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Eric Morris Wonders If Oklahoma State Scored Too Early in Heartbreaking Iowa State Loss
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- Eric Morris Wonders If Oklahoma State Scored Too Early in Heartbreaking Iowa State Loss
(Reese Strickland-Imagn Images)
STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State executed the play it needed in the final minute Saturday night. But after Iowa State answered with a game-winning field goal, head coach Eric Morris was left reconsidering whether the Cowboys had taken the lead too soon.
Oklahoma State's 51–49 loss at Jack Trice Stadium featured 100 combined points and more than 1,100 yards of offense. Yet the game's defining sequence unfolded in the final 53 seconds.
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"Obviously, the thought in my head this whole plane ride home will be, 'Did we score too early?'" Morris said following the loss.
The question came after the Cowboys rallied from a six-point deficit and appeared positioned to secure their sixth victory of the season.
A Touchdown That Left Time on the Clock
Trailing 48–42 with 2:56 remaining, Oklahoma State needed a touchdown to take the lead. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker directed the Cowboys downfield, with running back Caleb Hawkins providing two important gains of nine and 11 yards. Mestemaker also connected with Wyatt Young as Oklahoma State moved inside the Iowa State 25.
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With less than a minute remaining, the Cowboys reached the 7-yard line. Mestemaker then executed a misdirection play, finding Young for a touchdown with 53 seconds left. Sam Keltner's extra point gave Oklahoma State a 49–48 advantage.
"You're down, you're marching back and we executed a play and we're able to capitalize on it," Morris said.
At that moment, the Cowboys had accomplished their immediate objective: regain the lead. But against an Iowa State offense that had already produced several explosive plays, the remaining time proved significant.
Iowa State Capitalizes on Its Final Opportunity
Oklahoma State's position became more difficult when Young received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty following his touchdown celebration. The 15-yard penalty was enforced on the ensuing kickoff, and Iowa State began its final possession at its own 37-yard line.
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On the first offensive play, quarterback Jaylen Raynor connected with Jamal Polite for a 33-yard gain to the Oklahoma State 30. The Cyclones then used their rushing attack to advance the ball and drain the remaining clock. Kyle Konrardy made a 34-yard field goal as time expired, completing Iowa State's 51–49 victory.
"And then we got a penalty and the rest is history," Morris said.
The sequence left Oklahoma State questioning not only its execution but also the circumstances surrounding its final offensive possession.
Balancing the Clock Against the Need to Score
Morris' postgame comments reflected the difficult decisions coaches face when trailing late in a game. Oklahoma State needed a touchdown, and the Cowboys could not assume another scoring opportunity would be available.
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The successful play to Young gave Oklahoma State the lead. It also left Iowa State enough time to respond. However, the clock was only part of the equation. The penalty improved Iowa State's starting field position, while Oklahoma State's defense surrendered a 33-yard completion on the first play of the ensuing drive.
The Cowboys had struggled to contain Iowa State throughout the game, allowing 581 yards of offense. Raynor finished with 309 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Aiden Flora rushed for 221 yards and two scores.
Oklahoma State's offense was similarly productive. Mestemaker threw for 323 yards and five touchdowns, while Hawkins rushed for 194 yards and two scores. But those performances were not enough to overcome the final defensive breakdown.
Another Difficult Lesson for the Cowboys
Oklahoma State fell to 5–3 overall and 3–2 in Big 12 play, remaining one victory away from bowl eligibility.
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The Cowboys demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure, rallying from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit and reclaiming the lead in the final minute.
Still, Morris' lingering question illustrates the frustration surrounding a game that Oklahoma State briefly appeared to have won.
The Cowboys executed the touchdown play they needed. What followed ensured their coach would spend the trip home wondering whether the timing could have been different.
