OSU-SOUTH ALABAMA: MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Washington whip
The Cowboys were looking for a big moment, something to distinguish themselves on the road in Mobile, leading just 3-0 after two possessions. Mason Rudolph knew where to look.
Amid tight coverage from cornerback Tobias Moss, James Washington bolted 10 yards and cut left to the middle of the field, hauling in a throw from Rudolph and romping the rest of the way untouched for a touchdown on the second play of the third possession. The 66-yard scoring play boosted OSU’s lead to 10-0 and started the offense humming.
Ramon with a reach
South Alabama made but one march in the first half, mostly handcuffed in a period that saw them total 68 yards. Still, the Jaguars threatened to seize momentum and tighten the game with their one sustained drive, moving 61 yards to the 14, where they faced third-and-5. From there, quarterback Dallas Davis fired a slant for receiver Sam Harris, but Cowboys safety Ramon Richards deflected the ball incomplete, forcing a field goal try. South Alabama kicker Gavin Patterson then missed the kick with 1:17 left, and soon OSU scooted to a Matt Ammendola field goal and a 20-0 lead.
Takeaway time
The Cowboys nearly had a turnover on South Alabama’s first possession of the second half, but instead of an interception for A.J. Green, a holding call on Green resulted in a first down for the Jaguars to their own 40. Soon, immediately even, OSU had its takeaway. On the next play, end Cole Walterscheid stripped running back Xavier Johnson as he ran through the middle, and tackle DeQuinton Osborne pounced on the ball at the 43. Four plays later, Rudolph hit Marcell Ateman for a 20-yard TD pass.