TULSA, Okla. (AP) — In a surprising turn of events, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane triumphed over the Oklahoma State Cowboys with a score of 24-10 on Saturday, handing a tough debut to the Cowboys' new head coach, Eric Morris. This victory not only showcased Tulsa's resilience but also marked their second consecutive win against Oklahoma State, a feat not achieved since 1952.
Damari Alston was a standout performer for the Golden Hurricane, scoring two rushing touchdowns. His impressive 29-yard run around the left end extended Tulsa's lead to two touchdowns with just 8:38 remaining in the game. The defense played a crucial role, intercepting Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker twice in the final moments, effectively sealing the victory for Tulsa.
Oklahoma State's struggles continued as they faced their 12th consecutive loss, a streak that dates back to the previous season. The Cowboys, who were looking to make a fresh start under Morris, found themselves unable to capitalize on opportunities, particularly in critical moments of the game.
Baylor Hayes, the quarterback for Tulsa, had a solid outing, passing for 227 yards and leading the offense effectively. Alston complemented Hayes' efforts with 73 yards on 15 carries. The Golden Hurricane's defense was particularly impressive, forcing four turnovers and successfully stopping the Cowboys on four separate fourth-down attempts.
In the first half, Hayes completed 10 of 14 passes for 170 yards, including a significant 47-yard connection with Jimmy Calloway that set up Alston's 1-yard touchdown run, giving Tulsa a 10-3 lead at halftime. The Cowboys managed to respond in the third quarter when Mestemaker connected with 6-foot-5 receiver Justin Bowick for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 17-10 after a pass interference call granted Oklahoma State a first down on the Tulsa 19-yard line.
Despite the late-game push, Oklahoma State was unable to overcome their mistakes, which proved costly throughout the match. Tulsa, however, faced its own challenges, as kicker Marlon Hauck missed two field goals following fumble recoveries, preventing the Golden Hurricane from extending their lead further.
Looking ahead, Oklahoma State will host the No. 2 Oregon Ducks next Saturday, a game that will be crucial for the Cowboys as they seek to break their losing streak. Meanwhile, Tulsa will travel to face Sam Houston, aiming to build on their momentum from this victory.
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