STILLWATER –Oklahoma State lost to Houston 39-17 on Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium, its 12th consecutive conference loss.
The Cowboys’ offensive struggles thus far this season have been well documented. The team came into the game ranked No. 126 nationally in scoring offense, averaging 16.4 points per game.
The Cowboys benefited from a hot start, something which has been elusive so far this season. The first drive resulted in a 62-yard touchdown pass on a gadget play from wide receiver Shemar Rigby to running back Rodney Fields, who continues to be a standout player despite the team’s struggles.
“I feel like I’ve been having better games each week,” Fields said. "It’s just whatever I need to do help the team make plays. So, if it’s catching the ball or running the ball, it’s just trying to make a play happen.”
The Cowboys failed to score a touchdown until its last drive of the game and had only 150 yards of offense following the opening drive.
“We came out and made some plays and moved the ball,” interim coach Doug Meacham said. "Then a collection of things occurred. Bad snap, penalty, and it just kind of spiraled.”
Sam Jackson V made his first start at quarterback. He finished 7-16 for 84 yards and an interception. He was also sacked eight times.
“It was short notice, but I’m kind of used to that,” Jackson said. “As soon as I got the call, I started working the same day because it’s the hardest position to play on short notice.”
Four different Cowboys threw at least one pass, continuing the trend of several players sharing the ball offensively.
“That’s what balance is, having multiple guys who can touch it,” Meacham said. “It wasn’t some elaborate scheme to go to all the different guys, but looking back on it, maybe it was subliminally planted.”
Noah Walters also made his first appearance as a Cowboy, going 1-2 for 33 yards and a touchdown pass to Gavin Freeman for the lone score of the second half.
“He’s played a lot of football, he’s an older kid,” Meacham said. “With the road he traveled to get here, I’m really happy for him.”
Jackson will continue to take reps in practice at quarterback until either Hauss Hejny or Zane Flores return from injury. He is being treated as the starter for next week’s game against Cincinnati.
“I know he can play a lot better, and I know he made some mistakes,” Meacham said. “He functioned at times like what we want him to, and we know he’s capable of doing this.”
