Cowboys Slam Bulldogs, 24-10

Saturday’s season opening game against #13 Georgia Bulldogs was hyped up as the most anticipated non-conference game in OSU history, and will go a long way determining whether the Oklahoma State Cowboys are contenders or pretenders.

Cowboys defeated the #13 Bulldogs 24-10 in front of a record crowd at the newly renovated Boone Pickens Stadium. The game was far from usual high scoring games Oklahoma State has seen in recent memory, partly because Georgia’s defense is one of the stronger teams OSU has faced in awhile.

Georgia got a quick start – on the opening drive the Bulldogs drove 80 yards and scored a touchdown on a 4 yard pass by WR Michael Moore from QB Joe Cox. Expectations were high on the Cowboy defense under the new leadership of Bill Young.

The Bulldogs replaced two All-Americans from a year ago on the offense, one being the #1 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, QB Matthew Stafford.

Pokes’ offense was a slow start with virtually no rushing game and drawing plenty of penalty flags.

After the opening drive by Georgia, the Bulldogs offense went stagnant for the rest of the game while the Cowboys took advantage. Prior to halftime, Oklahoma State got a quick 10 points to take the lead heading into the half.  The first score came when Cowboy QB Zac Robinson hit WR Dez Bryant with an amazing diving touchdown catch. On the assuming kickoff the Cowboys’ special teams forced to Georgia fumble and capitalized on it with a field goal with :04 left in the 2^nd quarter.

Georgia kept the score close the entire game, yet the Cowboys made plays when it mattered.  The Cowboys forced a fourth quarter fumble by Cox and finished the game with yet another Robinson to Bryant touchdown pass, this time from 12 yards.

Bryant closed with three catches for 77 yards and two touchdowns.  Robinson closed the game by completing 11-21 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns.  Robinson rushed for 41 yards and scored a touchdown on a 1 yard quarterback sneak. Cox finished with 15-30 for 162 yards, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception.

Looking Forward

Oklahoma State has eyes set for another home game, this time against Conference USA contender Houston Cougars.  The Cougars are coached by Kevin Sumlin – a former Oklahoma Sooner assistant – and like OSU they also have a high scoring offense.

The Cowboys could be 8-0 heading into an epic showdown with the pre-season #2 Texas Longhorns, even though the Cowboys face potential trap games, such as against Missouri and road games to Texas A&M and Baylor.

[Image via Flickr]

dave@currentlyok.com