Oklahoma State, Kansas State survive upset bids as top Big 12 contenders shake off struggles in Week 2

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No. 16 Oklahoma State and No. 17 Kansas State both survived shaky starts to preserve the Big 12’s positioning. Kansas State needed a red zone stop with seconds remaining to survive a 34-27 road test against Tulane. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State went to overtime against Arkansas, but a missed Razorbacks field goal set up a 34-31 victory against the SEC foe. 

Oklahoma State was completely outplayed by Arkansas in a bizarre nonconference performance, trailing 21-7 at halftime and only scoring on a defensive touchdown. The Cowboys were outgained 648 to 385 yards and mustered just 1.9 yards per carry. Star running back Ollie Gordon II had only 37 yards rushing as first-year quarterback Taylen Green finished with nearly 500 yards of total offense for Arkansas. 

However, a few truly bizarre swings helped Oklahoma State come away with an unlikely victory. The pick-six helped give the Cowboys some life in the first half despite finishing with fewer than 100 offensive yards. A fumbled punt turned into an Oklahoma State touchdown to tie the game. A missed field goal meant Arkansas was too afraid to take points late in the game, setting up a go-ahead touchdown for Oklahoma State. 

Kansas State needed every bit of magic to survive an upset attempt from Tulane. The Wildcats took a 20-10 deficit into halftime and star quarterback Avery Johnson was thoroughly outplayed by Tulane freshman Darian Mensah. The deciding play came midway through the fourth quarter as Mensah made a critical mistake, running backwards after getting pressured and ultimately fumbling. Kansas State’s Austin Romaine picked it…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/oklahoma-state-kansas-state-survive-upset-bids-as-top-big-12-contenders-shake-off-struggles-in-week-2/

Author : Shehan Jeyarajah

Publish date : 2024-09-07 20:29:15

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