Top Five Takeaways From Oklahoma State’s Season-Opening Loss to Tulsa

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Oklahoma State's first game under Eric Morris didn't go according to plan.

The Cowboys fell 24-10 at Tulsa on Saturday, extending their losing streak to 12 games despite outgaining the Golden Hurricane 368-361 and running 86 offensive plays.

Morris called it the most embarrassing offensive performance he's been a part of, while quarterback Drew Mestemaker agreed with his head coach's assessment.

But one game with a roster featuring 91 newcomers isn't enough to make sweeping conclusions about what Oklahoma State will become under Morris.

After another look at the Cowboys' season opener, here are five takeaways from the loss.

1. Oklahoma State's Third-Down Defense Deserves Credit

The final score doesn't tell the entire story of how Oklahoma State's defense performed. Tulsa converted only one of its 11 third-down opportunities.

The Cowboys consistently put themselves in position to get off the field, particularly early. Tulsa didn't record its first third-down conversion until late in the fourth quarter when it was already trying to bleed the clock with a 24-10 lead.

Oklahoma State's defense also created a turnover when LaDainian Fields intercepted Baylor Hayes early in the fourth quarter with OSU trailing by seven.

There are areas that need improvement. Tulsa produced several explosive plays, including completions of 56 and 47 yards and Dominic Alston's 29-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run.

Still, holding an opponent to 1-of-11 on third down is something Oklahoma State can build on.

2. Ethan Wesloski Lived Up to the Preseason Hype

Few Oklahoma State defenders entered the season with more expectations than Ethan Wesloski. His Cowboys debut provided an encouraging first look.

Wesloski made Oklahoma State's first tackle of the season and continued showing up around the football throughout the afternoon. He was particularly noticeable against the run and made consecutive tackles during one Tulsa possession in the second quarter.

That shouldn't be surprising considering what Wesloski accomplished before arriving in Stillwater.

The transfer linebacker was one of the most productive defenders at North Texas before following Morris to Oklahoma State and earned significant preseason recognition entering 2026.

One game doesn't validate an entire season's worth of expectations, but Wesloski looked capable of becoming one of the leaders of Oklahoma State's rebuilt defense.

3. Should Oklahoma State Play the Field-Position Game More?

Morris established immediately that he's willing to be aggressive on fourth down. Oklahoma State went for it seven times Saturday and converted three.

Some of those decisions were easy to understand. When the Cowboys reached the Tulsa 3-yard line on their opening possession, going for a fourth-and-1 rather than settling for three points was hardly surprising. Other situations raise an interesting question moving forward.

Oklahoma State went for fourth down from its own 32 in the second quarter. Tre Page gained the necessary yardage but fumbled, immediately handing Tulsa possession in OSU territory.

As the offensive struggles continued, OSU repeatedly kept the offense on the field rather than playing for field position. The Cowboys punted only twice.

That doesn't necessarily mean Morris needs to become less aggressive. His offensive philosophy is naturally going to include trusting his unit in those situations.

But when an offense is struggling to convert third and fourth downs, there may be situations where pinning an opponent deep and trusting a defense that held Tulsa to 1-of-11 on third down becomes the better option.

Whether Saturday was simply Morris remaining aggressive or something he will reevaluate is worth watching.

4. There Were Still Signs This Offense Can Produce

Ten points isn't remotely good enough. Neither are four turnovers. But Oklahoma State's offense wasn't incapable of moving the football.

The Cowboys finished with 368 yards and 28 first downs while running 86 plays. They reached Tulsa territory repeatedly but couldn't finish possessions.

Caleb Hawkins provided one of the more encouraging signs. The North Texas transfer rushed 18 times for 79 yards and also caught six passes for 34 yards. When Oklahoma State put together some of its better possessions, Hawkins was often involved multiple times. He showed the ability to run between the tackles while also becoming an option for Mestemaker in the passing game.

Wyatt Young also caught eight passes for 84 yards, while Mestemaker finished with 241 passing yards despite an uneven debut. There were flashes of what Morris' offense could eventually become.

It's also worth remembering how new this group is. Oklahoma State entered the season with 91 newcomers, and offensive tackle Jacob Sexton was carted off after suffering an apparent injury just five offensive snaps into the game.

None of that excuses the turnovers, penalties or missed opportunities. It does provide context for an offense playing its first game together.

5. Oklahoma State Has to Finish Drives

This was ultimately the difference between Oklahoma State having a chance to win and leaving Tulsa with another loss.

The Cowboys made four trips to the red zone. They scored 10 points. And the missed opportunities extended beyond the red zone.

Oklahoma State had other possessions reach Tulsa territory before ending with an interception or turnover on downs.

The opening drive provided the first example. OSU marched 70 yards on 13 plays but came away with nothing after Hawkins was stopped on fourth-and-1 at the Tulsa 3. That became a theme.

Penalties stalled drives. Protection broke down. Fourth downs weren't converted. Mestemaker lost a fumble and later threw two interceptions.

Oklahoma State ultimately ran 29 more offensive plays than Tulsa and recorded 13 more first downs, yet lost by 14 points. That is simultaneously encouraging and concerning.

The Cowboys showed they could possess the football and sustain drives. What they couldn't do was turn those drives into touchdowns.

Mestemaker is still a young quarterback making his first start at the Power Four level, and an offensive line already facing questions lost one of its most important pieces almost immediately.

There is plenty for Morris to clean up. But after one game, the biggest offensive question isn't necessarily whether Oklahoma State can move the football. It's whether the Cowboys can finish once they do.

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