Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State 2012: Quarterback contrast determining factor in dominant OSU victory

The Oklahoma State Cowboys overcame an early deficit and gradually pulled away from Iowa State, culminating in a 31-10 victory over the Cyclones in Stillwater Saturday. Cowboys quarterback J.W. Walsh dominated the game, completing 32 of his 47 pass attempts for 415 yards and a score. Halfback Joseph Randle added 151 yards on 24 carries, also picking up a pair of touchdowns. On the other hand, Iowa State quarterback Jared Barnett was just 19 of 39 for 206 yards, and the running game struggled.

SB Nation Oklahoma State web site Cowboys Ride for Free pointed out the distinction between the two teams' signalcallers:

Oklahoma State's wealth of QB talent was on display, as backup J.W. Walsh lead OSU to over 600 yards of total offense and 31 points. The Cyclones' dearth of talent at that position was also on exhibit, with Barnett providing most of the inadequacy after scaring the Cowboy faithful with two decent looking drives for points in the first quarter. Those proved to be aberrations, much to the detriment of Iowa State.

More important to some fans was the fashion statement made by the Cowboys Saturday, as Oklahoma State unveiled an alternate orange helmet with a retro cowboy sticker. Reviews were mixed.

Oklahoma State, now 4-2 on the season and 2-1 in the Big 12, returns to action next week against TCU.