No. 12 Utah began its first season in the Big 12 with a tough 22-19 conference win over No. 14 Oklahoma State on a 90-degree Saturday afternoon in Stillwater.
Quarterback Cameron Rising’s hand injury was not resolved until shortly before the game began. Utah hoped he would be able to start, and the senior warmed up with the starting offensive line. However, he had trouble holding the ball tight enough to throw it, so the decision was made to let freshman Isaac Wilson play instead.
Wilson was unspectacular, throwing two interceptions. He completed 13 of 22 passes for 141 yards and rushed for another 36 yards. Ultimately, Wilson benefited from a familiar formula that has worked for coach Kyle Whittingham in the Pac-12 – a powerful running attack and a stout defense against opponents who prefer a more open style of play.
Running back Micah Bernard provided what Utah’s offense needed, running for 182 yards on 25 attempts.
Oklahoma State managed just 119 yards of offense in the first half while Utah controlled the ball for 20 minutes. Quarterback Alan Bowman was benched early in the second half after completing just 8 of 22 passes for 89 yards and an interception. In a game that initially featured a matchup of seventh-year and mid-20s quarterbacks, neither ended up being a factor.
Substitute Garret Rangel didn’t fare much better against Utah’s defense, completing just 3 of 11 passes for 31 yards.
Utah scored the game’s first touchdown in the second quarter, capping an 11-play drive that saw tight end Brant Kuithe quarterback in wildcat style and run up the middle for a 1-yard touchdown, giving the Utes a 10-3 lead.
After trailing by two touchdowns in the second half, OSU coach Mike Gundy had no choice but to give Bowman another try. He finally broke through with some long passes, throwing them to De’Zhaun Stribling for 22 yards and Brennan Presley for a 28-yard touchdown.
OSU scored another touchdown and a 2-point conversion with 1:47 left to make the game 22-19, but Utah was able to intercept an onside kick attempt and run out the clock.
Bowman rushed for 202 yards and two touchdowns, but it was too late. The Cowboys averaged 432 yards per game on offense last season and 446 in their first three games this year. Against Utah, however, they managed just 285 total yards – and a measly 48 yards on the run.
Oklahoma State plays No. 13 Kansas State next Saturday in Manhattan. Utah hosts Arizona, a former Pac-12 member and now a Big 12 member, at 10:15 p.m. ET.
