'What Celly Should I Do?': Evan Jackson Relives Game-Changing Touchdown Against UCF

For a brief moment Saturday afternoon, Evan Jackson wasn't sure what to think.

The Oklahoma State safety had just scooped up a loose football and was racing toward the end zone in front of a sold-out Boone Pickens Stadium.

As he ran, the crowd's reaction began to build. So did the realization that he might be about to score a touchdown.

And then another thought crossed his mind. What should his celebration look like?

"Kind of at a loss for words," Jackson said after Oklahoma State's 42-28 victory over UCF. "I scoop it and the crowd was kind of silent for a bit, and then as I'm running, you hear a big pop."

"As I'm running, I'm thinking I might score and what celly should I do? I'm just lost for words on that moment. Still coming to me."

The moment Jackson struggled to describe became the defining play of Oklahoma State's fourth consecutive victory.

With 12:11 remaining in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma State held a narrow 27-21 lead after Sam Keltner connected on a 29-yard field goal.

The Cowboys had controlled much of the second half but had yet to create significant separation from the Knights.

That changed on UCF's ensuing possession. Quarterback Keyone Jenkins lost the football on a play that ended behind the line of scrimmage. Jackson reacted immediately, recovered the loose ball and returned it 28 yards for a touchdown. The play underwent review, but the touchdown stood.

Drew Mestemaker followed with a successful two-point conversion, extending Oklahoma State's lead to 35-21.

In a matter of moments, a one-possession game had become a two-touchdown advantage.

For Jackson, the play was a product of preparation rather than simply being in the right place at the right time.

"We practice it every day, scooping the ball up, so just went ahead and did that," Jackson said.

Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris had a clear view of the play from the sideline. The first-year head coach praised Jackson's awareness and the officiating crew's decision to allow the play to continue while the status of the loose ball was determined.

"A really good heads-up play by Evan," Morris said. "Johnny on the spot, and we teach that. I had a great look of it on the sideline, and kudos to the refs for letting it play out."

Morris acknowledged how close the ruling was but emphasized that Jackson never hesitated.

"Super close play, and didn't hesitate. Saw the ball on the ground, went, scooped it and scored," Morris said. "That's where we really captured the momentum."

Oklahoma State's defense followed the touchdown by forcing a turnover on downs, giving the Cowboys' offense an opportunity to extend the lead.

Mestemaker then connected with Wyatt Young for a five-yard touchdown, pushing Oklahoma State ahead 42-21 before UCF added a late score.

Jackson's touchdown was the biggest moment of a much-improved second-half performance by Oklahoma State's defense.

The Cowboys entered halftime tied 21-21 after struggling to contain UCF's perimeter attack.

Morris said the coaching staff challenged the defense during the break, particularly when it came to setting the edge and limiting the Knights' opportunities in space.

"We really challenged our defense at halftime," Morris said. "Thought we weren't good on the perimeter setting our edges."

UCF finished with 110 rushing yards, but just 30 came after halftime. The Knights also managed only seven second-half points as Oklahoma State began to dictate the game defensively.

Linebacker Ethan Wesloski led the Cowboys with 15 tackles, while Tate Romney added 12 and Quinton Hammonds contributed 11.

The defensive turnaround culminated in Jackson's touchdown, and Cameron Epps added an interception on UCF's final possession to seal the victory.

For Oklahoma State, Jackson's scoop-and-score represented another example of a team finding ways to win under Morris.

The Cowboys improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play, defeating UCF for the first time in program history.

For Jackson, though, the lasting memory may be less about the statistics and more about the sound of Boone Pickens Stadium coming alive as he raced toward the end zone.

He had practiced recovering loose footballs countless times. He just hadn't necessarily planned what he would do once he reached the end zone.

"I'm just lost for words on that moment," Jackson said. "Still coming to me."

Oklahoma State will look to carry that momentum into another Big 12 matchup Saturday, October 17, when the Cowboys visit Houston at 6:30 p.m. CT on FOX.