Pokes Place #21 in AP Poll After Win Over Troy, 55-24

Daily Oklahoman Highlight Reel

The Cowboys took the field Saturday with something to prove. With a record-setting 52,463 people in attendance, the Pokes looked to improve to 4-0 and push their way into the AP Poll for the first time in 4 years. After last year's dissappointing loss to Troy, the Cowboys were seeking for some revenge. The Trojans, who were 2-1 coming into saturday's game, weren't able to handle the Cowboy's balanced offensive attack from the very start of the game.

On the first Oklahoma State drive, it only took the Cowboys 11 plays lasting 5 min. and 16 sec. to score with a heavy dosage of Hunter, Bryant and Toston. The drive was capped by what looked like a simple 16-yard TD pass from Robinson to Bryant.

It seemed like it was all Dez in the first half. All 118 of his receiving yards were recorded in the first half along with all 3 of his TDs. His second touchdown was a 26-yard pass off of a well-ran and executed slant route by Dez. His third touchdown was a 44-yard lob pass (which was extremely underthrown by Zac) that he had to leap for under double-coverage at the 5 yard-line and bowl his way into the endzone for the score. Dez has continued to show his infinite amount of talent with his great catches and the way he finishes after making his catches.

The defense also looked stellar from the start. On their first appearance, the pass coverage looked great only allowing one pass completion for nine yards. After that, the Pokes forced the Trojans to a fourth-down and 9 which they failed to convert, turning the ball over on downs. In the first half, the defense allowed only 10 points and created two more turnovers off of an interception by Jacob Lacey and a forced fumble created by Andre Sexton.

It was another great day on the ground for the Cowboy tailbacks. Kendall Hunter had his 4th consecutive 100-yard game this season running 24 carries for 169 yards and 2 TDs. This stretched the streak of at least one 100-yard rushers to 15 games. Keith Toston also had a strong game rushing for 114 yards on 17 carries and 2 TDs.

Overall, I think the Pokes look pretty good and are ready for Big XII play starting next weekend against Texas A&M. Zach Robinson has the offense in rhythm (50 points in 3 consecutive games) and he has showed good consistency over the past few games. The defense has also made drastic improvements since last year and will hopefully continue to improve and mature.

Based on how A&M has been playing so far this year, it is easy to underestimate them; however, we cannot start looking ahead at Mizzou and count the Aggies out. You never know what to expect in Big XII play.