Kendall Hunter Leads Oklahoma State to Big Win

The Cowboys' star put up career numbers in the Cowboys' season-opening blowout of Washington State.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:55 am

By: News On 6

Kendall Hunter Leads Oklahoma State to Big Win

Originally Published: Sep 4, 2010 8:3 PM CDT

Preview | Vitals | Recap | Box Score

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- The Oklahoma State Cowboys new offense proved to be everything it was hyped to be, as the Cowboys topped the Washington State Cougars 65-17 Saturday.

OSU’s star running back Kendall Hunter returned to All-American form against the Cougars, getting involved in the offense early on.

“Well the only thing I’ve said since I got here is that everyone says if it works use it," said offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. "We handed the ball off to [Kendall Hunter] the first time and based off that we averaged 11 yards per carry.”

The Cowboys’ first two plays were handoffs to Hunter, who scored on Oklahoma State’s second play from scrimmage.

"We’re really happy with what he did; obviously he’s a good player,”said head coach Mike Gundy. "He just works hard and he’s really excited about getting into the game."

By the end of first half, the senior running back had amassed 208 yards and three touchdowns, his first three-touchdown game of his career. He finished the game with career highs 257 yards – 12th most in a single game in school history – and four touchdowns.

His total moved him to 2,890 yards for his career, eighth on the Cowboys’ all-time rushing list

"I have to thank my offensive line for everything I was able to do tonight," Hunter said. "I was just happy to get back out there."

Oklahoma State’s defense looked sharp early on, holding the Cougars scoreless through the first quarter, securing OSU’s 17-0 lead after the first 15 minutes of the game.

After the Cowboys' defense forced a fumble on Washington State’s first possession, the Cougars’ next three possessions ended in a punt.

However, the Cougars capitalized on Oklahoma State miscues in the second quarter, scoring 10 unanswered points – including a 48-yard touchdown pass by Jeff Tuel – to close the gap to a touchdown.

Tuel finished the game with 212 yards and a touchdown, going 14-of-30, averaging 15.1 yards per pass.

New quarterback Brandon Weeden responded on the Cowboys’ next possession with a 48-yard touchdown to Justin Blackmon to take a 24-10 lead.

Weeden settled into the offense in the second half and developed a rapport with Blackmon, who quickly turned into his favorite target.

"He’s going to make some mistakes. It was his first start, and he had some pressure on him," said Gundy. "He’s one of the few guys who has a lot of hype built up, and he hasn’t really done anything. I was pleased with the way he performed.”

The junior signal caller finished the game with 228 yards and three touchdowns, all three scores going to Blackmon, who racked up 125 yards on eight receptions. Blackmon also returned a blocked punt for a score in the closing minutes of the game for his fourth touchdown of the game.

The Cowboys finished the game with 545 total yards – 292 on the ground and 253 in the air – while holding the Cougars to 353 yards and forcing two turnovers.