No. 12 Utes Survive No. 14 Oklahoma State in Defensive War

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The No. 12 Utah Utes (4-0, 1-0 Big 12 Conference) outlasted the No. 14 Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) by a score of 22-19 on Sept. 21 in Stillwater, Okla. One of the most anticipated games on the Big 12 schedule is complete, and it was a wild one. The No. 2 and No. 3 teams in the College Football Dawgs Big 12 power rankings faced off to show they are the best the conference offers.

Defense was the key to this game as there were plenty of offensive issues on both sides of the ball. Turnovers, stops, field goals and touchdowns, this game had it all. Utes' QB Cam Rising was nowhere to be found on their first drive, and Alan Bowmen was benched for a brief part of the game. The quarterback situation for both squads was shaky and fluctuating, but the Utes held on and defeated the Cowboys.

Game Summary

The first quarter of this game was ugly for both teams. The Cowboys couldn't get much going on their first drive, leading to a punt. When the Utes matched out for their first drive, QB Isaac Wilson came out instead of Rising. Fans believed Rising would be back in Week 4, but at game-time, the Utes kept him out. The Utes turned the ball over on downs with their first drive. The Cowboys were able to score a field goal on their second drive, while Wilson threw an interception to Cowboys safety Trey Rucker on theirs. The Utah defense tightened up the next drive forcing a punt, while grabbing a field goal to tie the game.

To start the second quarter, the Cowboys failed to score and punted once again. When Utah got the ball back, they ended their turn with a score by tight end Brant Kuithe on a wildcat snap. The Cowboys tried to respond, but Logan Ward missed a 46-yard field goal. Wilson and the Utes looked like they had a good thing going, but running back Micah Bernard fumbled the ball around the Cowboys' 37-yard line. The rest of the half was a mess for both teams, as Bowman and Wilson traded interceptions. Bowman threw his pick to Alaka'i Gilman and Rucker picked off Wilson for the second time. At the half, the Utes lead the Cowboys 10-3.

Both teams traded punts to start the second half. The Utes' Cole Becker missed a 36-yard field goal, and the Cowboys responded with another punt. Bowman was taken out of the game, and redshirt sophomore Garret Rangel came in at QB for the Cowboys. Becker was able to redeem himself by hitting a field goal for Utah, making it 13-3. Not a lot of action in this quarter, but Bernard was able to help the Utes get downfield as the clock started to run down.

Due to the work Bernard put in, the Utes started the fourth quarter with another field goal. Wilson looked more settled in by this point, playing well for a true freshman in this situation. Rangel was still in at QB for the Cowboys, but still couldn't spark up the offense, leading to a punt. The Utes couldn't do much either, punting in return. The next two drives were uneventful with both teams trading punts again. Bowman came in during the punt trade-offs and threw another interception to Elijah Davis.

Wilson threw a 45-yard bomb to Kuithe for a touchdown, and it looked like the Utes had it in the bag. The Utes went for a two-point conversion but did not succeed. However, the Cowboys weren't done just yet. Bowman led the team to a touchdown on a 28-yard pass to Brennan Presley, cutting the lead to 22-11. The Cowboys' defense felt the weight of the game on their shoulders and came up with a stop forcing the Utes to punt. Bowman scored once again to threaten the Utes, throwing a 9-yard touchdown to Rashod Owens. The Cowboys succeeded the two-point conversion, leaving the score 22-19 with 1:44 left to play. Bernard got a few runs off, and the Utes got a first down, ending the game.

Utes' Play of the Game

The play of the game for the Utes was when Wilson dropped off a bomb for Kuithe on a 45-yard touchdown. Before that point, the passing offense didn't look great for the Utes. This play was key in their win and created the safety blanket against the Cowboys' late surge. Wilson, a true freshman, had plenty of pressure on him. Despite his two interceptions, this game was huge for his growth. Wilson ended the game with 207 passing yards, a passing touchdown and 41 rushing yards.

What's Next?

For the Utes, this win is huge. Having your true freshman QB go out on the road and beat a top-15 opponent is no easy feat. The Utes prove they are legit in the Big 12 and can find ways to win without Rising. Utah still hopes to have Rising back, as this sort of play won't be sustainable with Wilson. The Utes play the Arizona Wildcats (2-1) next on Sept. 28 in Salt Lake City.

For the Cowboys, there are a lot of problems to address. Bowman had his worst performance of the year, and the offensive line continues to struggle to allow running back Ollie Gordon II to get going. Beating Utah would've done wonders for their resume come the end of the year, and with Rising out, they did not take advantage. Expect the Cowboys to drop in the Associated Press Top 25 poll and the College Football Dawgs Big 12 power rankings. This game is not the end for the Cowboys though, as if they win out, they could have a shot at revenge on the Utes. The Cowboys have another tough game in Week 4 against No. 13 Kansas State Wildcats (3-0) on Sept. 28.