Instant Analysis: Cowboys Squash Frogs, Stay Perfect

Oklahoma State just whooped TCU 49-29 in Stillwater to take control of the Big 12. Here’s some instant analysis:

What it means

Hey playoff committee: Does OSU (9-0, 6-0) have your attention yet? The Cowboys, ranked 14th in the initial College Football Playoff standings, are about to see their stock rise rapidly. For TCU (8-1, 5-1), a BCS game is still out there, but a national title probably isn’t.

What went well

Just about everything. OSU’s defense was stellar, and quarterback Mason Rudolph shredded the Horned Frogs’ secondary. This was as close to a perfect game as you’ll ever play.

What didn’t

OSU still struggled to establish anything on the ground, running for just 81 yards on 26 carries. But when Rudolph plays like that, it doesn’t matter much.

Game ball

It’s a tie. Rudolph played like a pro in his best performance in an OSU uniform. Rudolph threw for 352 yards and five touchdowns, and perhaps most importantly, zero picks. But the Cowboy defense made a statement on Saturday, led by linebacker Chad Whitener. A guy who wasn’t even a starter when the season began intercepted Trevone Boykin, a Heisman candidate, twice. Whitener ran one back to the 1 and another to the end zone. He also made a crucial fourth-down tackle on Boykin at the OSU 1. Tremendous performance.

What’s next

OSU heads to Ames in what will undoubtedly bring back bad memories of the 2011 campaign when Iowa State shocked the 10-0 Cowboys and took their bid at a national title. You can bet that Mike Gundy will have his team focused.