Oklahoma State football: J.W. Walsh, Cowboys receivers get high marks

Mike Gundy ordered an onside kick midway through the second quarter and OSU leading 38-0. Gundy said he did so because the Cowboys were kicking from midfield, courtesy of a Cajun penalty. But more likely, the onside kick was payback for the penalty itself, a roughing-the-passer hit from blitzing cornerback Melvin White that leveled Walsh well after the pass was delivered. Better to send Kye Staley for a blindside block on White than to onside kick up 38 points.

OFFENSIVE LINE: A

Another game, another sackless performance. Through three games, OSU has thrown 134 passes without its quarterback being tackled. Sure, Walsh dashed away from some pressure, but on the other hand, the Cajuns could play tighter, knowing the downfield passing threat wasn't as great. Also, OSU tailbacks rushed for 241 yards on 52 carries, 4.6 yards per rush, acceptable considering the Cajuns knew the Cowboys would run more without Lunt.

PREGAME SURPRISE: A

Four motorcycles zoomed onto the field in pregame. They were part of a block party on Hall of Fame Avenue, the KICKER Gameday Big Air Bash. Motorcycles and football fields generally don't mix, but when one of the riders removed his helmet, we saw it was PGA Tour golfer Rickie Fowler. On a dank day with a morning kickoff, the late-arriving crowd needed a jolt of energy, and the popular Fowler provided it.

RETURN GAME: C

Justin Gilbert had a 33-yard kickoff return, but he also brought a kick out of the end zone and made it just to the 19-yard line. With the new NCAA rule of kickoffs from the 35-yard line instead of the 30, and touchbacks resulting in drives starting at the 25 instead of the 20, better to take the touchback. And the punt returns remained shaky. Redshirt freshman David Glidden took over the duties and seemed much more comfortable than Charlie Moore has been. But Glidden still fielded three Cajun punts on the bounce. Those weren't shanked kicks. They need to be caught.