No. 16 Oklahoma State Outlasts Arkansas in Double Overtime

© SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN/USA TODAY NETWORK

No. 16 Oklahoma State (2-0) and Arkansas (1-1) probably should've never gone to overtime in their game on Sept. 7, but a rash of mistakes erased a Razorbacks' lead and gave way to a 39-31 win in double overtime for the Cowboys.

The Razorbacks led by 14 twice, but between penalties and self-inflicted wounds, couldn't get out of their own way. A pair of field goals sent the game into overtime tied at 31, while a pair of missed field goals in overtime pushed the game into a second extra period.

A touchdown and two-point conversion in double overtime gave Oklahoma State the lead, and a timely stop on fourth down by the Cowboys improved their record to 2-0.

Game Summary

Oklahoma State got the ball to start the game, and quickly moved into Arkansas territory. On 4th-and-1, however, the Cowboys would make a puzzling decision, opting to throw the ball instead of putting it in the hands of star running back Ollie Gordon II. An incomplete pass would lead to a turnover on downs.

While Arkansas had to punt on their first drive, a fantastic kick pinned Oklahoma State deep, giving Arkansas' offense excellent field position after the defense got another stop. A six-play, 45-yard touchdown drive ensued, with Ja'Quinden Jackson punching it in for the first score of the game.

Another Oklahoma State punt would lead to another Arkansas touchdown, as an excellent mix of play-action passes and inside runs led the Razorbacks on an 8 play, 83-yard drive that culminated in another rushing touchdown for Jackson and gave the Hogs a 14-0 lead.

The turnover bug would bite redshirt junior quarterback Taylen Green for the first time on Arkansas' next drive, as the first interception of 2024 for the Razorbacks' quarterback was returned for a 73-yard touchdown by redshirt junior cornerback Kale Smith that made the score 14-7.

The Razorbacks would respond on the next drive, however, as Jackson scored his third touchdown of the game to give Arkansas a 21-7 advantage with five minutes remaining in the first half.

After the teams traded punts, Arkansas' secondary came up with an interception of their own, with redshirt sophomore defensive back Jaheim Singletary coming down with the football. The Razorbacks proceeded to run out the clock, closing out the half with a 21-7 advantage.

After an Arkansas punt on the first drive of the second half, the Cowboys would drive deep into Arkansas territory. However, a penalty on a would-be touchdown pass would negate a score, forcing Oklahoma State to settle for a 45-yard field goal by redshirt junior kicker Logan Ward that made it 21-10.

Arkansas was able to move the ball near midfield on the ensuing drive, but a mishandled pitch gave Oklahoma State the football back inside Arkansas territory. Similar to the previous drive, a potential touchdown drive was erased by a crippling penalty, forcing the Cowboys to settle fora 35- yard field goal by Ward that clipped the deficit to 8.

Arkansas' offense moved the ball down the field, but a missed field goal from 41 yards by redshirt senior kicker Kyle Ramsey out gave the ball back to Oklahoma State with a chance to tie the game. Arkansas' defense stood tall, but a muffed punt set Oklahoma State up in prime territory. A 7-yard touchdown by senior wide receiver Brennan Presley and two-point conversion by redshirt junior wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling for the Cowboys followed, tying the contest at 21-21.

A big run from Jackson put Arkansas inside the Oklahoma State 40-yard line, but Oklahoma State quickly forced a fourth-and-five. Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman would choose to go for it, with Green coming up just shy of the first-down marker on a scramble, giving the ball back to Oklahoma State.

The Cowboys took advantage of the opportunity, marching down the field to score the go-ahead touchdown by Presley with 5:13 to go.

The Razorbacks would roar back with a drive of their own however, as Green would find sophomore tight end Luke Hasz wide open for a 43-yard score that tied the game at 28-28.

Oklahoma State would go down to the Arkansas 15-yard-line before being stopped on third down. A 38-yard field goal put the Cowboys in front with 55 seconds remaining. Under pressure to put together a big drive, Green and Arkansas did just that, getting kicker Kyle Ramsey in position to knock through a game-tying 45-yard field goal.

Arkansas got the ball first in overtime, but a pair of sacks forced Ramsey to kick a 46-yard field goal, which went wide left. Not to be outdone, Oklahoma State's Logan Ward pushed a 41-yard attempt wide right, sending the game into double overtime.

It looked as if Arkansas would force Oklahoma State into a third-and-long, but a personal foul on redshirt junior Xavian Sorey Jr. gifted the Cowboys a first down that would turn into a 12-yard touchdown by Ollie Gordon II one play later. After a two-point conversion, Oklahoma State took a 39-31 lead.

Arkansas got a first down on the first play of their possession, but a missed., wide-open touchdown pass from Green to redshirt sophomore running back Rodney Hill led to a fourth-and-1 play for the Hogs. An inside zone run was stifled by Oklahoma State, ending the game and giving Oklahoma State their second victory of 2024.

Turning Point

A litany of mistakes cost Arkansas the game, but perhaps the most damaging was the muffed punt by redshirt sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Sategna. With an 8 point lead and nine minutes remaining, a big stop by the Arkansas defense had the Hogs sitting pretty - until an Oklahoma State punt went through Sategna's hands, setting up the Cowboys with an easy route to a game-tying score that set the events of the rest of the game in motion.

What it Means

Arkansas played well on Saturday, but if they want to make a bowl, mistakes must be cleaned up. With the gauntlet of Southeastern Conference play looming, a game next Saturday against UAB must be won.

Oklahoma State continued to build a potential College Football Playoff resume on Saturday. A home win over an SEC opponent is always nice, and the Cowboys have plenty of momentum before their road opener against Tulsa.