Posted by Tom Fornelli
OKLAHOMA STATE WON. And man did it win. That 44-10 score is not quite indicative of how this game turned out. Oklahoma's only touchdown came late in the fourth quarter when it was trailing 44-3. That field goal came on the last play of the first half. Aside from those two plays, this was a game in which Oklahoma State dominated its in-state rival and did its best to convince the nation that it deserves a chance to play LSU for a national title.
Oklahoma gained 358 yards of offense against the Oklahoma State defense, but it also turned the ball over 5 times, helping Oklahoma State pad its lead as the team that has forced more turnovers than any other. Brandon Weeden didn't have a great game, throwing for only 217 yards and no touchdowns, but he wasn't needed. Oklahoma State did the most damage on the ground, gashing Oklahoma for 254 rushing yards. Joseph Randle led the way with 151 yards and 2 scores, while Jeremy Smith had 95 yards and 2 touchdowns of his own.
WHY OKLAHOMA STATE WON. Because it dominated this game in every facet. Offense, defense, special teams, desire, intangibles, any category you want to make up, Oklahoma State was the superior team on Saturday night.
WHEN OKLAHOMA STATE WON: When Joseph Randle scored his second touchdown of the day to make it 24-0 with 1:05 left in the first half, even though there was still an entire second half to play, there was no reason to think that Oklahoma was going to come back. It was obvious that Oklahoma State had come to prove a point.
WHAT OKLAHOMA STATE WON. A lot and maybe even more. First and foremost, Oklahoma State has its first Big 12 title, which means that it's at least going to the Fiesta Bowl. What we don't know yet is how this win will affect the BCS computers and Harris Poll voters who will help decide the two teams playing for a national championship. Will the performance be enough to push the Cowboys past Alabama in the BCS? We'll find out on Sunday.
WHAT OKLAHOMA LOST. The Sooners lost out on the chance to win another Big 12 title and go to a BCS bowl game. Which hurts enough as it is. What adds insult to the injury, however, is now Oklahoma may be solely responsible for seeing its in-state rival playing for a national championship. Not to mention that this performance could have an effect on which bowl game the Sooners wind up in.
THAT WAS CRAZY: Not really crazy, but a change in direction. Last week Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy said if it was up to him, Alabama should play LSU for the national title. Tonight? Tonight he changed his tune. "There's no question Oklahoma State should be #2 right now," said Gundy following the game.
