3 Cowboys Takeaways: OSU Was Chomping At The Bit, But What A Weird Start To A Weird Season

The Cowboys have been chomping at the bit to get their season started and it. Has. Arrived. The competition, the Golden Hurricane of Tulsa, traveled just 66 miles down Highway 51.

After a week delay due to COVID-19, we can all agree it was time for the Pokes to take the field. The highly anticipated offense led by Spencer Sanders and Chuba Hubbard was not exactly what we got to see today.

However, OSU would hold TU to 0-12 on third down conversions and keep the Hurricane at just one score, with a final of 16-7 Cowboys.

Can we just agree that this game was just weird? OSU had one touchdown called back due to a holding call, and TU had two different scores taken back off the board due to various penalties.

But hey, it’s 2020 and if football can at least be played, what else can we expect?

First Takeaway: The Game Actually Happened

It’s 2020, so at this rate, a game on the field is a win.

After the game was postponed by a week and, well, pretty much months of just speculation, we are back on the gridiron. Finally.

Amen Ogbongbemiga, OSU's senior linebacker, so aptly described the feeling of waiting as:

Also, it’s apparently been so long since college football, Gundy needed reminding not only how to do interviews, but had to learn to do socially distant ones.

Regardless of the complications, football has returned to Boone Pickens Stadium and that is something to celebrate.

Second Takeaway: Spencer Sanders Has Left The Field

There was a collective – virtual – gasp when the sophomore quarterback limped off the field late in the first quarter.

The start for the offense: methodical. They marched down the field with simple, reliable plays to cap it off with an easy field goal. Then Sanders left the field.

Ethan Bullock first took over the position, as the Cowboys kept working to get their offense in rhythm. Then came Illingworth, who made a statement with his first appearance in the game.

Late in the third, Illingworth makes an impeccable throw right to the outstretched arms of Tylan Wallace. Cowboy fans have been waiting for Wallace this year - and in this game. Wallace had 0 receptions for 0 yards in the first half. But this catch was a game changer.

As the 3rd quarter came to a close, the Pokes felt some momentum come alive, leading to a quick touchdown to open the fourth.

All in all, Sanders’ impact on the field is undeniable and we can only pray his injury lets him back on the field soon.

Third Takeaway: An Unexpected Battle Of The Defense 

They say that defense wins championships. Today, defense just got both teams through the game.

The Cowboys’ highly anticipated offense got off to a slow start and then had to work without Sanders – not a good sign.

TU’s defense came to play, especially as the Golden Hurricane announced that star running back Shamari Brooks would be out with a torn ACL. But TU’s defense would still be unable to stop the Cowboy offense, even without star Sanders.

Which is a good sign for the future of the Cowboys. Of course, Sanders is the obvious first choice, but it’s nice to know we can still make something happen.

It’s comforting to know the Cowboys can pull out a victory, even in as weird of a season – and a year – as 2020. Welcome to college football season everyone.