: Taurean Davis (Jr., 6-1, 231, Miss. Gulf Coast)

WILL1: Isaiah Chisom (R-Jr., 6-0, 234, UCLA)
WILL2: Gunnar Wilson (R-So., 6-2, 217, returner)

Cornerback

CB: LaDainian Fields (R-So., 6-1, 176, returner) OR Kobi Foreman (So., 5-10, 175, returner)

CB: Trudell Berry (6-1, 196, Vanderbilt) OR R-Sr., Mo Horn (R-Sr., 5-11, 183, Texas Tech) OR Kollin Lewis (R-Jr., 5-10, 188, North Texas)

Safety

FS1: Evan Jackson (Sr., 5-11, 188, North Texas)
FS2: Markeith Williams (R-Sr., 6-2, 175, Miami)

BS1: Quinton Hammonds (Jr., 6-1, 206, North Texas)
BS2: Mose Phillips III (Sr., 6-2, 196, Missouri)

N1: Christian Bodnar (R-Jr., 6-0, 188, Liberty)
N2: Cameron Epps (R-Sr., 6-2, 207, returner) OR Vincent Holmes (R-Jr., 6-2, 175, Washington)

Kicker

K1: Sam Keltner (R-So., 5-10, 185, SMU)
K2: Joseph Kim (R-Jr., 5-9, 196, UCO)

Punter

P1: Lachie Pozzobon (So., 6-4, 182, Stephen F. Austin)
P2: Nate Ost (R-Sr., 6-2, 198, Robert Morris)

Kickoff

KO1: Joseph Kim (R-Jr., 5-9, 196, UCO)
KO2: Sam Keltner (R-So., 5-10, 185, SMU)

Long Snapper

LS1: Caden Yates (R-Jr., 6-1, 223, North Texas)
LS2: Nolan Akins (R-Fr., 6-1, 198, SMU)

Holder

H1: Nate Ost (R-Sr., 6-2, 198, Robert Morris) OR Lachie Pozzobon (So., 6-4, 182, Stephen F. Austin)

Kick Return

KR1: Chris Barnes (R-So., 5-7, 169, Wake Forest)
KR2: Miles Coleman (Jr., 5-6, 158, North Texas)

Punt Return

PR1: Miles Coleman (Jr., 5-6, 158, North Texas)
PR2: Bobby Deal Jr. (R-Jr., 6-1, 190, Coffeyville CC)

OSU Bullets

 I’m going to assume OSU still improves drastically over last season’s awfulness (the Cowboys were 1-11 and 121st in SP+), but the offense, and especially the O-line, is a major work in progress. [ESPN]

The reality is that Oklahoma State has 91 new players on its roster this season. It was unrealistic to expect Morris to immediately turn a program riding a now-21-game losing streak to FBS teams into a conference contender while replacing 90% of the roster. It’s the Cignettification of college football that produced those expectations. [Open for Business]

Colorado State’s QB made an impressive catch through pass interference Yes – you read that right pic.twitter.com/ehYR5gzb7b

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 5, 2026

I charted all 91 offensive snaps from Oklahoma State’s loss at Tulsa to see how much of the North Texas offense Eric Morris actually brought to Stillwater.

Most of it made the trip. The results did not. (Thread continues below) — Feels Like 45 Podcast (@FeelsLike45Pod) September 7, 2026

Non-OSU Bullets

“Opportunities shrink or expand in proportion to your enthusiasm.” James Clear