Rapid reaction: Oklahoma State falls 44-30 to Kansas State in Manhattan

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

Upended by turnovers and special teams woes, Oklahoma State fell 44-30 in Manhattan on Saturday night. Here’s some rapid reaction:

Turning point

Backed up near his end zone late in the first half and trailing by only seven, Wes Lunt had a chance (with a long drive) to completely shift momentum toward the Cowboys and put a halftime scare in the Manhattan crown. Instead, he did the opposite, throwing a bad pick-six (his third in four starts). Oklahoma State was never again within single-digits.

It was over when…

…Wes Lunt tossed his third interception of the game, floating an errant red zone pass early in the third quarter to squash a long OSU drive. Kansas State proceeded to take the turnover and march down the field for a touchdown and 21-point lead, while Lunt, who was hit hard on the intercepted throw, went to locker room with concussion-like symptoms.

Trending upward – Clint Chelf’s quarterbacking

Can’t say enough about the junior’s relief performance. When many thought it was over (see above), he at least provided brief hope. In less than a half, Chelf threw for 233 yards and a touchdown. His late interception officially sealed the Cowboys’ third loss, but it was one of the few mistakes OSU’s junior made. On the road against the nation’s #2 team (could be #1 by tomorrow night), Chelf showed confidence and poise in an environment that would rattle most. If Wes Lunt can’t go next weekend (or even if he can), Chelf will get the nod. And OSU fans will feel be fine with that.

Trending downward – Wes Lunt’s quarterbacking

Understand the circumstances before you judge him too harshly. A 19-year-old on the road in primetime against a national championship level team. The brief positives were good, the three interceptions were worse. Oklahoma State fans hoped (and were told) he was a true freshman that played like a seasoned veteran. He’s not. He’s a true freshman playing like one, with a lot of talent and a lot to learn.

Tweet of the game

Not impressed with Wes Lunt

Impressed with Clint Chelf