Oklahoma State University Athletics
Monday, December 30
Jacksonville, FL
Oklahoma State University
23
vs
34
Florida State
1985 Gator Bowl Recap
December 30, 1985 | Cowboy Football
JACKSONVILLE -- The 17th-ranked Florida State Seminoles sprinted out to an early 13-point margin before No. 18 Oklahoma State got untracked, and despite a third-quarter surge, the Seminole aerial attack was too much as the Cowboys dropped a 34-23 decision in front of a bi-partisan crowd of 79,417 in the 41st annual Gator Bowl.
In what was touted as an explosive FSU offense versus a stingy OSU defense, FSU coach Bobby Bowden decided to go with a freshman quarterback and a third-string senior tailback just two weeks prior to the game. The decision proved effective as the Seminoles exploded for 569 total yards, 231 on the ground and 338 through the air.
FSU stunned the Pokes with a 45-yard pass on the first play of the game and threw for 214 yards in the opening half. The Seminoles took a 27-3 lead into the middle of the third quarter but OSU put a pair of quick touchdowns on the board to cut the deficit to 27-17.
Following a blocked punt by OSU freshman Milton Cockrell a come-back seemed possible. However, the Cowboys could not mount a drive and were forced to punt.
Florida State MVP quarterback Chip Ferguson then went to work again and nine plays later finalized the scoring on a one-yard keeper. OSU, losing for only the third time in ten postseason appearances, totaled 369 yards, but saw sophomore sensation Thurman Thomas limited to just 97 yards on 26 carries.
In what was touted as an explosive FSU offense versus a stingy OSU defense, FSU coach Bobby Bowden decided to go with a freshman quarterback and a third-string senior tailback just two weeks prior to the game. The decision proved effective as the Seminoles exploded for 569 total yards, 231 on the ground and 338 through the air.
FSU stunned the Pokes with a 45-yard pass on the first play of the game and threw for 214 yards in the opening half. The Seminoles took a 27-3 lead into the middle of the third quarter but OSU put a pair of quick touchdowns on the board to cut the deficit to 27-17.
Following a blocked punt by OSU freshman Milton Cockrell a come-back seemed possible. However, the Cowboys could not mount a drive and were forced to punt.
Florida State MVP quarterback Chip Ferguson then went to work again and nine plays later finalized the scoring on a one-yard keeper. OSU, losing for only the third time in ten postseason appearances, totaled 369 yards, but saw sophomore sensation Thurman Thomas limited to just 97 yards on 26 carries.
Cowboys Face to Face: Tony Allen
Monday, September 08
Mike Gundy Previews Cowboys vs. Tulsa - Oklahoma State News Conference (9-15-2025)
Monday, September 08
Cowboy Football Ch. 2: Trailer vs Oregon - Opportunity
Saturday, September 06
The Mike Gundy Show: UT Martin Game Review
Thursday, September 04
