Jaylen Warren shed three tackles to punch in an 11-yard touchdown run that gave Oklahoma State enough insurance to beat Tulsa 28-23 on Saturday.
The Cowboys trailed 14-7 entering the fourth quarter, but took control of the nonconference game with a Spencer Sanders touchdown throw, LD Brown's 98-yard kickoff return for a score and Warren's late run.
Tulsa, which fell to FCS program UC Davis last week, looked poised to beat Oklahoma State for the first time since 1998 and win its first game in Stillwater since 1951.
The Golden Hurricane forced a 7-7 tie at halftime, courtesy of Justin Wright's 55-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the second quarter. Tulsa couldn't overcome the Cowboys' fourth-quarter explosion, even after adding a touchdown with 3:06 to play. OSU recovered an on-side kick and ran out the clock.
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Similar to its narrow victory over Missouri State last Saturday, Oklahoma State's offense struggled to find its footing, even with its starting quarterback back in the lineup.
Saturday's game marked the return of Sanders, who missed the team's season opener. He finished with 173 passing yards on 15-of-26 passing to go with two touchdowns and an interception.
Sanders' first touchdown went to Jaden Bray, who led Oklahoma State with 84 yards on four catches, including the first touchdown grab of his college career. Sanders' other touchdown went to Bryson Green.
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THE TAKEAWAY
Tulsa had its chances late but couldn't capitalize on a long drive that ended with a 20-yard field goal and had a late fumble recovery overturned after officials reviewed the play.
Oklahoma State's offense sputtered often for a second consecutive week, but it's defense continued to provide a safety net.
UP NEXT
Tulsa visits No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday for the first time since its 48-3 loss to the Buckeyes on Sept. 10, 2016.
Oklahoma State plays its first road game of the season on Saturday with a trip to Boise State.
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