Bedlam MVP's: Oklahoma State's Impact Players on Offense and Defense

STILLWATER, Okla.— What a Bedlam finale. In a 27-24 win for the Cowboys, stars from Oklahoma State and Oklahoma stood out and were key factors that affected the outcome of this game. Which players had the biggest impact? That’s right, we’re talking Bedlam MVP’s. 

Let’s start with offense. For Oklahoma State, several players contributed to the offensive success across the board. However, one stood out from the rest. 

Receiver Rashad Owens finished the day with 136 yards receiving on 10 completions, some of which came at the most necessary times. In the third quarter alone, Owens had two plays for 30 and 31 yards. Both catches set the Cowboys up for a chance to score. 

Five minutes into the fourth quarter, quarterback Alan Bowman finds Owens for a 10-yard completion. Later in the drive, running back Ollie Gordon scores a touchdown to put the Cowboys up 24-21 with 7:59 left in the game. 

The Bowman to Owens connection was hot the entire game, though. Seven of Owens’ catches were for 10 yards or more, and he averaged 13.6 yards per completion. Owens started the season as a backup receiver but has become an integral part of this dynamic Cowboy offense. 

Bowman also had a day. He finished with 315 passing yards, a rushing touchdown and kept it clean with no interceptions. 

Defensively, several players made monumental plays that ultimately determined the outcome of the game. The one who earned MVP for this game, though, has to be Xavier Benson. 

Benson had seven tackles, six were solo, with one sack and a forced fumble. He also had three tackles for loss and contributed to an important third-down stop.  

This season, Benson has been a consistent presence on defense for the Cowboys. He had a season-high in tackles tonight but has recorded at least three tackles in each game this season. As a senior, Benson is a leader on this defense and continues to lead by example. 

“It just means a lot to me that the guys bought in and trusted me and are just behind me,” Benson said. “It’s like, ‘OK, thank you,’ and it shows how much I am who they want me to be because I want them to be ont he same type of timing I’m on, and just being great in all aspects. It sucks, it sucks but I’m just glad they’re behind me and I’m behind them.”