Game of inches Monday, October 25, 2021
Cowboys final drive comes up short Chris Becker Assistant Sports Editor
Abby Cage
AMES, Iowa - Spencer Sanders dropped back swiftly/abruptly glanced to his left and found Brennan Presley on a slip screen while facing a fourth down and two. The clock read 1:09 left in the fourth quarter. Oklahoma State was in Iowa State territory at the 42-yard line while trailing 24-21. Presley caught the pass, turned, took a step, Cyclone defenders swarmed and he was taken down, but was close to the marker. OSU players, coaches and the fans who traveled to Ames tensely waited for the call. The sold out Iowa State homecoming crowd,
the same. OSU’s offense pointed one way, the Cyclones defense the opposite way. The officials measured the spot and violently signaled Iowa State’s direction. Iowa State(4-2) had stopped the No. 8 undefeated Cowboys. But not without their white towels waving violently as they celebrated. The spot was measured signaled a win over a top 10 team. The play was reviewed but it was all upheld. “Sometimes you come up short,” coach Mike Gundy said. “That’s just the way it is. Doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Means you just came up a little short.” The Cowboys final drive started off hot. It started with the defense as most of the Cowboys success this season.
See Inches on 2
Cowboys return to Homecoming after loss to Cyclones Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter Herds of Iowa State fans stormed the field at Jack Trice Stadium. The Cyclones had just ended Oklahoma State’s undefeated season. The Cowboys return to Stillwater with a loss on their record ahead of the homecoming game. OSU’s defense was finally tested against Iowa State, allowing over 300-yards in the air from Brock Purdy, who OSU defensive coordinator Jim Knowles praised. Knowles characterized Purdy as “being a playmaker.” Knowles described Purdy’s ability to scramble and improvise to make plays longer, throw the ball deep down the field and use runpass options to confuse the defense. Through seven games, Oklahoma State’s defense has allowed 316 yards per game and 20 points per game. Ahead of OSU’s homecoming game vs Kansas, the Cowboys will have a chance to bounce back. OSU quarterback Spencer Sanders threw for three touchdowns without a turnover, and over 250-yards of offense. Sanders completed two big throws, one to wide receiver Brennan Presley for a 42-yard touchdown and a 25-yard touchdown to receiver Tay Martin as he took a hit from outside of the pocket. Coach Mike Gundy
believes Sanders played one of his better games. “He made some throws,” Gundy said, “I feel like he played well. He was able to run the ball and scramble at times. I was pleased with how he played.” Despite the two losses on Iowa State’s schedule, Gundy considers Iowa State as one of the best teams in the Big 12. Iowa State has many seniors and fifth-year seniors, who Gundy credits for staying diligent and winning the game. Earlier on Saturday, Kansas led the No. 3 ranked Oklahoma Sooners 10-0 at halftime. Oklahoma eventually came back to win 35-23, after a close, yet confusing, fourth down scenario. The Kansas Jayhawks totaled over 400 yards of offense against the Sooners, behind quarterback Jason Bean and running back Devin Neal. OSU’s defense will face another test against a high powered offense, regardless of the one win on Kansas’ record. The Cowboys will get the opportunity to bounce back after a tough loss, in front of 60-thousand fans attending “America’s Greatest Homecoming”. Gundy expects his team to continue to work the same way as before. “Whether it is a celebration or a tough loss like this,” Gundy said. “You have to come to work tomorrow and start preparing for the next game. Every game matters and you do not have time to worry about what happened in the last one. I expect the staff and team to come back and work.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Abby Cage