STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State suffered a 52-27 loss to Texas Tech at Boone Pickens Stadium after falling behind early and failing to recover in the second half, “overwhelmed by Texas Tech in loss” according to sports coverage.
The defeat dropped Oklahoma State to 6-4 on the season and snapped a streak of offensive dominance under first-year coach Eric Morris.
Texas Tech opened the game with a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Malcolm Simmons just 14 seconds into the contest.
The Red Raiders quickly built a 21-0 lead in the first quarter before the Cowboys mounted a comeback attempt.
Oklahoma State rallied to within 21-17 late in the second quarter following a Sam Keltner field goal, a touchdown run by Drew Mestemaker, and an 18-yard touchdown pass to Morgan McPhaul.
Texas Tech answered immediately when Tommy Castellanos connected with Micah Hudson for an 80-yard touchdown pass.
The Cowboys trailed 28-20 at halftime despite holding a 254-226 advantage in total yards.
The second half proved disastrous for Oklahoma State as the team failed on critical fourth-down conversions.
Texas Tech outscored the Cowboys 24-7 after intermission to secure the blowout victory.
Mestemaker finished 27-of-42 passing for 277 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while battling through an injury to his right arm.
During ESPN’s halftime interview, Morris addressed his quarterback’s physical condition.
“Super tough kid. He’ll be all right. He’s battling through it,” Morris said.
The loss ended Mestemaker’s school-record streak of eight consecutive games with at least 300 passing yards.
Castellanos completed 12 of 23 passes for 263 yards and four touchdowns for the Red Raiders.
Oklahoma State finished with 465 total yards compared to Texas Tech’s 442, but converted only five of 19 third-down opportunities.
The Cowboys will look to rebound during their next matchup on the road against Arizona State.