Oklahoma State opened the Eric Morris era with a 24-10 loss at Tulsa. Despite outgaining the Golden Hurricane 368-361, the Cowboys committed four turnovers and went just 2-of-6 on fourth down as OSU's losing streak reached 12 games.
TULSA, Okla. — The Eric Morris era at Oklahoma State started with many of the same problems the Cowboys hoped their massive offseason overhaul would leave behind.
Oklahoma State turned the ball over four times, failed on four fourth-down attempts and repeatedly squandered opportunities as Tulsa beat the Cowboys 24-10 Saturday at H.A. Chapman Stadium.
The loss extended Oklahoma State's overall losing streak to 12 games and gave Tulsa consecutive victories over the Cowboys for the first time since 1951-52.
Despite the final score, Oklahoma State had opportunities from the beginning. The Cowboys' opening possession provided an early glimpse of Morris' offense as OSU mixed the run and pass while Caleb Hawkins found success on the ground. Oklahoma State drove 70 yards on 13 plays and converted one fourth down before reaching the Tulsa 3-yard line.
But on fourth-and-1, Hawkins was stuffed for no gain. The drive also included a potentially significant loss up front when offensive tackle and captain Jacob Sexton suffered an apparent injury and was carted off the field.
Tulsa responded with a 56-yard completion from Baylor Hayes that helped set up a field goal and the game's first points.
Oklahoma State continued moving the football without producing points. Its next drive crossed midfield before a holding penalty and sack forced a punt.
The Cowboys then went for fourth down at their own 32 on their third possession. Tre Page gained enough yardage for the first down but fumbled, giving Tulsa the football in OSU territory. The Golden Hurricane failed to capitalize when a 31-yard field goal bounced off the crossbar.
Oklahoma State finally got on the board with a 35-yard field goal to tie the game at 3.
Tulsa answered late in the half. Hayes connected with Jimmy Calloway for 47 yards before the Golden Hurricane eventually punched it in from the 1-yard line to take a 10-3 lead into halftime.
Morris didn't hide his frustration during his halftime radio interview.
“Piss poor first half,” Morris said. “As bad as you can play.”
Things didn't immediately improve. On Oklahoma State's opening possession of the second half, Mestemaker lost the football while attempting to throw under pressure. The play was reviewed but upheld as a fumble, giving Tulsa another short field.
Once again, the Cowboys caught a break when Tulsa missed a 40-yard field goal. But OSU couldn't capitalize.
The Cowboys drove into Tulsa territory on their next possession before failing to convert another fourth down. Tulsa responded with its best offensive stretch of the afternoon, with Hayes finding Oran Singleton for a 21-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 17-3.
Oklahoma State finally found the end zone late in the third quarter. Mestemaker led a sustained drive into Tulsa territory before connecting with Justin Bowick on fourth down for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 17-10.
The Cowboys briefly appeared to have momentum when LaDainian Fields intercepted Hayes early in the fourth quarter, but the offense again couldn't turn the opportunity into points.
Oklahoma State's fourth-down struggles continued later in the quarter when Miles Coleman was stopped short of the line to gain. Tulsa immediately made the Cowboys pay as Damari Alston broke free for a 29-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 24-10.
Any remaining comeback hopes disappeared through turnovers. Mestemaker was intercepted by Zach Williams in the end zone on Oklahoma State's next possession before Tyson Williams picked him off again on the Cowboys' final drive.
Mestemaker finished his Oklahoma State debut 29-of-49 passing for 241 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He extended his streak of 200-yard passing performances to 16 consecutive games.
Hawkins rushed 18 times for 79 yards, while Wyatt Young caught eight passes for 84 yards.
Hayes completed 17 of 24 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown for Tulsa.
Oklahoma State actually outgained Tulsa 368-361, but the Cowboys finished just 5-of-16 on third down and 2-of-6 on fourth down while committing four turnovers. Those missed opportunities ultimately defined Morris' debut.
After an offseason centered around 91 newcomers and a complete reset of the program, Oklahoma State's first opportunity to show its progress instead ended with another loss.
And the challenge only gets tougher. Oklahoma State returns to Stillwater next Saturday to face Oregon in Morris' home debut.
