Oklahoma State football grades: Kasey Dunn's offense, Cowboys' uniforms sharp in Bedlam
STILLWATER — A wild game, a field storming, a goal post in pieces being carried out of the stadium.
The final Bedlam for the foreseeable future had all the excitement it deserved, ending with a 27-24 Oklahoma State victory on Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium.
Here’s a look at how OSU graded out in its fifth straight victory:
More: OU football vs. Oklahoma State: What you need to know about Sooners-Cowboys in Bedlam
Uniform matchup fitting for final Bedlam
Grade: A
OU’s road whites are always sharp, and they were contrasted by OSU’s black helmets, black jerseys and orange pants, the same uniform combo it wore for the 2021 Bedlam win.
Nice look for the last Bedlam.
Special credit to OSU quarterback Alan Bowman, who rocked a game-worn Josh Fields jersey after the game.
— Joe Mussatto
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OSU fans bring the noise
Grade: A
The video board showed a message advising fans to not go onto the field after the game. OSU fans did not heed said message. And who can blame them?
Boone Pickens Stadium was packed Saturday — as is to be expected for a Bedlam game — and the decibel levels did not disappoint.
— Joe Mussatto
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Kasey Dunn’s playbook shows new pages
Grade: A-
Offensive creativity has been a calling card of OSU’s resurgence over the last five weeks, and offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn showed it off again.
The scripted opening drive was sharp, leading to a first-possession touchdown. The schemes included some new pre-snap movement with as many as four players shifting simultaneously.
And with the injuries OSU is dealing with at receiver, Dunn focused heavily on sets with two tight ends or a tight end and fullback to help the run game.
Dunn’s only struggle seemed to be his reliance on Gordon in short-yardage situations. But it’s hard to blame Dunn for giving the ball to the nation’s hottest running back.
— Scott Wright
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Cowboys bow up on third downs late
Grade: C+
This grade was headed for ‘D’ territory until a late revival of OSU’s third-down defense. OU had converted five of its first eight tries on third down, including some long ones that felt back-breaking.
But the OSU defense held on its final four third-down chances, ultimately allowing five of 12 conversions. OU didn’t convert a third down after the 4:42 mark of the third quarter.
— Scott Wright
More: Oklahoma State football wins second Bedlam in three seasons to end series & more key stats
Gundy’s fourth-down decisions buck norm
Grade: B+
Mike Gundy is typically conservative on fourth down. Coming into the game, the Cowboys had gone for it on fourth down just nine times all season. Only nine FBS teams had attempted fewer fourth downs than the Cowboys.
But credit Gundy for not going into a shell against the Sooners.
Taking away a fourth-down heave to end the first half, the Cowboys went 1-of-4 on fourth down. Twice OSU running back Ollie Gordon was stonewalled by the Sooners on fourth down, but both were spots in which Gundy seemed right to go for it.
OSU didn’t deliver a knockout blow on fourth down, but it sure tried to.
— Joe Mussatto
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Ollie Gordon II, run game reliable
Grade: C
OU (148) rushed for more yards than OSU (146).
Who would’ve thought the Cowboys could win with those numbers?
Ollie Gordon II had 137 rushing yards, but he needed 33 attempts to get there. The Cowboys averaged 3.8 yards per carry compared to OU’s 5.5.
Also, how about OSU quarterback Alan Bowman having one of the best runs of the game? He ran 13 yards on a quarterback draw for OSU’s second touchdown of the game.
— Joe Mussatto
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football grades: Offense, uniforms sharp in Bedlam win
