ORLANDO, FL – This game marks the first time these two teams have faced off against each other in a bowl game.
Oklahoma State Cowboys QB Spencer Sanders put on a fireworks show connecting on 27 of his 40 attempts and passing for 305 yards while leading his team to a 37-34 victory over the Hurricanes. Sanders also threw 4 touchdowns, his first of such in 6 games.
From the opening series Oklahoma State knew what their identity was. They executed their offensive plan of starting the game with 15 consecutive pass plays leading to fast 21-0 first quarter lead.
This, however, would be the last time the Cowboys scored until early in the fourth quarter.
Not only was defense an issue for both teams, this game was ruled by penalties and injuries. Neither team could get the other off the field as there were only 3 total punts the entire game and specifically for Miami, they lost their starting QB to injury.
Hurricanes QB D’Eriq King was seen cradling his right knee after he took a scramble 5 yards late in the second quarter.
On the other side of the coin, Oklahoma State’s WR Tylan Wallace only played during the first half. Heading into the fourth quarter, with their lead shrunken, 24-19, the Cowboys tightened the reigns.
Oklahoma State proceeded to wake from the snooze alarm and scored a TD early in the fourth quarter, where the two teams would go on to trade touchdowns until the clock hit zeroes.
The Cheez-It Bowl ended with Coach Mike Gundy getting a Gatorade bath from his players after that rollercoaster of a victory.
