OSU Opens Season With Pistols Firing, Beating SE Louisiana 61-7

No. 21 Oklahoma State opened its season with guns blazing Saturday afternoon, beating Southeastern Louisiana 61-7 inside Boone Pickens Stadium. The victory helped the Cowboys record 21 consecutive home opener wins and improve to 69-41-5 all-time in season openers. Since Mike Gundy took over the program in 2005, OSU has compiled a 34-7 record during the month of September.

The Cowboys got on the board quick when Madre Harper recovered a punt and scored, giving the Lions a 7-0 deficit. Chris Carson, determined to reach the end zone, soon lifted OSU's lead to 14-0.

At this point, pistols were firing as OSU set the game tone in their first home opener in four years.

The Cowboys efficiency led them to a 21-0 lead when Mason Rudolph connected with Jhajuan Seals for a 24-yard TD catch.

Transfer Barry J. Sanders, with a very familiar name at OSU, gave us all flashbacks of his legendary dad when he powerfully pushed through to the end zone to help OSU to a 28-0 lead.

Early in the second quarter, SE Louisiana still showed no life as kicker Ben Grogan nailed a 32-yarder to advance the Cowboy lead 31-0.

With the lead, some starters got a rest, including Rudolph who was temporarily replaced at quarterback by Taylor Corneilus before halftime. The advantage also gave the Cowboys a chance to practice it's run game, which was questioned all throughout fall camp. As far as preparation, Gundy's team looked ready to make another good run in the Big 12.

The Lions finally woke up, getting on the board shortly before halftime, but seven points weren't enough to threaten OSU's 24-point lead.

The Cowboys came out in the second half much like they did the first, dominant.

OSU took a 38-7 lead when Devante Averette forced a fumble then flipped it back to Ramon Richards who ran it in for a score. After the play was reviewed, it stood as a touchdown. The fire struck defensively when the Cowboys blocked SLU's 34-yard field goal attempt but was soon forced to punt after failing to deliver on the next offensive possession.

Rudolph later found Jalen McCleskey for an 11-yard gain. Then, Sanders moved the chains for a 1st and 10 at the Lions 11. Finally, the magic happened when Rudolph found Seals in the end zone for a Cowboy power play. 

With the Cowboys now leading 45-7, the game was beyond ugly for SE Louisiana who showed little push offensively and defensively. A TD carry from Jeff Carr made it even worse for Lion fans as they watched their team trail 52-7.

It gets worse for the Lions. A 28-yarder from Grogan soon gave the Cowboys 55-7 lead. Cornelius soon capped a 15-play 90-yard drive to make it 61-7. 

OSU stayed hot, holding its lead to win. 

Up Next: The Cowboys will face Central Michigan Sept. 10 at 11:00 a.m.