Oklahoma State head coach Eric Morris expressed regret regarding a fourth-down decision that contributed to a 35-32 loss against Houston on Saturday, according to a report published October 20, 2026. Morris noted that opting for a touchdown attempt rather than a field goal from the 2-yard line resulted in a three-point deficit that proved decisive in the game.
During the break between the first and second quarters, Morris chose to go for a touchdown instead of taking points from a field goal. The subsequent pass attempt by quarterback Drew Mestemaker to receiver Wyatt Young was batted away. Morris stated that hindsight is 20/20 and suggested that a field goal might have allowed the team to reach overtime. He added that the team had significant momentum during two drives to start the game, but coming away with only three points at halftime was detrimental.
Running back Caleb Hawkins provided a highlight for the offense, leading the team with seven receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown. His 66-yard swing pass for a touchdown marked the longest passing play of the season for the Cowboys. Conversely, the secondary struggled, allowing Houston quarterback Conner Weigman to record a career-high 343 passing yards. Morris stated the team performed poorly in both man-to-man and zone coverage.
The offensive line also faced challenges, as Mestemaker was sacked twice. While left tackle Shaun Torgeson managed to recover a fumble following a sack, the unit struggled against Houston's pressure and zero blitzes. Following the loss, Oklahoma State's odds of winning the Big 12 Championship on Kalshi's prediction market fell from 13.1% to 5%.
The Cowboys currently hold a 2-1 record in the Big 12 standings. They trail 3-0 teams BYU, Texas Tech, and Utah, as well as 3-1 Houston. On the prediction market, Oklahoma State's championship odds are +1900, which ranks fifth in the league behind BYU (+200), Texas Tech (+245), Utah (+300), and Houston (+750).
Oklahoma State is scheduled to play Colorado at 6 p.m. Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater on FS1.
