STILLWATER, Okla. - Despite 316 yards passing from sophomore quarterback Jordan Webb, Kansas could not slow down a potent Oklahoma State offense on Saturday at T. Boone Pickens Stadium as the Jayhawks fell, 70-28.
Kansas turned the ball over four times (two fumbles and two interceptions) for the second-straight week, to fall to 2-3 on the year and 0-2 in Big 12 play. No. 6/7 Oklahoma State improved to 5-0 and 2-0 in the Big 12. Saturday’s game marked the first of four-straight conference games against a ranked opponent.
Webb finished the game 25-for-36 for a career-best 316 yards and two touchdowns, one of which came on a 68-yard pitch and catch to freshman wide receiver JaCorey Shepherd with 10:52 left in the game. Webb is the first quarterback to surpass 300 yards passing since Todd Ressing threw for 498 versus Missouri in 2009.
The Jayhawks drove down the field on their opening possession of the game, going 80 yards in 10 plays to take a 7-0 lead. Webb found senior tight end Tim Biere crossing through the middle of the end zone from 10 yards out for the senior’s first touchdown of the season.
Biere led the Jayhawks with career-highs in catches (six) and yards (81) and hauled in a touchdown reception. For the first time this season Kansas could not get the running game on track as the Jayhawks were held to only 153 rushing yards.
However, Oklahoma State wasted little time answering with a touchdown of its own. Quarterback Brandon Weeden hit wide receiver Josh Cooper on a 12-yard strike to tie the game at 7-7.
On the ensuing possession, freshman running back Tony Pierson coughed up the ball deep in Cowboy territory leading to another quick touchdown for OSU. Weeden threw his second touchdown pass of the first quarter as he found his go-to wide receiver, Justin Blackmon from 24 yards out, giving the Cowboys a 14-7 lead.
Oklahoma State would score on it first seven offensive possessions of the game, leading 56-7 at the end of the first half.
KU forced the Cowboys into a three-and-out on their first possession of the second half and then sophomore fullback Nick Sizemore partially blocked Quinn Sharp’s punt setting up excellent field position. Sophomore running back James Sims scampered into the end zone from 17 yards out to cut the lead to 56-14.
Kansas returns home next Saturday, Oct. 15, when they host the top-ranked Oklahoma Sooners at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ESPN.
