TULSA — The Oklahoma State Cowboys entered their season opener against Tulsa with an impressive 11-game winning streak in season debuts, which ranked as the fourth-longest in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). However, that streak came to an abrupt end as they fell to the Golden Hurricane 24-10 on Saturday, marking a challenging start for new head coach Eric Morris.
This defeat not only halted Oklahoma State's winning momentum but also marked the first time since 1950-52 that Tulsa has beaten the Cowboys in back-to-back matchups. The Golden Hurricane's victory was a significant moment in the rivalry, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level against a historically strong program.
One of the most impactful moments of the game was the injury to Oklahoma State's new left tackle, Jacob Sexton. After missing a substantial portion of the previous season due to injury, Sexton was only able to participate in six snaps before he was carted off the field with an air cast on his right leg following a collision. His absence was felt deeply as the Cowboys struggled to establish their offensive line against a determined Tulsa defense.
As the game progressed, it became clear that Tulsa was generating the explosive plays that were expected from both teams. The Golden Hurricane's offense delivered significant gains, including a 56-yard reception by Oran Singleton and a 47-yard catch by Jimmy Calloway, both of which led to crucial touchdowns. In contrast, Oklahoma State's longest play of the game was a mere 27-yard pass to Wyatt Young late in the fourth quarter, highlighting their inability to create big plays.
Running back Caleb Hawkins emerged as a bright spot for the Cowboys, showcasing his potential in the first half with 10 carries for 54 yards. However, the coaching staff's decision to rotate him with Tarleton State transfer Tre Page III limited his effectiveness. Hawkins ultimately finished the game with 18 carries for 79 yards, but the lack of consistency in the running game hindered Oklahoma State's offensive flow.
Despite trailing 17-3 midway through the third quarter, the Cowboys still had opportunities to close the gap. However, two costly fumbles by Page III and quarterback Drew Mestemaker gave Tulsa favorable field position, which the Cowboy defense managed to mitigate by forcing missed field goals from Tulsa kicker Marlon Hauck.
Oklahoma State's struggles on fourth down were also a significant factor in the loss. The Cowboys converted only one of their four attempts, a stark contrast to Morris's previous success at North Texas, where his teams converted over 62% of fourth downs. The inability to execute in critical moments ultimately contributed to their defeat.
As the Eric Morris era begins in Stillwater, the Cowboys will need to regroup and address their shortcomings if they hope to turn their season around. The loss to Tulsa serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for improved execution and resilience as they move forward in the 2026 season.
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