The Oklahoma State Cowboys throttled the Colorado Buffaloes 38-8 inside San Antonio’s Alamodome to win the 2016 Valero Alamo Bowl.
For Oklahoma State (10-3) it was a near flawless victory with every facet of the team clicking on all cylinders in the Cowboys’ season finale. The offense generated 527 total yards and 24 first downs with quarterback Mason Rudolph dictating the offensive will of the Cowboys with 314 passing yards and three touchdowns.
The defense was able keep the goose egg on the board until the fourth quarter when Colorado (10-4) quarterback Sefo Liufau scored on a 6-yard touchdown. The defense held the Colorado offense to just three first downs combined between the second and third quarter. Colorado was 6-16 on 3rd down conversions and was hassled up front as they allowed three sacks with defensive tackle Vincent Taylor wreaking havoc up front as he accounted for seven tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack. Taylor was named the Defensive MVP of the game.
“It’s just an honor. I couldn’t do it alone. My teammates helped me out…we just executed plays. I guess all my plays came from my teammates, so I thank them,” said Taylor in regards to him winning the award.
Oklahoma State had a sizeable 17-0 lead against Colorado heading into the half. The deficit could have possibly been narrowed as Colorado was driving down the field and gaining momentum following a screen play set up from backup quarterback and El Paso native Steven Montez to running back Phillip Lindsay for a 38-yard gain.
Montez had entered the game on that play after starter Sefo Liufau had been sidelined with an injury following a sack and was hoping to get Colorado’s first points of the game before the half. With a first and ten from the Oklahoma State 38 and under five minutes remaining, Montez tossed a ball towards the end zone but defensive back Ashton Lampkin intercepted the ball at the two yard line to thwart any chance at points before the half for Colorado.
Oklahoma State opened the game with a 10-play, 64-yard drive that milked 4:43 off the game clock to put them up 3-0 following a 28-yard field goal from Ben Grogan. Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph was perfect from the pocket in the first quarter as he completed seven of his passes on seven attempts for 72 yards.
Colorado had a hard time getting anything going as the Oklahoma State defense held Colorado to just two first downs and 60 total yards in the second quarter as the defense was able to preserve the first half shut out.
Chris Carson had a 10-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter while James Washington had a 5-yard touchdown reception to help Oklahoma State build the 17-0 lead at intermission.
James Washington was voted the Offensive MVP as he nabbed nine receptions for 171 yards and one touchdown.
“I think it just sets us up to do greater things…I’m looking forward to coming out next year and doing the same thing, hopefully ending with a great outcome,” said James on his thoughts for next season. Running back Justice Hill hit the century mark late in the fourth on a 37-yard rushing touchdown to put Oklahoma State at 38 points on the night.
Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy was all smiles and mullet following his team’s victory and had nothing but praise for the time he and his team spent in the city of San Antonio.
“The Valero Alamo Bowl was awesome… it’s a great week for us. Our fans, our family, our children, our players, they’re going to do good anywhere they go because we’re appreciated wherever we are. But the people in San Antonio, the River Walk area, the practice facilities, the food, the hotel accommodations, the staff, the dinners we had, the luncheon was awesome… they did it the right way!”
“They have upgraded this bowl and it was fantastic! I’m excited we were able to play well here, especially with as many players as we have from this area and the state of Texas.”
Brought to you by:
