How Oklahoma State football, Ollie Gordon II never panicked in 2OT win vs. Arkansas
- By OKSTATE1
- The Corral
- 1 Replies
How Oklahoma State football, Ollie Gordon II never panicked in 2OT win vs. Arkansas
Scott WrightThe Oklahoman
STILLWATER — As a grinding, difficult day wore on, Ollie Gordon II’s emotions bubbled up.
A little extra trash talk after plays had ended, a little extra pleading his case to officials when he felt he’d been wronged.
The Oklahoma State running back spent the better part of four hours running into the brick wall that was the Arkansas defensive line.
And yes, his emotions bubbled — but never boiled over.
Then, when the time came to be the hero, Gordon was ready for the call, producing his longest rush of the game for what turned out to be the winning score of a 39-31 double-overtime victory for the 17th-ranked Cowboys against Arkansas on Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium.
You won’t see the first 16 of Gordon’s 17 carries from Saturday on the Heisman highlight submission. And the last one, a fairly simple 12-yard scamper to the end zone, wasn’t exactly his most magnificent performance, other than the stakes that hung on every step.
“We got our ass kicked in the running game,” coach Mike Gundy said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do.”
For all the difficulty Gordon had in trying to find running room, the final TD almost seemed to come too easily.
“When (Brennan Presley) came in motion, I just looked at it and analyzed it before the snap,” Gordon said. “The D-end tried to spike inside. They didn’t really have the edge set. BP was out there blocking his butt off. All our receivers were. So it worked perfectly.”
But three months from now, when the nitty-gritty of an early September Saturday is an afterthought, and all that matters is how many games your team won, the Cowboys will have an extra tally in that column because Gordon didn’t let his first 16 carries hamper his 17th.
“At the end of the day, you gotta think about the team,” said Gordon, who finished with 49 yards rushing, plus another 20 on two receptions. “It’s not a ‘you’ sport, it’s a ‘we’ sport. Just keeping it in my mind at all times, I feel like that’s what got us through it.”
The struggles weren’t all on Gordon.
For most of the first half, the Cowboys did little right as a team. Aside from cornerback Kale Smith’s 73-yard interception return touchdown, and a few other isolated plays, the Pokes got dominated for the first two quarters.
Arkansas had a 21-7 lead and had outproduced OSU in yardage 351-77 at the break.
But like it did multiple times last year, halftime brought a reboot the Cowboys’ way. OSU trailed in the second half in five of its 10 wins last season, two of them by at least 14.
So this was not a new trend, but not a comfortable one, either.
“We wasted the first half,” Gundy said. “Their coaches had better concepts and schemes than our coaches did. Our players got out of position some, but for the most part, I thought, particularly through the first quarter-and-a-half, that they had better concepts, they did a better job of scheming than we did.
“And then at halftime, our coaches were fantastic, the adjustments we made. Players were really good about absorbing information, not panicking, not pointing fingers, taking it back out on the field and executing it.”
Gundy had warned about Arkansas’ “girthy” defensive front, which frequently plugged holes when Gordon ran the ball.
“They loaded the box, they played physical,” Gordon said. “It’s only Week 2, we haven’t really dealt with fully loaded boxes.
“They tried to man our receivers outside, which wasn’t great with a veteran quarterback, veteran receivers. Not really a smart idea.”
Halftime adjustments couldn’t get the run game going, but quarterback Alan Bowman came to life after a mediocre start.
In the second half and overtime, Bowman completed 18 of 30 passes for 262 yards, one touchdown and two crucial two-point conversions. All told, he finished 27 of 48 for 326 yards, adding in a first-half interception as well.
Brennan Presley was targeted 19 times, catching nine for 91 yards and a touchdown, plus a rushing TD.
The defense had a similar turnaround, though the Razorbacks still produced plenty of yardage. After giving up 351 yards in the first half, Arkansas added 297 in the second half and overtime, but only tacked on 10 more points.
“Everybody that came back from last year, we been through this,” linebacker Kendal Daniels said. “Going through that, we knew we’d get stops and the offense would get the ball rolling and we’d come together as a team.
“We love each other. We know the offense got the defense’s back, the defense got the offense’s back. We put both of those together, and it says a lot about our team, being able to build on this.”
And of course, it was a defensive stand that closed out the victory, with Daniels shooting through the running lane for a tackle for loss on fourth-and-1 at the OSU 6.
Experience in college football is lauded, but viewed more as a value in individual talent. For this Oklahoma State team, experience paid off in comfort in tight, stressful situations, like Saturday’s 14-point, second-half deficit, or the weight of a double-overtime moment with the game on the line.
“Coach Gundy puts us in weird situations in practice, like we’ll go in two-minute drill and we’ll have 45 seconds to go from the (opposite) 25,” Gordon said. “We never really panic. When our back’s to the wall, we fight back, we don’t give up.
No. 16 Oklahoma State survives double-overtime thriller in Arkansas' return to Stillwater
- By OKSTATE1
- The Corral
- 0 Replies
No. 16 Oklahoma State survives double-overtime thriller in Arkansas' return to Stillwater
- Sep 7, 2024 Updated 6 hrs ago
Tyler Waldrep
OSU Sports Writer
STILLWATER — Oklahoma State seemed lucky to be trailing by only 14 points at the half, but the Cowboys capitalized on two second half turnovers, including one muffed punt to secure a 39-31 double-overtime victory against Arkansas on Saturday.
Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon couldn’t get going at all in regulation, but in the second overtime period he found the end zone from 12 yards out then hauled in a 2-point catch to secure the win.
Oklahoma State kicker Logan Ward kicked a 28-yard field goal with 55 seconds left to put the Cowboys up, but Arkansas kicker Kyle Ramsey answered with a 45-yarder at the end of regulation. Both kickers then missed in the first overtime period.
When ESPN cuts the highlight reel of Saturday’s game, Oklahoma State’s defense will be featured on almost every play. The Cowboy defenders came through with some of the game’s biggest plays, including a 73-yard pick-six by defensive back Kale Smith.
They also watched as the Razorbacks moved the ball at will for most of the game. Arkansas gained at least 15 yards on 20 offensive plays.
No. 16 Oklahoma State (2-0, 0-0 Big 12) travels to Tulsa (1-0, 0-0 AAC) on Saturday at 11 a.m.
Here’s a breakdown on Oklahoma State’s win over the Razorbacks (1-1, 0-0 SEC)
Surprising Starter: Josh Ford
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy has taken every opportunity this offseason to talk up freshman tight end, and product of Stillwater High, Josh Ford.
He started spring practice praising Ford, whether the questions prompted it or not.
He did so again following Saturday’s 30-31 double-overtime win over Arkansas.
“The freshman looked pretty good, huh?” Gundy said, referring to Ford.
Ford got the start at tight end on Saturday and even hauled in a 10-yard catch on the first drive of the game. He finished the game hauling in all three of his targets to finish with 23 yards.
He appeared to score his first touchdown at one point, but it was ruled that he stepped out at the 3-yard line. Although other tight ends were involved, Ford was the only one to see more than two targets and the only one to make more than one catch.
Momentous Play: Alan Bowman flea-flicker
Oklahoma State’s offense spent most of Saturday’s 39-91 double-overtime win over Arkansas struggling to hit the big plays then quarterback Alan Bowman got the call that the Cowboys were going to try and get out of the mud by looking for fullback Jake Schultz in the passing game.At the time, Schultz had three receptions in his entire career for 22 yards. Maybe Arkansas knew that and that helped the redshirt senior get open 16 yards downfield.
“It is so wide open, try not to overthrow him or try not to miss it and Jake ran a great stall of block, block, block and then release,” Bowman said.
By the time, Arkansas defenders caught up to him, Schultz picked up 63 yards on the play.
Bowman said the Lions actually ran the same play, which OSU calls frisbee, in the NFC Championship game last season.
It wasn’t a new trick schemed up for Arkansas. Oklahoma State actually ran it last season although he was covered up that time.
Three plays later, Oklahoma State found the end zone to take its first lead of the game.
Schultz said he wasn’t surprised he didn’t get the score. He tried to just zone out before the play so he could haul in the reception and move the chains.
“I knew there would be someone chasing me,”Schultz said. “And once I saw him out of the corner of my eye. I tried to hit the burners, but obviously he caught me.”
Ring of Honor
During halftime, Oklahoma State celebrated new Cowboy Football Ring of Honor member Leslie O’Neal.Now his name and the number 99 are on full display on the top wall of Boone Pickens Stadium alongside Bob Fenimore, Barry Sanders, Thurman Thomas and Terry Miller.
“There is no way to prepare yourself,” O’Neal said when asked what the halftime ceremony would feel like before the game. “I appreciate that they accepted me in the Oklahoma State family and they feel like I deserve to have my name up there. It’s the first time it has ever happened for me so it is hard to know how I will feel.”
During his OSU career (1982-85) O’Neal became the program’s all-time sack leader after recording 34 which still stands today.
“I never thought about records like that when I was playing,” O’Neal said. “So to sit there and to still say well you still got that record. I’m like wow nobody broke that yet, wow what happened? Maybe I need to go down there and start coaching some of these guys to play better.
“But all joking aside I’d love for somebody to break the record, because the reality is records are meant to be broken and I’d hate for me to be the best player that ever played here. I’d want somebody else to be better.
Alan Bowman targeted Brennan Presley 19 times against Arkansas. Here's why he's Oklahoma State's offensive MVP.
- By OKSTATE1
- The Corral
- 0 Replies
Alan Bowman targeted Brennan Presley 19 times against Arkansas. Here's why he's Oklahoma State's offensive MVP.
- Sep 7, 2024 Updated 7 hrs ago
Tyler Waldrep
OSU Sports Writer
Oklahoma State wide receiver Brennan Presley finished with nine receptions, on 19 targets, for 91 yards and one receiving touchdown.
Daniel Shular, Tulsa World
Presley struggled to separate from Arkansas defenders early on, but he came up with several big plays late to finish with nine receptions, on 19 targets, for 91 yards and one receiving touchdown. He also finished with a 3-yard rushing score which gave the Cowboys their first lead of the game with 5:13 left to play.
On Oklahoma State’s final drive of regulation, Presley earned a first down thanks to a defensive pass-interference call. Two plays later, he hauled in a 36-yard catch to set Oklahoma State up at the Arkansas’ 6-yard line.
Presley also had another receiving score earlier in the game wiped out due to a low-block penalty.
DEFENSIVE MVP: Trey Rucker
Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green is sacked by Oklahoma State safety Trey Rucker (9), who finished with a game-high 17 total tackles, including 11 solo.
Daniel Shular, Tulsa World
This award could go to three or four different defenders, including edge linebacker Obi Ezeigbo who recorded a sack in the first overtime period to force a long, ultimately unsuccessful field goal attempt.
Rucker finished with a game-high 17 total tackles, including 11 solo.
Rucker made a few tackles that might have resulted in scores otherwise. He wasn’t given official credit for the tackle, but Rucker made the hit that sent Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green to the turf one yard short of converting on fourth-and-5 just outside the OSU red zone with just under seven minutes left in the game.
Oklahoma State football report card vs Arkansas: How Cowboys graded out against Razorbacks
- By OKSTATE1
- The Corral
- 0 Replies
Oklahoma State football report card vs Arkansas: How Cowboys graded out against Razorbacks
Joe MussattoThe Oklahoman
STILLWATER — Give Oklahoma State football and Arkansas an “A+” for entertainment factor.
It wasn’t the cleanest game, not the most well-played, but OSU’s 39-31 double-overtime win Saturday sure was fun to watch.
Let’s get to the grades.
Flea flicker execution: A+
A reverse flea flicker at that!Alan Bowman handed off to Ollie Gordon II, who pitched the ball to Brennan Presley on a reverse, who tossed the ball back to Bowman, who found a wide open Jake Schultz streaking down the sideline.
Schultz, a fullback, was finally caught at the 8-yard line after a 63-yard gain.
“We’ve had that for a long time,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said of the play. “We’ve run it before. I don’t remember who it was, but we’ve run that play before.”
Presley remembered.
“I messed it up a couple years ago,” he said.
It was against TCU in 2022.
Presley didn’t mess it up this time.
“Jake is really fast,” Presley said. “He almost out-ran the angle from the safety. I was just more happy for him in that moment.”
Added Schultz: “I tried to hit the burners, but obviously he caught me.”
The play is called “Frisbee,” Bowman revealed. “I don’t know if I can tell you that, but it’s called Frisbee.”
He said the Lions ran it in the NFC Championship Game.
“It’s so wide open, just try not to overthrow him,” Bowman said, “just try not to miss him.”
For Schultz, who was penalized earlier for a block below the waist which negated a Cowboy touchdown, it was sweet redemption.
OSU running game: D
OSU’s ground game wasn’t great against South Dakota State. It was downright awful against Arkansas.The Razorbacks limited Gordon to 49 yards on 17 carries — less than 3 yards per rush. Second-team back Sesi Vailahi had three carries for zero yards.
Gordon’s longest run of the game was 12 yards (on the game-winning touchdown).
The Cowboys have an experienced offensive line and a superstar running back, but something isn’t clicking.
OSU run defense: D
Ja’Quinden Jackson and the Hogs gashed OSU. Jackson tallied three touchdowns and had 149 of Arkansas’ 232 rushing yards.Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green scrambled for 61 yards.
“Honestly, I didn’t know he was that fast,” OSU linebacker Kendal Daniels said.
It didn’t look like Arkansas was doing anything special. The Razorbacks ran right up the gut, creating big hole after big hole.
Credit Daniels for shooting the gap and stuffing Arkansas on a fourth-and-1 run to end the game.
Stripe the Stadium: A-
The orange-and white-striped stadium was a neat look. The pattern was only interrupted by a couple of red Razorback sections on the East side ends of the stadium.Arkansas fans traveled well.
Forcing turnovers: A
From Kale Smith’s pick six to Shea Freibaum’s fumble recovery on a muffed punt, OSU capitalized on Arkansas’ miscues.The Cowboys turned it over just once, when Arkansas cornerback Jaheim Singletary made a terrific leaping catch to intercept Bowman. It was Bowman’s first interception of the season.
OSU receiver Brennan Presley: A
Gundy likened the 5-foot-8, 175-pound receiver to a bouncy ball.“He just bounces off everybody and I keep knocking on wood that he just stays healthy,” Gundy said. “We try to get him out of the game and he won’t come out of the game. We tell him, ‘We’ve got to get you off return team,’ he doesn’t want to come out of the game.
“So we just leave him in there and let him play.”
Presley led OSU with nine catches for 91 yards and a touchdown.
“We only targeted him 19 times,” Gundy said, which was not an exaggeration.
Trey Rucker, tackling machine: A+
It wasn’t a good day for OSU’s defense, but Cowboy safety Trey Rucker had a spectacular statline with 17 tackles.That’s now 32 tackles for Rucker through two games.
Linebacker Nick Martin had 16 tackles (4.5 tackles for a loss) and three quarterback hurries.
