STILLWATER, Okla. — Arkansas had the advantage over the 16th-ranked Oklahoma State football team on Saturday, but the Cowboys fought back from a 21-7 halftime deficit to secure a 39-31 victory in double overtime, in front of 52,202 fans at Pickens Stadium.
Oklahoma State’s All-America running back Ollie Gordon, who had been contained throughout the game, made a significant impact with a 12-yard touchdown run and a successful 2-point conversion attempt in the second overtime, putting the Cowboys (2-0) ahead.
On the last play of the game, Arkansas running back Rodney Hill was stopped for a 1-yard loss on a crucial fourth-and-1 situation from Oklahoma State’s 6-yard line.
Mike Gundy, the head coach of Oklahoma State, attributed the win to superior conditioning and the strong culture within the Cowboys’ program. “Our culture allows us to function in critical situations,” he stated, marking his 168th victory over his 20-year tenure. “When others panic, we remain composed.”
Despite Arkansas (1-1) out-gaining Oklahoma State 648-385 in total offense, the Cowboys capitalized on three turnovers by the Razorbacks, scoring 18 points as a result. Oklahoma State also took advantage when Arkansas failed on a fourth-down attempt deep in Cowboys territory during the fourth quarter.
“Oklahoma State came back and beat us,” remarked Arkansas coach Sam Pittman. “We need to take better care of the ball. I appreciated the intensity with which we played, but ultimately we lost due to too many turnovers.”
A fourth-down failure allowed Oklahoma State to take the lead for the first time with a 3-yard touchdown run from Brennan Presley, following a 63-yard pass from Alan Bowman to Jake Schultz.
Arkansas quickly responded with a 3-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a 43-yard touchdown pass from Taylen Green to Luke Hasz with 4:01 left in regulation.
The kickers played a pivotal role as the game neared its conclusion. Logan Ward’s 38-yard field goal with just 55 seconds left put Oklahoma State ahead 31-28, yet Arkansas’ Kyle Ramsey tied it with a 45-yard field goal as time expired after a critical 33-yard catch and run by Andrew Armstrong.
Both teams’ kickers struggled in the first overtime, with Ramsey missing a 46-yard attempt and Ward failing on a 46-yard try after Oklahoma State attempted to set up a field goal instead of scoring a touchdown.
In the second overtime, Arkansas managed to force a third-and-long situation, but a penalty for unnecessary roughness moved the ball to the 12-yard line, allowing Gordon to score a touchdown moments later.
Arkansas’ offense struggled on their possession, with Hill being stopped on fourth down after a 9-yard gain by Green on a third-and-10 play. The Cowboys celebrated as they secured the victory, marking a disappointing outcome for Arkansas, who had previously struggled in close games.
In the first half, the Razorbacks appeared dominant, with running back Ja’Quinden Jackson scoring three rushing touchdowns to establish a 21-7 lead, while Arkansas out-gained Oklahoma State 351-77 by halftime.
“We did not perform well in the first half,” Gundy acknowledged. “Our coaching adjustments at halftime were crucial.”
Despite Jackson’s solid performance with 149 rushing yards, he missed the final play due to cramps. Arkansas had strong rushing numbers with 232 yards, limiting Oklahoma State to just 59.
“Oklahoma State’s run defense was a challenge for us,” Gundy admitted.
The first half included a 73-yard interception return for a touchdown by Kale Smith for Oklahoma State, which was the only touchdown for the Cowboys in that period. Ward also contributed with field goals of 45 and 35 yards in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit.
Oklahoma State evened the score when Bowman connected with Presley for a 7-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful 2-point conversion.
Green had an impressive game, completing 26 of 45 passes for 416 yards and one touchdown, along with 89 rushing yards when adjusted for sacks. Meanwhile, Bowman completed 27 of 48 passes for 326 yards in the match.
Despite generating significant yardage, Arkansas managed only 31 points, coming away frustrated after reaching Oklahoma State territory 13 times throughout the game.
The standout player for Oklahoma State was wide receiver Brennan Presley, who was crucial in the second half and finished with 94 receiving yards, including two touchdowns.
This matchup marked the first game between the teams since 1980, with Arkansas leading the all-time series 30-16-1. They are slated to meet again in future seasons.
Next, Arkansas will host Alabama-Birmingham next Saturday at 3:15 p.m. in their home opener.