The streak is over.
Oklahoma State defeated #6 Texas 38-35 in Stillwater on Saturday night in front of an energetic homecoming crowd to end the Longhorns’ six-game winning streak.
From the opening kick, Oklahoma State gained massive control over the Longhorns, most notably on the defensive side as the Cowboys put up 260 total yards in the first quarter, the second most a Texas defense has allowed in a quarter in 15 years. Oklahoma State’s fifth-year senior starting QB Taylor Cornelius had his way with the Texas secondary in the first half, as key Texas cornerbacks Kris Boyd and DaVante Davis sat out the first quarter for violating team rules.
“The kicking game was an issue early, but we were especially bad in the first half on the defensive end,” Texas head coach Tom Herman said postgame.
Cornelius’ favorite target on the night proved to be Tylan Wallace; the sophomore pulled down 10 receptions for a whopping 222 yards, 167 of which came in the first half, along with 2 touchdowns.
After the best offensive performance in a half by Oklahoma State all season, the Cowboys were limited to just seven points in the second half, but it proved to be enough to hold on to a slim three-point win.
In the second half, Texas’ offensive production found a spark as Sam Ehlinger went 17 for 27 and threw for 174 yards. The offense scored on three of its four final drives drives, cutting the Cowboys’ lead to 38-35, but the Longhorns would not get a chance to take the lead as Oklahoma State ran out the clock to preserve the upset.
“They had a great game plan, we did not,” Herman said. “As coaches we have to figure out why that happened and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
The loss seemingly takes Texas out of contention for the College Football Playoffs, but does not paralyze their chances at a shot at the Big 12 Championship. The Longhorns move into a three-way tie for first place in the conference with Oklahoma and West Virginia. The Longhorns will get a chance to right the ship next Saturday night at home as they take on the Mountaineers with a chance to move into sole possession of first place in the Big 12.