Oklahoma State complete second half comeback to top Arizona State 27-15

Arizona State got off to a fast start scoring 15 points in the first half. Oklahoma State University seemed poised to keep the game close. Closing out the half, Cowboys’ running back Ollie Gordon II ran for a 2-yard touchdown and then added a 52-yard field goal when kicker Alex Hale cut the lead 15 to 10 at halftime.

For those that have covered Oklahoma State, soundbites from head coach Mike Gundy have always been legendary. Mike Gundy emphasized, “We’ve got to play the sticks. We practiced it 20 times more than I’ve ever practiced in my 19 years as coach and so I feel like we’re better at it. I think it paid off for us tonight.” Oklahoma State made a point of emphasis to get their defense off of the field on 3rd and 4th downs.

Arizona State was not able to score in the second half and totaled 277 yards. Freshman quarterback Jaden Rashada showed brilliance in his second start throwing for 167 yards and 1 touchdown on 16 of 29 completions. Coach Gundy’s theory proved right as the Sun Devils were only able to convert 1 of 5 on fourth downs, and extremely disappointing 6 for 15 on third downs. The Cowboys scored 17 unanswered points in the second half. Oklahoma State captures their 2nd win of the season to start the 2023-2024 year 2-0. The Pokes host South Alabama University next week, while Arizona State look to beat a streaky Fresno State Bulldogs team next Saturday. Arizona State’s next two games are at home before going on the road 4 of their next 8 games.