Freshman QB helps Cowboys avoid upset

STILLWATER, OKLA. » True freshman quarterback Shane Illingworth made Oklahoma State’s usually high- powered offense look normal for just long enough to help the 11th- ranked Cowboys avoid a huge upset.

Oklahoma State stayed in it with defense, and Illingworth rallied the Cowboys to a 16- 7 victory over Tulsa on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

Trailing 7- 3 late in the third quarter, Oklahoma State received a big offensive spark when Illingworth entered the game and immediately connected on his first three passes, including the two longest plays of the day, hitting Tylan Wallace for completions of 36 and 29 yards.

Chuba Hubbard, who led the nation in rushing last year, was limited to 35 yards in the first half. His 3- yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter put Oklahoma State ahead for good.

Illingworth completed 4 of 5 passes for 74 yards in just over a quarter of work, helping Wallace finish with four receptions for 94 yards.

Freshman Alex Hale made three field goals, two in the fourth quarter, from 27, 40 and 29 yards.

“I was proud of our team,” Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said. “We got put in a unique situation there for a while, had to regroup, particularly on offense. Defense was fabulous. I’m thrilled with the guys for fighting through all the adversity and finding a way to win at the end.”

The Cowboys lost starting quarterback Spencer Sanders with an apparent right ankle injury late in the first half after he completed 2 of 2 passes for 23 yards and gained nine yards on five rushes.