Oklahoma State University experienced a significant shift on Saturday as they kicked off their season with a new head coach for the first time since 2004. Eric Morris, who previously led North Texas to an impressive 11-2 record last year, took the reins in Stillwater, hoping to revitalize a program that has struggled in recent seasons.
Despite the fresh leadership, the Cowboys faced a disheartening defeat against Tulsa, losing 24-10. This loss not only reflects the ongoing challenges for Oklahoma State but also marks the second consecutive year that Tulsa has triumphed over them. It is noteworthy that this is the first time since the early 1950s that the Golden Hurricane has managed to defeat the Cowboys in back-to-back seasons.
In the game, Tulsa struck first with a field goal, but Oklahoma State managed to equalize with a field goal of their own in the second quarter. However, the momentum shifted just before halftime when Tulsa scored a one-yard touchdown, taking a lead they would maintain throughout the game. Oklahoma State struggled to find their rhythm, unable to capitalize on key opportunities.
Eric Morris's arrival at Oklahoma State was met with anticipation, particularly regarding the potential impact of quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who had an outstanding season at North Texas. Last year, Mestemaker threw for 4,379 yards, recording 34 touchdowns against just nine interceptions over 14 games. However, in his debut for Oklahoma State, he faced difficulties in executing plays effectively. Mestemaker completed 29 of 49 passes for 241 yards, including one touchdown and two interceptions. He also had five rushing attempts for a mere three yards and lost a fumble during the game.
Interestingly, Mestemaker's passing yardage was one of the lowest in his career for games where he attempted more than three passes, indicating the struggles of the Cowboys' offense. The team’s inability to extend drives and make crucial plays ultimately hindered their chances of a comeback.
Looking ahead, Morris and his team will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to host the No. 2 ranked Oregon next weekend. While the loss is a setback, it does provide some breathing room before the Cowboys begin their Big 12 conference schedule on September 26. This gap could allow Morris and Mestemaker to better integrate and refine their strategies moving forward.
As Oklahoma State navigates this transition, the focus will be on how they can bounce back from this disappointing start and what adjustments they can make to avoid further setbacks in the upcoming games.
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