Entering a game without all best personnel available makes a coach cautious or even leery. But, Mike Gundy did not allow that to affect his team Saturday against Texas – the most athletic team OSU had played all season. The Cowboys were without three starters including star defensively lineman Brock Martin which surely contributed to the first half Texas onslaught of 31 points and 350+ total yards. Still Gundy’s team continued to compete and finished the half with 24 points of their own.

And then maybe the most magnificent 30 minutes of football of the Mike Gundy era occurred.  The Cowboys scored 17 points to just 3 by Texas. The Cowboy defense played with two young corners and held the Longhorns 172 yards of offense  – right at half of what was yielded in the first half. Plus, the Cowboys, for the first time in program history, ended the game with zero penalty yards. Zero. That stat alone speaks volumes of the discipline of this team.

In a close game many plays can be named as the key play. For sure there were many important plays, but one stands out alone. With the game tied at 34 and a little more than 3 minutes to go OSU faced a 2nd and 6 situation at the Texas 41.  QB Spencer Sanders dropped back to pass only to have the Texas bring a six-man blitz with man-to-man secondary coverage. He looked to his left and delivered a strike to WR Bryson Green on a slant route. Green was well covered by the Texas DB but the ball seemed to stick in Green’s chest. From there the defender was unable to make the tackle and Green raced to the end zone resulting in the winning touchdown. It was a tremendous play with excellent blocking, expert reading of the defense, an accurate throw, and an effort to not only make a catch but to break a tackle and score. Fabulous!

Perhaps this was Mike Gundy’s finest victory of his coaching career.

Speaking of comebacks, the University of Tulsa opened the game with a ten-point deficit (0-10) after the first two passes were intercepted. After that shaky start the Hurricane would outscore Temple 27-6 to secure their 3rd win of the season.

The TU defense was outstanding in limiting the Owls to just six points over 3+ periods. The offense found a run game where Deneric Prince finished the game with 231 yards rushing including an 84-yard TD scamper. This road game win was a must if the ‘Cane is to play in a bowl game this year.

This week the Hurricane hosts SMU in their Homecoming game. TU should win.

OU travels to Iowa State on Saturday. The Cyclones and Sooners are returning to action after a week off. I am going with the Sooners on this one. They have not thrown-in the towel and Dillon Gabriel is healthy. Michael Turk, the fine OU punter, will cause ISU to face long drives on Saturday and the offense will continue to score.

OSU travels to K-State for yet another crucial game. The Wildcats have one conference loss, as does OSU. The winner sets itself in good position to play in the conference championship game come December.