Stillwater, OK – The Oklahoma State University Cowboys opened the 2026 college football season with a 24-10 loss to the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Saturday afternoon. The game marked the debut of head coach Eric Morris, who took over the program after a coaching change earlier this summer.
Game summary
The contest began slowly, with both defenses holding strong in the first quarter. Tulsa managed to put points on the board with a field goal, while the Cowboys were unable to answer, finishing the opening period scoreless.
In the second quarter, Tulsa extended its lead with a touchdown, making it 10-0. Oklahoma State responded late in the half, converting a field goal to bring the score to 10-3 at halftime.
The third quarter saw Tulsa strike again, adding another touchdown to push the lead to 17-3. The Cowboys rallied briefly, scoring a touchdown of their own, but the extra point missed, leaving the score at 17-9.
In the final quarter, Tulsa sealed the victory with a fourth-quarter touchdown, finalizing a 24-10 win. Oklahoma State was unable to add any further points, concluding their season opener on the losing side.
Looking ahead
Despite the defeat, Coach Morris emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation for the program. “We saw flashes of what this team can become,” he said after the game. “We’ll take the lessons from today, improve our execution, and get ready for the next challenge.”
The Cowboys’ next matchup is scheduled for 11 a.m. on September 12 against the Oregon Ducks, offering an early test of the new coaching staff’s adjustments and the team’s resilience.
Key takeaways
- Tulsa’s defense limited Oklahoma State to just one field goal in the first half.
- The Cowboys’ offense struggled to find rhythm, managing only two touchdowns and a field goal.
- Coach Eric Morris highlighted growth opportunities and stressed a focus on fundamentals moving forward.
Fans can follow the Cowboys’ progress throughout the season via the university’s athletics website and local broadcasts.
Original reporting: KOCO Sports (Oklahoma City) — read the source article.
