Oklahoma State University Athletics
Game Notes - OSU, Texas Collide in Austin
November 11, 2013 | Cowboy Football
Nov. 11, 2013
Complete Release in PDF Format
AT TEXAS
2:30 p.m. CT | Nov. 16, 2013 | DKR Texas Memorial Stadium (100,119 cap.)
Television: FOX (Craig Bolerjack, Joey Harrington and Ryan Nece)
Radio: Cowboy Radio Network (Dave Hunziker, John Holcomb and Robert Allen)
National Radio: None
Internet: okstate.com
Satellite Radio: Sirius Channel 117 | XM Channel 202
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The Basics
The Oklahoma State football team (8-1 overall; 5-1 Big 12) travels to Austin to clash with Texas (7-2 overall; 6-0 Big 12) at 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday in Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium.
On the Air
Saturday's game can be seen live on FOX, with Craig Bolerjack, Joey Harrington and Ryan Nece on the call.
The game will also be carried live on the Cowboy Radio Network, with Dave Hunziker handling play-by-play, John Holcomb providing analysis and Robert Allen reporting from the sideline.
In The Polls
Oklahoma State enters Saturday's game ranked No. 12 in this week's Associated Press poll and No. 10 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. Texas is No. 23 by the AP and No. 24 by the coaches.
An Oklahoma State Win Would...
• Be the Cowboys' third straight win over Texas in Austin, making Oklahoma State the first team to beat the Longhorns in their backyard three consecutive times since Colorado did it in 1990, 1994 and 1997. Colorado and Texas A&M (1984, 1986 and 1988) are the only two schools to beat Texas on three consecutive trips into Austin since 1940.
• Improve the Cowboys to 11-1 in their last 12 games played in the state of Texas, dating back to 2010.
• Improve the Cowboys to 8-3 in their last 11 games against ranked opponents.
• Improve the Cowboys to 5-3 in their last eight games played against ranked opponents away from Boone Pickens Stadium.
• Be the Cowboys' sixth straight Big 12 win, marking only the second time in school history that Oklahoma State has won six straight conference games. The Cowboys won 10 straight Missouri Valley Conference games from 1929-34 and seven straight Big 12 games in 2011.
• Improve the Cowboys to 9-1 on the year, marking the third time in the last four seasons that OSU has started with 9-1 record or better through its first 10 games. Prior to Mike Gundy taking the head coaching position at OSU in 2005, the Cowboys had only one 9-1 start in 102 seasons of football - 1985. It should be noted, however, that the 1945 OSU team finished the season with a 9-0-0 record.
• Give the Cowboys their sixth conference win of the season, marking only the fourth season in school history in which Oklahoma State has won six conference games, all of which came under Mike Gundy (2009, 2010 and 2011).
Notable Streaks Entering the Texas Game
• Oklahoma State has scored 20 or more points in 48 consecutive games dating back to the start of the 2010 season. That streak is the longest active streak in the country and the second-longest since Division I split into the FBS/FCS in 1978, trailing only USC's 63 straight games of 20 or more points from Sept. 2, 2002 through Nov. 25, 2006.
• OSU has at least one touchdown drive of faster than two minutes in each of its last 31 games and in 47 of its last 48 contests.
• Dating back to 2005, the Cowboys have won 18 consecutive games when not committing a turnover.
• The Cowboys have forced at least one turnover in 17 straight games.
• OSU has either won or tied the turnover battle in 17 of its last 20 games.
• Linebacker Shaun Lewis has started 41 straight games. Linebacker Caleb Lavey and safety Daytawion Lowe have each started 35 straight games, respectively.
The Series
Texas has historically controlled the series with Oklahoma State, compiling a 23-4 all-time advantage over the Cowboys. OSU has won two of the last three meetings between the two schools, with both wins coming in Austin (2010 and 2011). Still, the Longhorns hold a 14-3 all-time advantage over OSU when playing at home. OSU coach Mike Gundy is 2-6 against Texas and Mack Brown is 13-2 against the Cowboys.
Last Year's Meeting - Texas 41, Oklahoma State 36
With starting quarterback Wes Lunt out because of injury, J.W. Walsh stepped in and running back Joseph Randle stepped up, but it wasn't enough as Oklahoma State lost a 41-36 decision to No. 12 Texas in a game that wasn't decided until the final play.
Walsh turned in his second straight 300-yard passing game with an 18-of-27 outing for 301 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. He added eight carries for 57 yards. Randle went for a career-high 199 rushing yards on 25 carries with two touchdowns, highlighted by a 69-yard TD run on the second offensive play of the game.
The game was tight from the start, with neither team extending the lead to more than one score at any point, but the theme of the game was Texas converting on nine of its 17 third-down attempts and all three of its fourth-down attempts - none bigger than a fourth-and-six from its own 29 yard line that resulted in a 29-yard completion from David Ash to D.J. Grant to extend what was the game-winning drive. Four plays later, the Longhorns were in the end zone with a two-yard touchdown run by Joe Bergeron that left only 29 seconds left on the clock for OSU to try to answer - a feat the Cowboys could not accomplish.
Connections
• Oklahoma State cornerbacks coach Van Malone was a four-year letterman at Texas from 1990-93, earning third-team All-America honors and All-Southwest Conference accolades his senior season. He was a team captain in 1993.
• Texas co-offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Darrell Wyatt served as passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach at Oklahoma State alongside Mike Gundy as part of Les Miles' staff in 2001. Gundy served as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at that time. Gundy and Wyatt also worked together at Baylor in 1996, with Gundy serving as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach and Wyatt coaching the wide receivers.
• Texas running backs coach Larry Porter coached the Oklahoma State running backs from 2002-04.
• Oklahoma State running back Desmond Roland and Texas offensive lineman Kent Perkins were teammates at Lake Highlands HS in Dallas.
• Oklahoma State linebacker Ryan Simmons and safety Jordan Sterns were teammates of Texas running back Malcolm Brown and safety Erik Huhn at Cibolo Steele HS.
• Texas running back Johnathan Gray ran behind the blocking of Oklahoma State offensive lineman Michael Wilson during their days as prep teammates at Aledo HS.
• Texas receiver Mike Davis and linebacker Peter Jinkens played for Oklahoma State receiver Ra'Shaad Samples' father, Reginald, at Skyline HS in Dallas.
• Texas defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat and Oklahoma State offensive lineman Travis Cross were teammates at Plano West HS.
• Oklahoma State linebacker Caleb Lavey and Texas center Jake Raulerson both attended Celina HS.
• Texas offensive linemen Trey Hopkins and Sedrick Flowers attended the same high school (North Shore in Houston) as Oklahoma State's Miketavius Jones, Paul Lewis and Larry Stephens.
• Oklahoma State cornerback Taylor Lewis was a teammate of Texas cornerback Bryson Echols, offensive lineman Curtis Riser and defensive lineman Marcus Hutchins at DeSoto HS in DeSoto, Texas.
• Texas quarterback Cody Boswell and Oklahoma State safety Tre Flowers were teammates at Converse Judson HS.
• Oklahoma State offensive lineman Chris Grisbhy and Texas long snapper Kyle Ashby were teammates at Brazoswood HS.
• Oklahoma State offensive lineman Zachary Crabtree and Texas defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway were teammates at Mansfield HS.
• Oklahoma State fullback and special teamer Teddy Johnson and Texas kicker Nick Jordan both attended Coppell HS.
• Texas safety Josh Turner (Oklahoma City/Millwood HS) and linebacker DeMarco Cobbs (Tulsa/Tulsa Central HS) both hail from Oklahoma.
Texas is Cowboy Country
Oklahoma State has won 10 of its last 11 games played in the Lone Star State. A closer look:
Oct. 16, 2010 at Texas Tech W, 34-17
Nov. 13, 2010 at Texas W, 33-16
Dec. 29, 2010 vs. Arizona (Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio) W, 36-10
Sept. 24, 2011 at No. 8 Texas A&M W, 30-29
Oct. 15, 2011 at No. 22 Texas W, 38-26
Nov. 12, 2011 at Texas Tech W, 66-6
Dec. 1, 2012 at Baylor L, 41-34
Jan. 1, 2013 vs. Purdue (Heart of Dallas Bowl in Dallas) W, 58-21
Aug. 31, 2013 vs. Mississippi State (Advocare Texas Kickoff in Houston) W, 21-3
Sept. 7, 2013 at UTSA W, 56-35
Nov. 2, 2013 at No. 15 Texas Tech W, 52-34
Oklahoma State's Texas Flavor
Recruiting the state of Texas has been a high priority for Oklahoma State football since Mike Gundy took over at his alma mater in 2005. Oklahoma State annually has more players on its roster from Texas than any other program outside of the Lone Star State. This year's totals:
Oklahoma State - 71
Oklahoma - 43
Louisiana-Monroe - 38
Missouri - 36
New Mexico - 31
Tulsa - 29
Kansas State - 27
Kansas - 26
Arkansas - 20
Iowa State - 20
OSU is the Nation's Only 500-300 Team
Oklahoma State is the only team in the nation to have a game with 500 passing yards and a game with 300 rushing yards this season - and both of those came on the road. The Pokes hit UTSA for 518 passing yards on Sept. 7 and battered Iowa State with 348 rushing yards on Oct. 26.
Awards For Everyone
Justin Gilbert is the reigning Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week after returning the opening kickoff of last week's game against Kansas 100 yards for a touchdown. Including Gilbert, eight different OSU players have combined for nine Big 12 weekly honors this season, tying the Big 12 record for most different players from a single team to earn Big 12 weekly honors during the course of a season. Colorado had eight players recognized a total of eight times in 2001 and Oklahoma State had eight players recognized a total of nine times in 2010.
Oklahoma State players to earn Big 12 Weekly Honors in 2013
Sept. 2 - Caleb Lavey, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week
Sept. 9 - J.W. Walsh, Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week
Sept. 16 - Josh Stewart, Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week
Oct. 7 - Shaun Lewis, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week
Oct. 7 - Ben Grogan, Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week
Oct. 21 - Josh Stewart, Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week
Oct. 28 - Desmond Roland, Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week
Nov. 4 - Clint Chelf, Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week
Nov. 11 - Justin Gilbert, Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week
Gilbert Can Set NCAA Career Record
After returning the opening kickoff of the game for a touchdown against Kansas, Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert leads all active players with six kickoff return touchdowns in his career. He is the Big 12 all-time leader in that category and is just one kickoff return touchdown shy of the NCAA career record of seven, held jointly by Clemson's C.J. Spiller (2006-09) and Houston's Tyron Carrier (2008-11).
Gilbert enters the Texas game leading the Big 12 and ranked 15th nationally with 27.2 yards per kickoff return.
Many Happy Returns Result in Non-Offensive Touchdowns
Oklahoma State has scored a touchdown on a kickoff return (Justin Gilbert vs. Kansas), two punt returns (both by Josh Stewart), an interception return (Gilbert at Iowa State) and a fumble return (Tyler Johnson at Iowa State) this season. The Cowboys have scored 23 non-offensive touchdowns since the start of the 2010 season.
Oklahoma State's Non-Offensive Touchdowns Since 2010
Justin Blackmon 7 yd blocked punt return vs. Washington State 2010
Josh Cooper 66 yd punt return vs. Troy 2010
James Thomas 63 yd fumble recovery vs. Texas A&M 2010
Johnny Thomas 26 yd interception return at Kansas State 2010
Justin Gilbert 93 yd kickoff return vs. Baylor 2010
Michael Harrison 5 yd blocked punt return at Kansas 2010
Shaun Lewis 52 yd interception return vs. Oklahoma 2010
Justin Gilbert 89 yd kickoff return vs. Oklahoma 2010
Markelle Martin 61 yd interception return vs. Arizona 2010
Justin Gilbert 96 yd kickoff return at Tulsa 2011
Justin Gilbert 100 yd kickoff return at Texas 2011
Josh Stewart 3 yd fumble recovery at Texas Tech 2011
Shaun Lewis 70 yd interception return at Iowa State 2011
Richetti Jones 5 yd fumble recovery vs. Oklahoma 2011
Desmond Roland 80 yd kickoff return at Kansas State 2012
Justin Gilbert 96 yd kickoff return vs. West Virginia 2012
Zack Craig 30 yd blocked punt return vs. Texas Tech 2012
Daytawion Lowe 37 yd fumble return vs. Purdue 2012
Josh Stewart, 67 yd punt return vs. Lamar 2013
Josh Stewart, 95 yd punt return vs. TCU 2013
Justin Gilbert, 31 yd interception return at Iowa State 2013
Tyler Johnson, 54 yd fumble recovery at Iowa State 2013
Justin Gilbert, 100 yd interception return vs. Kansas 2013
Strong on Both Sides of the Ball
Oklahoma State is one of only seven teams in the country that rank in the top 20 nationally in both scoring offense and scoring defense. The other six are Alabama, Baylor, Florida State, Louisville, Ohio State and Oregon.
Here's to the Defense
First-year defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer has the Oklahoma State defense performing at a high level, as the Cowboys rank in the top 25 nationally in third down defense (sixth - .296 pct.), interceptions (seventh - 16), turnovers gained (ninth - 23), pass efficiency defense (ninth - 103.35), tackles for loss per game (10th - 7.8), red zone defense (11th - .710 pct.) and scoring defense (20th - 19.7 ppg).
Three and Out
Oklahoma State's defense excels at forcing three-and-outs. A three-and-out is defined as a series in which the offense either punts after three plays or commits a turnover before getting a first down. OSU has forced 55 three-and-outs in 139 defensive possessions (.396 pct.) spanning nine games, for an average of 6.111 three-and-outs forced per game.
Defense Stout Per Possession
The Oklahoma State defense faces a challenge in that it is partnered with an offense that plays at such a high tempo that it ends up spending more time on the field than all but four teams in the country (Oregon, Hawaii, Wyoming and Indiana). As a result, statistics such as total defense, points allowed, rushing yards allowed and passing yards allowed are not true indicators of how the Cowboy defense performs in a given game. When the OSU defense is analyzed on a per-possession basis, it ranks second in the Big 12 by averaging 1.27 points allowed per possession. Baylor leads at 0.84 points allowed per possession.
Turnovers are Back on the Menu
Forcing turnovers has been at the core of Oklahoma State's defensive identity for years. In fact, OSU ranks second nationally with 153 turnovers forced from 2009 through the present, trailing only Oregon's 154. The Cowboys led the nation in takeaways as part of their Big 12 championship season of 2011, but slipped in that area in 2012.
Through nine games in 2013, turnovers are back to being a significant factor for OSU, as the Cowboys lead the Big 12 and rank sixth nationally with a +1.2 turnover margin. OSU has lost only three fumbles on the year - a mark that leads the Big 12 and ranks sixth nationally and has committed only 12 turnovers this year to rank second in the league and 29th nationally.
Oklahoma State and the Turnover
Why are turnovers such a focal point at Oklahoma State? Because in nine years under Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State is 18-0 when it doesn't commit a turnover in a game and is 45-5 when winning the turnover battle. Dating back to the 2008 season, the Cowboys have won 32 of their last 33 games when winning the turnover battle.
Perspective On Yards Per Play
The NCAA statistical rankings show Oklahoma State as ranking 38th in total defense by yielding 371.3 yards per game this season. When analyzed on a per-play basis to account for the up-tempo offense played by the Cowboys, the OSU defense looks much better, ranking ninth by surrendering only 4.67 yards per play.
Run Stuffers
One area where Oklahoma State's defense has been particularly effective is against the run, where the Cowboys rank second in the Big 12 and 27th nationally by surrendering only 131.7 rushing yards per game. OSU has allowed only seven rushing touchdowns in nine games this year. That mark ranks 12th in the country. The Cowboy defense allows only 3.46 yards per rushing attempt.
Limiting Explosive Plays
Another defensive trait that has emerged at Oklahoma State over the past few seasons is that the Cowboys have limited explosive plays from scrimmage by opposing offenses. For the purpose of this note, we'll use 20 yard plays from scrimmage as the definition of an explosive play. Through nine games in 2013, OSU has allowed 28 explosive plays from scrimmage (3.1 per game), a mark that ranks 11th in the nation.
Putting Opponents Behind The Chains
Part of Oklahoma State's defensive success stems from solid play on first down. The Cowboys have limited opposing offenses to three yards or less on 165 of 305 first-down plays this year (.541 pct.)
Cowboys on Third Down
Oklahoma State enters the Texas game leading the Big 12 and ranked sixth nationally by limiting opposing offenses to a .296 pct. conversion rate on third down. Part of the reason is that the Cowboys are consistently putting opposing offenses in third and medium and third and long situations.
OSU has defended 159 third down plays. Of those 159 plays, only 35 were third and short situations, meaning that 78 percent of OSU's third down plays defended have been third and medium or third and long situations. The Cowboys have pitched a third-and-long shutout in their last three games, limiting Iowa State, Texas Tech and Kansas to 0-for-29 on third and long situations (seven yards or more).
Defensive Turnaround
The Oklahoma State defense is faring much better than last year's unit in terms of scoring defense. Entering the Texas game, the Cowboys are limiting opponents to 19.7 points per game. A year ago, the Pokes allowed 28.2 points per game.
Locker Room Talks Are Working
Whatever Mike Gundy and his coaching staff are saying to the team in the locker room is working. Coming out of the locker room (the first and third quarters of games), Oklahoma State is outscoring the opposition by a combined margin of 198-61. The Cowboys have outscored their first nine opponents, 112-41 in the first quarter and 86-20 in the third quarter.
Keeping The Scoreboard Operator Busy
Oklahoma State averages 40.7 points per game - a mark that ranks second in the Big 12 and is 13th nationally.
Balance, Balance, Balance
Perhaps the signature trait of Oklahoma State teams year in and year out under Mike Gundy is offensive balance. There is no better illustration of that than the 2007 season, when the Cowboys rushed for 3,161 yards and passed for 3,161 yards. A look at the balance of this year's team through eight games:
• OSU has 343 rushing attempts and 343 passing attempts.
• 15 different Oklahoma State players have scored a touchdown this season.
• 13 different players caught a pass in the Cowboys' wins at UTSA and over Lamar.
• Four different Cowboys have rushed for 250 yards or more this year.
• For the second straight year, OSU has two different 1,000-yard passers.
• Nine different players have caught a touchdown pass this year. Six of those nine players have more than one receiving touchdown and nobody has more than four touchdown catches.
• Oklahoma State has 50 offensive plays that gained 20 yards or more from scrimmage. Those 50 plays were made by 14 different players.
Ball - and Quarterback - Security
Oklahoma State spends a period of each practice on ball security and so far, it seems to be paying dividends, as the Cowboys have committed only 12 turnovers in their nine games this year. OSU has lost only three fumbles - a mark that leads the Big 12 and ranks sixth nationally.
Speaking of security, OSU's quarterbacks have enjoyed secure surroundings this season, only being sacked 0.89 times per game - a mark that leads the Big 12 ranks ninth nationally. This is a regular theme for the Cowboys, who have led the Big 12 and ranked among the top 10 nationally in fewest sacks allowed in each of the past four years despite ranking among the national leaders in passing yardage for most of that time frame.
Plays Coming From Special Teams
Oklahoma State is getting plays some several of its different special teams units. The Cowboys have blocked three kicks this year (a field goal attempt at West Virginia, a PAT attempt at Iowa State and a punt at Texas Tech). OSU's three blocked kicks ranks as the 10th-best total in the country.
The Cowboys rank second in the Big 12 and 12th nationally with 25.54 yards per kickoff return, headlined by a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown from Justin Gilbert against Kansas.
The Pokes rank 11th nationally with 15.12 yards per punt return. OSU has returned two punts for touchdowns and two other punts that gave the Cowboys starting field position inside the opponent's 20 yard line - and that doesn't count a blocked punt that was recovered at the 15 yard line against Texas Tech.
Kickoff Coverage an Overlooked Factor in OSU's Success
Oklahoma State has been effective in the kickoff game, as the Cowboys lead the Big 12 and rank 25th nationally in kickoff coverage by allowing only 18.62 yards per kickoff return. Only 17 of OSU's 66 kickoffs have resulted in touchbacks, but it should be noted that OSU is actually better off without the touchbacks. The average starting field position for opponents following an OSU kickoff this season is the 24 yard line.
To put that into perspective, the average starting field position for opponents following an OSU kickoff last year with all-everything kickoff man Quinn Sharp handling those responsibilities was the 28 yard line.
Speaking of Starting Field Position...
Through nine games, Oklahoma State is winning the field position battle. The Cowboys have an average starting field position of their own 37 yard line. OSU's opponents have an average starting field position of their own 28 yard line.
Last Time Out - Oklahoma State 42, Kansas 6
Justin Gilbert returned the game's opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown and that was all the scoring that Oklahoma State needed in its 42-6 win over Kansas in Boone Pickens Stadium.
The OSU defense locked the Jayhawks down all game, limiting KU to 316 yards of total offense and a five-of-20 showing on third down.
Clint Chelf passed for 265 yards and three touchdowns - two to Tracy Moore and one to Desmond Roland - and making the first start of his career, Lyndell Johnson made eight tackles, two of which were for loss.
Win At Texas Tech Provided An OSU First
When Oklahoma State beat No. 15 Texas Tech in Lubbock, 52-34, it marked the first time in the 112-year history of the program that the Cowboys scored 50 points or more in consecutive road games. The week prior, OSU beat Iowa State in Ames, 58-27.
Dual Threat
Oklahoma State quarterback Clint Chelf has helped the Cowboys with both his arm and his legs this year, Through nine games, the senior signal-caller has passed for 1,025 yards and nine touchdowns and has rushed for 230 yards and three touchdowns.
Chelf enters the Texas game ranked third in the Big 12 with 13.3 yards per pass completion.
Chelf Earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week vs. Texas Tech
Clint Chelf was singled out as the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week after he was responsible for four touchdowns (two passing and two rushing) in the Cowboys' 52-34 win over No. 15 Texas Tech in Lubbock. His 67-yard touchdown run in the third quarter was the signature play of the game and was the crushing blow that put the contest out of reach in OSU's favor. Chelf's 67-yard run was the longest for an OSU quarterback since Brent Blackman had a 72-yard run in 1972.
Chelf completed 18-of-34 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns and carried six times for 88 yards with two scores in leading the Cowboys to the best road win for any team in the Big 12 this season. His 93.4 adjusted QBR against Texas Tech was the best for any Big 12 quarterback and was the seventh-best mark in the country that particular week.
Background on Chelf
After redshirting as a true freshman in 2009, Clint Chelf was OSU's second-team quarterback behind Brandon Weeden in 2010 and 2011. With Weeden selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Chelf, Wes Lunt and J.W. Walsh had an open competition during 2012 spring drills to earn the starting quarterback spot. Lunt was named the starter, but was sidelined with an injury early in the regular season. Walsh then stepped in and also sustained an injury that opened the door for Chelf to take the reins. Chelf's performance during that time was strong enough for him to hold onto the starting job despite the fact that both Lunt and Walsh were healthy in the Cowboys' final two games of 2012.
Dual Threat, Part Two
J.W. Walsh can swing a game in OSU's favor with his passing or with his rushing. In week one against Mississippi State, the sophomore rushed for 125 yards and engineered three touchdown drives in leading Oklahoma State to a 21-7 win over Mississippi State in Houston. In week two, Walsh set a school record for completion percentage (min. 20 attempts) and accounted for five touchdowns - four passing and one rushing - as part of OSU's 56-35 win at UTSA. Walsh had more touchdown passes (four) than incomplete passes (three) against UTSA and was honored as Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week for his performance. He is the only Big 12 quarterback with a 300-yard passing game and a 100-yard rushing game on his 2013 season résumé.
Walsh was OSU's leading rusher in three games this year.
Comparing Walsh To Other Sophomore Quarterbacks
J.W. Walsh is among the elite sophomore signal-callers in the nation. He is one of only four sophomore quarterbacks with 20 or more passing touchdowns and 10 or more rushing touchdowns in his career, joining Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel, Oregon's Marcus Mariota and UCLA's Brett Hundley.
More on Walsh's Record Showing vs. UTSA
J.W. Walsh connected on 24-of-27 passes for 326 yards and four touchdowns against UTSA and etched his name in the OSU record book in the process. His 88.9 completion percentage set a new school record for single-game completion percentage, minimum 20 pass attempts. He added a rushing touchdown as well.
Walsh's 239.20 pass efficiency mark in the contest was good for the fourth-best single-game performance in school history. He started the game by completing 10 consecutive passes, then had two incompletions, then completed 10 consecutive passes again. By the time his day was done at the 9:47 mark of the third quarter, OSU held a 42-7 lead.
Roland Explodes on the Scene, Earns Big 12 Player of the Week Honor
Making the first start of his career, Oklahoma State running back Desmond Roland rushed for 219 yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries to lead the Cowboys to a 58-27 win over Iowa State in Ames. He was honored as the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week for his outburst. Roland's 219 rushing yards and four touchdowns both represent the top marks for any Big 12 player in a game this year. His 219 rushing yards were the most for an Oklahoma State back in a road game against a Big 12 opponent since Vernand Morency rushed for 269 yards at Kansas in 2003. Roland's 219 rushing yards marked the third-most of any player in the country that week.
Rollin' with Roland
Desmond Roland turned in a workmanlike performance in the Cowboys' win at No. 15 Texas Tech, carrying 31 times for 96 yards and three touchdowns against the Red Raiders. It marked the first time this season that an OSU back carried the ball 30 or more times in a game.
In the past three games vs. Iowa State, Texas Tech and Kansas - the first three starts of his career - Roland has scored nine touchdowns - eight rushing and one receiving. He has 10 rushing touchdowns on the year, a mark that ranks second in the Big 12 and 27th in the country. Roland's 8.0 points per game rank him sixth in the Big 12 and 41st in the country.
Smith Knows His Way To The End Zone
Running back Jeremy Smith continues to display a trait he's shown throughout his career - the ability to find the end zone. Smith's nine rushing touchdowns this year rank fourth in the Big 12 and 40th nationally. He rushed for 102 yards and three touchdowns in the Cowboys' season opening win against Mississippi State, then tacked on three more rushing touchdowns against Lamar and another against Kansas State.
With 33 career rushing touchdowns to his credit, Smith is tied for sixth on OSU's all-time list. He needs three more rushing touchdowns to match two-time consensus All-American Kendall Hunter's career tally of 37.
Receivers' Calling Card is Balance
Josh Stewart and Tracy Moore are the leaders of the Oklahoma State receiving corps, but make no mistake; balance is OSU's best weapon when it comes to the passing game. Case in point - 13 different Cowboys caught passes in games against both UTSA and Lamar. Redshirt freshman Jhajuan Seales (26 catches for 374 yards and a touchdown) is emerging as a viable weapon on the outside and Charlie Moore has been dependable, making 20 receptions on 32 targets this year.
Small Stewart Has Big Impact
Standing 5-10 and weighing 185 pounds, Oklahoma State receiver Josh Stewart is not the biggest receiver in the nation, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for with quickness, elusiveness, route-running and good hands. For the second straight year, the junior from Denton, Texas leads OSU in receptions and receiving yards. Of his 40 receptions this year, 21 have resulted in first downs.
Stewart passed former OSU All-American and current Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant on OSU's career receptions list in the Cowboys' win over TCU and he became only the seventh 2,000-yard receiver in school history as part of the Cowboys' win at No. 15 Texas Tech.
Stewart is Oklahoma State's Mr. Explosive
Josh Stewart ranks seventh nationally with 18.2 yards per punt return and has returns of 95 yards, 67 yards, 46 yards, 41 yards, 36 yards and 29 yards through nine games in 2013. He leads the team with 40 receptions and 510 receiving yards and has also rushed for 42 yards on eight carries.
Stewart Sets School, Big 12 Record to Earn Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week
Josh Stewart recorded the longest punt return in Oklahoma State and Big 12 history with a 95-yarder in the Cowboys' 24-10 win over TCU. That is the longest punt return for any player in the country this season. He added a 29-yard punt return later in the contest, but his 95-yarder was the one that gave the Cowboys the jolt they needed early in the game. He fielded the punt fading backwards, got a couple key blocks and weaved his way down field, eventually shaking the last would-be tackler at the 10-yard line and sprinting to the goal line.
That score was Stewart's second punt-return touchdown of the season (he had a 67-yarder against Lamar), tying him with Barry Sanders (1987), Darrent Williams (2003) and Dez Bryant (2008) atop the school list for most punt return touchdowns in a season.
Stewart is one of only seven players in the country with two punt return touchdowns this year, joining USC's Nelson Agholor, Oregon's Bralon Addison, North Carolina State's Rashard Smith, Fresno State's Isaiah Bruce, Iowa's Kevonte Martin-Manley and Duke's Jamison Crowder.
Special On Special Teams
Josh Stewart is one of four members of the 2013 Cowboys with either a kickoff return touchdown or a punt return touchdown in his career, joining Justin Gilbert (six career kickoff return touchdowns), Desmond Roland (one career kickoff return touchdown) and Zack Craig (one career punt return touchdown). No team in America has more players with a special teams touchdown.
Stewart Earned Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week
Oklahoma State receiver Josh Stewart earned Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors after his performance against Lamar.
Stewart scored on a 67-yard punt return and took a second punt back 41 yards to set up an OSU touchdown in lifting the Cowboys to a 59-3 win over the Cardinals. Stewart finished with 114 punt return yards for the eighth-highest single-game total in OSU history. His 67-yarder marked OSU's first punt return for a touchdown since Josh Cooper had a 66-yarder against Troy on Sept. 11, 2010.
Moore of a Good Thing
Senior Tracy Moore joined the OSU career top 10 in both receptions and receiving yards this season. He enters the Texas game ranked eighth in school history with 128 receptions and ninth in school history with 1,772 receiving yards.
Moore matched a season high with six catches against Kansas, with two of those grabs for touchdowns. He also had six catches for 52 yards - including an important 26-yard grab on the game-winning drive - against Kansas State and logged a season-best 89 yards on five catches with a touchdown at West Virginia.
He was honored as OSU's offensive MVP as selected by the coaches after grading the film from the Cowboys' win at Texas Tech.
The Defensive Line As a Group
The play of the defensive line is among the biggest contributing factors in Oklahoma State's defensive resurgence. Time and time again, the Cowboys are winning the battle in the trenches, thanks largely to Calvin Barnett, James Castleman, Tyler Johnson and Jimmy Bean.
With the defensive line setting the tone, the Cowboy defense averages 7.8 tackles for loss per game this year (a mark that ranks 10th nationally) and has 19 sacks in nine contests - 14 of which belong to defensive linemen. Additionally, defensive tackle James Castleman blocked a field goal attempt at West Virginia and a point-after attempt at Iowa State.
Barnett a Presence in the Middle
Senior defensive tackle Calvin Barnett commands attention and is frequently double-teamed by opposing offensive linemen, but has still managed 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and five quarterback hurries this year. Though his stats may not reveal it, his ability to open up lanes for the other members of the Cowboy front seven has been a substantial factor in OSU's defensive resurgence this year.
Man On Fire
Senior defensive end Tyler Johnson has been as active as anyone on the OSU defense, recording 35 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, a quarterback hurry and two forced fumbles through nine games. His 54-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the second half of OSU's 58-27 win over Iowa State in Ames was one of the team's signature moments of the season to date.
Lavey Producing At A High Level
Linebacker Caleb Lavey has been a force in the middle of the Oklahoma State defense. The senior from Celina, Texas leads the team with 68 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss. His three interceptions and 1.17 tackles for loss per game lead all Big 12 linebackers.
Lavey Earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week
Oklahoma State senior linebacker Caleb Lavey earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week after the Cowboys' season-opening win over Mississippi State. Lavey recorded a team-best 11 tackles in that contest and added two tackles for loss and a half-sack. It was the first such honor of Lavey's career and marked the first time a Cowboy has been recognized with the league's weekly defensive honor since Shaun Lewis in 2011.
The Playmaker
Shaun Lewis has been an important player on Oklahoma State's defense since he stepped on campus in 2010. The senior from Missouri City, Texas has started each of OSU's last 41 games and his 220 career tackles trail only Daytawion Lowe's 236 among active Cowboys. Lewis's 171 career solo tackles ranks him 16th nationally among all active players. He is praised time and time again by his position coach and OSU defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer for his intelligence, leadership and savvy.
Lewis has been a playmaker on the Cowboy defense all year, racking up 43 tackles, six tackles for loss, three interceptions, two fumbles forced, a fumble recovered, two pass breakups and a quarterback hurry.
Lewis Earned Big 12 Player of the Week
For the second time in his career, Shaun Lewis earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week following his performance in Oklahoma State's win over Kansas State. In addition to snuffing out K-State's comeback hopes with an interception late in the fourth quarter, Lewis forced a fumble that was scooped up by the Cowboys, recovered a different fumble, led the team with eight tackles and bagged a tackle for loss in OSU's dramatic 33-29 win.
Cornerstone
Senior cornerback Justin Gilbert is one of the faces of the Cowboys' defensive improvement from a year ago. Last year, Gilbert was often asked to play soft coverage as part of OSU's general scheme of minimizing big plays from opposing offenses. However, he has been turned loose in 2013 and is using his 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame and blazing speed to his advantage, routinely winning his man-to-man battles against opposing receivers. He has four interceptions this season, a mark that leads the Big 12 and ranks 14th nationally. His interception against Iowa State resulted in the first pick-six of his career. Gilbert's nine career interceptions rank him 15th among all active players and his 24 career pass break-ups are the most for any Cowboy.
Not Your Everyday Transfer
The Cowboy secondary received a boost in the preseason with the addition of Tyler Patmon, a three-year starter at Kansas who graduated early and enrolled at OSU for graduate school. Patmon has been an immediate factor for the Cowboys, breaking up eight passes on the year and recording his first interception in an OSU uniform at West Virginia. He started against Kansas State, Texas Tech and Kansas.
Safety First
Free safety Daytawion Lowe joins Calvin Barnett, Caleb Lavey, Shaun Lewis and Justin Gilbert in being part of the leadership of the Cowboy defense. Lowe has been a consistent performer throughout his time in Stillwater and is OSU's active career leader in tackles with 236. Lowe's 181 career solo tackles ranks him 12th nationally among all active players. His interception against Kansas State was the final dagger applied in the Cowboys' dramatic win over the Wildcats earlier this year.
Battle Tested
Strong safety Shamiel Gary had to win a position battle that lasted through spring, summer and fall camp to keep the starting job that he held last year. His performance through nine games this year has backed up the coaching staff's decision to keep him in the starting role, as he has broken up a team-best nine passes, highlighted by a three-PBU performance against TCU. Entering the Texas game, Gary is fourth in the Big 12 with 1.12 passes defended per game this season. Gary, who played the first two seasons of his career at Wyoming, has averaged 4.23 solo tackles per game during his career, a mark that ranks him 26th nationally among all active players.
Grogan Earned Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week
Freshman kicker Ben Grogan earned Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week following his performance against Kansas State.
Grogan kicked four field goals in the victory - a feat made even more impressive by the fact that the game featured eight lead changes and every kick he attempted had significant implications on the outcome of the contest. Grogan's four field goals made and 15 points scored by kicking were both OSU freshman records.
First-Timers
Through nine games this year, 12 players have made the first starts of their respective careers for Oklahoma State - defensive ends Jimmy Bean and Tyler Johnson, linebacker Ryan Simmons, cornerback Tyler Patmon, safety Lyndell Johnson, running back Desmond Roland, offensive linemen Travis Cross, Chris Grisbhy, Brandon Garrett and Paul Lewis, tight end Zac Veatch and receiver Jhajuan Seales.
All told, 23 players have seen the first game action of their OSU careers this year, highlighted by five true freshmen - receiver Marcell Ateman, kicker Ben Grogan, safeties Deric Robertson and Jordan Sterns and running back Rennie Childs.
