Oklahoma State head coach Eric Morris opened up about the recent back‑to‑back setbacks his team endured against Tulsa, saying the losses exposed critical flaws that must be corrected before the season progresses.
Immediate Concerns
Morris pointed to the offensive line as a primary source of trouble, noting that the unit failed to generate the push needed for effective runs and struggled to protect the quarterback, a factor that contributed to the 24‑10 defeat.
A costly unnecessary roughness penalty by defensive end Jaleel Johnson gave Tulsa a free second‑chance touchdown, disrupting OSU’s momentum at a pivotal moment in the game.
Quarterback Drew Mestemaker described the performance as the most embarrassing of his career, underscoring the severity of the offensive shortcomings.
While the defense was the only reason the Cowboys stayed competitive, their inability to hold Tulsa’s offense highlighted deeper issues that had already shown up earlier in the season, including a season‑opening loss to UT‑Martin and a difficult home outing against South Alabama in 2023.
Morris said he will spend time reviewing film, especially focusing on fourth‑and‑1 play calls, to refine the playbook and improve offensive efficiency moving forward.
The Cowboys now look to rebound from the setbacks as they prepare for a high‑stakes showdown against No. 2 Oregon at 11 a.m. Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium, a matchup that could define their season.