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The Oklahoma State Cowboys defeated the Kansas Jayhawks, 20-14, Saturday. The Cowboys built a 20-0 lead in the fourth quarter before allowing two late Jayhawk scores. Nevertheless, Oklahoma State improved their record to 3-2 and picked up their first Big 12 win of the season.
Judging from the reaction at SB Nation Oklahoma State website Cowboys Ride for Free, you would think the Cowboys lost:
It was painfully clear that this team was NOT prepared to play this game, and I'll put that one squarely on Gundy, Monken, and staff.
I've said previously that when you have a lack of leadership among the players, that the coaches have to step up. They must provide guidance and mentoring in the absence of strong, influential personalities in the locker room. When the team showed up unprepared, what little game plan existed went out the window with execution.
Cowboys Ride for Free was able to find some positives in the narrow victory, however. In particular, the defense took some credit for the win after holding Kansas below their season average in points, passing yards, and rushing yards.
Oklahoma State hosts Iowa State next week, in a rematch of last season's monumental upset.