STILLWATER, OK — Boone Pickens Stadium was the stage for a high-octane offensive showdown Saturday, as Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma State 56-48 in a game packed with big plays, clutch performances, and unrelenting drama. Despite standout efforts from both sides, critical third-down conversions and a late defensive stand sealed the victory for the Red Raiders.
First-Half Fireworks
The game started explosively, with Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton showcasing pinpoint accuracy. The Red Raiders opened the scoring with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Morton to Caleb Douglas, completing a 75-yard drive in just over 90 seconds. Morton struck again later in the quarter, hitting Mason Tharp for an 8-yard touchdown, capping a 14-play, 91-yard march.
Oklahoma State responded late in the first quarter with a spectacular 68-yard touchdown run by Ollie Gordon II, who continued to solidify his reputation as one of the nation’s elite running backs. Gordon would finish the game with 156 rushing yards and three touchdowns, averaging a staggering 10.4 yards per carry.
The second quarter saw the Cowboys claw back to tie the game at 14-14 following a 1-yard touchdown plunge by Gordon. However, the Red Raiders regained the lead just before halftime when Morton found Tahj Brooks for a 25-yard touchdown, concluding a 92-yard drive with only five seconds remaining in the half. Texas Tech entered the locker room up 21-14.
Third-Quarter Momentum Swings
The Cowboys came out firing in the second half, quickly tying the game at 21-21 with Gordon’s third rushing touchdown on a 2-yard scamper. But Texas Tech continued to answer, as Morton connected with Jalin Conyers for a 32-yard touchdown pass to retake the lead.
Oklahoma State’s freshman quarterback Maealiuaki Smith demonstrated poise and resilience throughout the game. He evened the score once again with a 13-yard touchdown run, capping a four-play, 75-yard drive. Smith finished with 326 passing yards, two touchdowns through the air, and another on the ground in his first full game as the starter.
However, Texas Tech capitalized on an Oklahoma State turnover, with Brooks scoring his second rushing touchdown of the night to make it 35-28 heading into the final quarter.
Fourth-Quarter Fireworks
The fourth quarter turned into a shootout, with both teams trading touchdowns in rapid succession. Oklahoma State tied the game at 35-35 when Smith hit De’Zhaun Stribling on a 14-yard scoring strike. Texas Tech’s Brooks responded with a 40-yard touchdown run to regain the lead, only for Oklahoma State’s Rodney Fields Jr. to dash 19 yards into the end zone to make it 42-42.
The defining sequence came in the final six minutes. Brooks punched in his third touchdown of the night on a 1-yard rush, giving Texas Tech a 49-42 advantage. Moments later, the Red Raiders’ defense forced a fumble, which Jacob Rodriguez recovered for a touchdown, extending the lead to 56-42.
Oklahoma State managed one last touchdown—a 10-yard pass from Smith to Rashod Owens—but failed to convert the extra point, sealing the final margin.
Postgame Reactions
Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State Head Coach: “We couldn’t get off the field on third down again. They were 14-of-22, and we just had too many critical errors on special teams and a couple of snaps that really cost us. The guys played well enough to win, but we’ve got to clean up the mistakes.”
On Smith’s performance, Gundy added, “I thought he competed and stayed in the pocket when it started to collapse. He missed some throws, but overall, his poise was impressive, and he ran the ball effectively.”
Kendall Daniels, Oklahoma State Safety: “We just couldn’t figure out how to get off the field on third and fourth downs. It always seemed to be something different, but we’ve got to find a way to make plays and stop those long drives.”
Behren Morton, Texas Tech Quarterback: “Our goal was to score on every drive. We know our defense has been working hard for us all season, and tonight was our chance to return the favor. I thought we executed well and made the plays we needed to win.”
Key Performances
- Texas Tech Running Back Tahj Brooks: 133 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and 65 receiving yards. Brooks accounted for nearly 200 all-purpose yards, delivering big plays when his team needed them most.
- Oklahoma State Running Back Ollie Gordon II: Another dominant performance with 156 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and 30 receiving yards. Gordon’s ability to break tackles and generate explosive plays kept the Cowboys in the game.
- Texas Tech Quarterback Behren Morton: Completed 35-of-50 passes for 366 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Morton’s efficiency and ability to extend plays were pivotal to the Red Raiders’ success.
- Oklahoma State Quarterback Maealiuaki Smith: Showed tremendous potential, completing 26-of-36 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for another score.
Stats and Trends
- Third Down Efficiency: Texas Tech converted an impressive 14-of-22 third-down attempts, while Oklahoma State managed just 2-of-9. This disparity played a significant role in the Red Raiders maintaining control of the game.
- Offensive Firepower: Texas Tech outgained Oklahoma State in total offense, 543 to 508 yards. The teams combined for 13 touchdowns and only three punts.
- Turnovers: Both teams committed one interception, but the game-changing play was Texas Tech’s fumble recovery for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
What’s Next?
With the victory, Texas Tech (7-4, 5-3 Big 12) strengthens its bowl resume and secures its first winning record on the road under head coach Joey McGuire. Oklahoma State (3-8, 0-8 Big 12), meanwhile, will look to close its season on a high note against Colorado next week.
Coach Gundy remains optimistic: “Even though we’re in a tough spot, I’ve got as much energy now as I did when I took this job. We’ll come to work tomorrow ready to prepare for Colorado.”
For fans at Boone Pickens Stadium, the game served as a reminder of the talent and determination of both teams, even in a season where wins have been hard to come by. Both programs showed grit, and for Oklahoma State, the emergence of Smith provides hope for the future.
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