Oklahoma State delivered a significant early-season upset Saturday, defeating the No. 6 Oregon Ducks 39-31. The victory snapped a 21-game losing streak for the Cowboys against FBS opponents and marked the first win for first-year Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris.
Oregon, who entered the game as 23 1/2-point favorites, suffered a major setback to their national championship hopes. The Ducks, ranked No. 2 in preseason polls, had looked vulnerable in their season-opening win over Boise State.
Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker had a standout performance, throwing for 317 yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing 109 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. His 10-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter ultimately gave the Cowboys the lead they would not relinquish.
The win was a turnaround for Oklahoma State, which finished last season with a 1-11 record and opened the current season with a 24-10 loss to Tulsa.
The loss also ended Oregon's 41-game winning streak against unranked opponents. The Ducks' early-season struggles have raised questions about their ability to perform in high-stakes games, a concern previously highlighted by analyst Joel Klatt regarding the Oregon defense.