Las Vegas Review-Journal (Sunday)
No. 11 Cowboys escape upset
STILLWATER, Okla. — It wasn’t the most impressive performance by No. 11 Oklahoma State. But a third-string quarterback and Chuba Hubbard prevented an upset by Tulsa on Saturday.
Hubbard, who led the nation in rushing last year, was limited to 35 yards in the first half but scored on a 3-yard run in the fourth quarter of Oklahoma State’s 16-7 victory in the season opener for both teams.
Trailing 7-3 late in the third quarter, Oklahoma State got a spark when its third quarterback, Shane Illingworth, a true freshman, came on and connected on his first three passes, including the two longest plays of the day, hitting Tylan Wallace for receptions of 36 and 29 yards.
Illingworth completed 4 of 5 passes for 74 yards, and freshman Alex Hale made three field goals, two in the fourth quarter, from 27, 40 and 29 yards.
“We got put in a unique situation there for a while, had to regroup, particularly on offense,” Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said. “Defense was fabulous.”
For Tulsa, Zach Smith was 18-for-28 passing for 164 yards and a 16-yard TD to
Josh Johnson with 1:38 left in the first half for a 7-3 lead.
Tulsa failed to capitalize on its chances, going 0 for 12 on third down, while poorly timed penalties also set them back. They ended up with 15 penalties for 120 yards, including a touchdown nullified in the fourth quarter due to a false start on third and goal.
“Just didn’t put things away when we had opportunities,” Tulsa coach Philip Montgomery said. “Got to convert when you’re in the red zone. You’ve got to make those opportunities count and finish them with touchdowns.”