Game-Winning Field Goal Lifts OSU over Texas A&M

Dan Bailey connected on a 41-yard last-second field goal to give the Cowboys the win.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:58 am

By: News On 6

Game-Winning Field Goal Lifts OSU over Texas A&M

Originally Published: Sep 30, 2010 10:56 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
OKBiltz.com Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- After a Jerrod Johnson pass was intercepted by Shaun Lewis with 16 seconds left on the clock, Oklahoma State kicker Dan Bailey connected on a 41-yard field goal as time expired to put Oklahoma State on top 38-35 Thursday .

The Cowboys’ offense was held in check in the first half, going into the locker room at halftime trailing 21-7, but responded in the third quarter as Brandon Weeden settled in during the opening minutes.

On Oklahoma State’s opening drive, Weeden completed five of his seven pass attempts for 57 yards to drive the Cowboys down the field. Kendall Hunter capped off OSU’s 13-play, 73-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run to close the gap to one score.

The Cowboys would force an Aggie punt on the ensuing drive and the Oklahoma State offense continued to click on the next drive. Weeden went a perfect four-of-four for 57 yards on the next drive, and would connect with sophomore Justin Blackmon for a 29-yard touchdown pass to tie the game 21-21.

OSU would go three-and-out on their next possession, but Andrew McGee intercepted Johnson’s first-down pass to gain possession in Texas A&M territory. Weeden completed three of his next four passes to set the Cowboys up in the red zone and Hunter would punch it in from seven yards out to take their first lead of the game.

Johnson’s turnover troubles continued on the next drive. Oklahoma State defensive end Jamie Blatnick wrapped up the Aggie signal caller in the backfield and forced a fumble. Linebacker James Thomas scooped the ball off the turf and returned it 63 yards for the score to take a 35-21 lead.

Johnson orchestrated two quick touchdown drives for the Aggies to tie the game 35-35. The Aggies got the ball with 1:16 left and an attempt to win the game, but Johnson was picked off by Lewis who returned it deep into Aggie territory.

On the Cowboys’ opening drive, Weeden was sacked by Terrence Frederick, forcing the fumble and Von Miller recovered. Two plays later, Johnson connected with Jeff Fuller on a fade route to give TAMU the 7-0 lead.

Texas A&M brought pressure early on and didn’t allow Brandon Weeden to get comfortable in the first quarter. After another Weeden turnover – the second an interception by Dustin Harris – Texas A&M capped an 11-play drive with a three-yard shuttle pass from Johnson to Cyrus Gray to take a 14-0 lead.

On the Aggies’ first possession of the second quarter, Ugo Chinasa tiped a pass at the line and is able to bring it in for the interception. The Cowboys would drive down to the 13-yard line, but Weeden would be hit yet again forcing the bad pass, which Michael Hodges intercepted to end the Cowboys’ threat.

Nearing the end of the second quarter, the Cowboys pinned Texas A&M deep in their own territory and forced a punt to start their drive from the Aggies’ 35. Weeden then connected with Joseph Randle for a 38-yard touchdown to close the gap to seven points.

However, TAMU would add to the lead going into the locker room. The Aggies orchestrated a 10-play, 53-yard touchdown drive, capped off by a six-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to Fuller. Oklahoma State kneeled out the rest of the clock to head to the locker room down 21-7.

Oklahoma State will face its first road test of the season in Lafayette, Louisiana against the University of Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns.