Rapid reaction: OSU beats TCU 36-14 for third straight win

By Anthony Slater – Aslater@opubco.com – @anthonyVslater 

Oklahoma State beat TCU 36-14 on Saturday in Stillwater. Here’s some rapid reaction:

Turning point

Jeremy Smith punched one in on fourth-and-goal early in the third quarter, giving Oklahoma State its first touchdown and lead. Smith’s injury has left Oklahoma State without a needed ingredient, the powerful goal-line punch to close out long drives in the red zone. And that touchdown, Smith’s first this season in Big 12 play, was the spark needed for a second-half surge.

It was over when…

…Wes Lunt finally found his groove. The freshman struggled throughout the first half, but led OSU on some impressive scoring drives after the break, essentially putting the game away with a 20-yard touchdown strike to Charlie Moore late in the third quarter. TCU was would never again get within a touchdown.

Star of the game – OSU defense

Quietly, the Cowboy defense has put up a pair of dominant performances. Combined, Iowa State and TCU had 28 drives the past two weeks. They resulted in 16 punts, five turnovers and only three touchdowns. Neither team scored a point after the first quarter.

Randle rolling

Joseph Randle has eclipsed 100 yards in six of OSU’s seven games this season, equal to the amount of times he went over the century mark in 2011. Overall, he had a career-high 32 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown. On the season, he now has 891 yards and nine touchdowns.