Turnovers burn OSU's chances of win against Kansas State

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Trent Howland set his feet and lofted a pass he probably shouldn’t have thrown.

The Oklahoma State running back didn’t see the defender tracking the pass. He’s not used to scanning the field like a quarterback.

And as the football landed in the defender's hands, it was one of many instances in which the Cowboys burned their chances of a win with self-inflicted wounds — the story of their 14-6 loss to Kansas State on Saturday that dropped their record to 1-9.

OSU has also lost its last 18 games against FBS opponents and 17 games against Big 12 Conference opponents.

“I just felt like we were gonna win it,” Cowboys interim coach Doug Meacham said. “And then again, just a mistake here or there… We just kept fighting back, then we would turn it over again.”

The Cowboys’ offense had no issues moving the ball down the field and managed to give OSU a 6-0 lead after the first quarter, as Logan Ward drilled two 47-yard field goals.

But as the contest progressed, OSU continuously missed out on points at its own expense.

The Cowboys drove down to K-State’s 9-yard line as they trailed 7-6 in the third quarter and were in prime position to come away with points and a lead.

But as Zane Flores looked for an open man, Cody Stufflebean hit Flores and forced the OSU quarterback to fumble. It was recovered by the Wildcats and ended a promising Cowboys drive.

On OSU’s next possession, the Cowboys started at their own 10, but maneuvered down to K-State’s 23-yard line. Flores was then sacked and fumbled again on a second down, taking away another opportunity for points and a lead.

The knockout punch was Howland’s interception on the trick-play double-pass in the fourth quarter. OSU was inside the Wildcats’ 30-yard line and looking to cut into the 14-6 deficit, but the interception marked the Cowboys’ third-straight giveaway.

K-State then chewed some clock on its next drive before getting a fourth-down stop with 38 seconds left to win.

“When you have three turnovers (near) the red zone, you’re not gonna beat Stillwater High School,” Meacham said.

OSU outgained the Wildcats 373-284 but lost the turnover battle 5-1. Its offense consistently made plays in the early stages of drives, but couldn’t sustain them long enough to add to the scoreboard.

Flores finished 24-of-36 passing for 233 yards with two interceptions and two lost fumbles. He helped the Cowboys muster 23 first downs and 5.6 yards per play, but he and the offense’s miscues are what they’ll remember most.

Meacham also said postgame that OSU’s tight ends got “beat in protection twice” on two of the turnovers, noting that it wasn’t just Flores who made mistakes near the red zone.

But now, OSU has to turn the page to UCF, knowing it was dire close to ending its nine-game losing streak.

“I feel like the defense played really good today,” OSU wide receiver Terrill Davis said. “And just knowing that we were the reason (we came up short), it stings a little bit.”