UPDATE: The Oklahoma State Cowboys beat the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 44-20 on Saturday, ending SDSU's 29-game winning streak, the longest in major college football.
STILLWATER — The 2024 college football season is here at last for the Oklahoma State football team, but the Cowboys won't be easing into this campaign.
OSU opens with an early test facing two-time reigning FCS national champion South Dakota State at 1 p.m. Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium.
While the Cowboys have a Heisman Trophy hopeful in running back Ollie Gordon II, the Jackrabbits feature the top player on the FCS level in quarterback Mark Gronowski, who won the Walter Payton Award last year.
This is the first meeting between the Cowboys and Jackrabbits.
Follow along and refresh for updates:
Watch Oklahoma State vs. South Dakota State live with ESPN+
Oklahoma State vs South Dakota State score updates
| 🨀 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
| SOUTH DAKOTA STATE | 0 | 6 | 7 | 7 | — |
| OKLAHOMA STATE | 10 | 7 | 21 | 6 | — |
More:From dog slippers to blitzes, eclectic personality of Oklahoma State LB Nick Martin shines
FINAL: Oklahoma State 44, South Dakota State 20 | Cowboys end longest winning streak in college football
The Jackrabbits' 29-game winning streak, the longest in major college football has come to an end.
The box score looks pretty even (OSU outgained SDSU 394 yards to 388), but it was all Cowboys all the way.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
More:Oklahoma State football smashes South Dakota State as Ollie Gordon scores 3 TDs in opener
1:10 left in 4Q: OSU 44, SDSU 20 | Logan Ward kicks 25-yard FG to extend lead
Logan Ward nails another field goal, this time from 25 yards out, to make it OSU 44-20 with 1:10 left to go.
The Cowboys are about to be 1-0 heading into a big home showdown next Saturday against Arkansas.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
More:Ollie Gordon II stats: Oklahoma State football RB scores 3 TDs vs South Dakota State
9:17 left in 4Q: OSU 41, SDSU 20 | Ollie Gordon, Alan Bowman eye milestones
The Cowboys have a few milestones they can pick up on this drive.
Quarterback Alan Bowman is 35 yards shy of 300 for the day. He's 24-for-31 passing for 265 yards and three touchdowns.
Running back Ollie Gordon II is three yards shy of 100. He's got 97 yards on 23 carries with two rushing scores. He also has four catches for 42 yards and a receiving TD.
OSU takes at its 24-yard line with 9:17 left.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
More:Mike Gundy 'working' on plan to fight NCAA ruling on Oklahoma State football QR code
12:10 left in 4Q: OSU 41, SDSU 20 | Jackrabbits answer quickly on 60-yard TD pass to Griffin Wilde
The two-time reigning FCS champions are trying to stay in this game.
SDSU caps a three-play, 78-yard drive with a 60-yard touchdown pass from Mark Gronowski to Griffin Wilde.
Wilde has seven catches for 150 yards.
OSU leads 41-20 with 12:10 left to go.
—Jeff Patterson, Staff writer
More:If Alan Bowman can be this good, Oklahoma State football's ceiling is sky high | Mussatto
13:50 left in 4Q: OSU 41, SDSU 13 | Logan Ward drills 52-yard field goal
OSU’s new placekicker, Logan Ward, hit his second kick of the day, powering a 52-yarder through early in the fourth quarter to give the Cowboys a 41-13 lead with 13:50 left in the game.
Ward was the backup placekicker, while also handling kickoffs last season.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
End of third quarter: Cowboys take 25-point lead to final period
With Ollie Gordon II looking like himself and Alan Bowman showing sharp consistency, the Oklahoma State offense has rolled up a 38-13 lead heading to the fourth quarter.
SDSU moved quickly down the field on its first drive of the third quarter, but it hasn’t maintained consistency.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
2:29 left in 3Q: Oklahoma State 38, South Dakota State 13 | Ollie Gordon scores third TD of game
Ollie Gordon II got close to a tough touchdown but was ruled a yard short. One play later, he coasted into the end zone for his third touchdown of the day. That gave OSU a 38-13 lead with 2:29 left in the third quarter.
Gordon has two rushing TDs and a receiving score. He has 95 yards on 22 carries and 42 receiving yards on four catches.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
More:Oklahoma State transfer Gunnar Gundy, son of Mike Gundy, shines in Emporia State debut
6:29 left in 3Q: OSU 31, SDSU 13 | Rashod Owens goes deep for TD
After opening the drive with a lot of run action, Alan Bowman went deep to Rashod Owens, dropping the throw perfectly into Owens’ hands on the way to a 58-yard touchdown.
That put the Pokes up 31-13 at the 6:29 mark of the third quarter. Bowman is now 22 of 26 for 234 yards and three touchdowns.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
9:10 left in 3Q: OSU 24, SDSU 13 | Jackrabbits answer Ollie Gordon's touchdown
After Ollie Gordon II’s touchdown capped a long OSU drive, South Dakota State sprinted back down the field for a touchdown, with Mark Gronowski hitting Grahm Goering for a 21-yard strike.
That cut the OSU lead to 24-13 with 9:10 left in the third quarter.
SDSU went 75 yards on three plays, completions of 21, 33 and 21 yards.
Gronowski now has 154 passing yards on 13-of-19 passing.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
10:46 left in 3Q: Oklahoma State 24, South Dakota State 6 | Ollie Gordon TD extends Cowboys' lead
OSU running back Ollie Gordon II posted his second touchdown of the day, this one on a pass into the flat out of the backfield.
Gordon caught the pass a few yards behind the line of scrimmage, followed his blockers, broke a pair of tackles and reached across the goal line as he was being tackled.
The 22-yard TD reception put OSU on top 24-6 with 10:46 left in the first quarter.
Gordon has 65 rushing yards and 42 receiving yards with two total touchdowns.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
Halftime: Cowboys lead 17-6
With touchdowns by Brennan Presley and Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State took a 17-6 lead into halftime against FCS No. 1 South Dakota State.
The Jackrabbits managed a pair of field goals, but the OSU defense held up fairly well for the first half.
OSU QB Alan Bowman finished the half with 12 straight completions and a 16-of-19 mark for 112 yards and a TD. Gordon rushed 11 times for 47 yards with a 12-yard score. Presley led the OSU receivers with six catches on eight targets for 25 yards.
Thanks to a couple big plays that kept drives moving, SDSU finished the half with more yardage than OSU, 179-171.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
0:58 left in 2Q: OSU punts for first time
Despite moving into SDSU territory, OSU saw a drive end without points for the first time all day, keeping its edge at 17-6.
Hudson Kaak punted to the 3-yard line, where his kick was caught and downed by OSU’s Kale Smith.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
3:48 left in 2Q: OSU 17, SDSU 6 | Jackrabbits add another field goal
Another solid drive by South Dakota State stalled in field goal territory, ending with a 48-yard field goal by Hunter Dustman. OSU maintains a 17-6 lead.
The Cowboys have 3:48 left until halftime.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
8:35 left in 2Q: Oklahoma State 17, South Dakota State 3 | Ollie Gordon scores his first touchdown of 2024 season
Though it was backup running back Sesi Vailahi who helped the Cowboys move down the field, starter Ollie Gordon II finished off the drive with a 12-yard touchdown run in which he broke a couple tackles for a 17-3 OSU lead at the 8:35 mark of the second quarter.
QB Alan Bowman was 4-of-4 passing on the drive, the last a dumpoff to Vailahi, who was grabbed by the facemask and twirled to the ground. The penalty moved the ball to the 12-yard line, and Gordon entered the game, getting the call on the next snap.
OSU has outgained SDSU 141-117 through three drives each so far.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
12:15 left in 2Q: Oklahoma State 10, SDSU 3 | OSU defense holds for field goal
South Dakota State pushed its way into the red zone, but the OSU defense held and forced a 31-yard field goal by Hunter Dustman.
That pulled the Jackrabbits within 10-3 of the Cowboys with 12:15 left until halftime.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
End of 1Q: Cowboys lead Jackrabbits 10-0
South Dakota State had its biggest play of the game just before time expired on the first quarter.
SDSU running back Amar Johnson broke into open field for a 40-yard rush that moved the ball to the OSU 30.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
2:03 left in 1Q: Oklahoma State 10, South Dakota State | Brennan Presley pushes into end zone
Oklahoma State took a 10-0 lead at the 2:03 mark of the first quarter when Alan Bowman threw to Brennan Presley in the flat.
The Cowboy slot receiver caught the ball at the 4-yard line and fought his way through a defender and into the end zone.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
4:39 left in 1Q: OSU’s Korie Black nabs first interception of season
On a third-and-8 pass by South Dakota State’s Mark Gronowski, OSU cornerback Korie Black dipped in front of the intended receiver for the Pokes’ first interception of the season.
Holding onto a 3-0 lead, OSU takes over at the SDSU 47-yard line.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
8:15 left in 1Q: Oklahoma State 3, South Dakota State 0 | Cowboy offense stalls, Logan Ward converts FG
Oklahoma State got lots of its playmakers involved in the first offensive possession of the season, but it ended with a 42-yard field goal by new placekicker Logan Ward for a 3-0 Cowboy lead at the 8:15 mark.
Brennan Presley moved into third place on OSU’s all-time reception list with three catches on the drive with 228 for his career. He passed James Washington, who had 226 in his career.
Ollie Gordon II had two carries for 13 yards on the opening drive.
OSU allowed South Dakota State to reach midfield on its opening possession before failing on a fourth-down try.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
Brennan Presley moves up the Oklahoma State leaderboard
OSU receiver Brennan Presley has three catches already, which moved him to third on the Cowboys' all-time receptions list. Presley has 228 catches. He passed James Washington, who has 226. Next up (not today, I would bet): Justin Blackmon, who has 253 receptions.
— Jacob Unruh, Staff writer
NCAA blocks OSU's use of QR code sticker on helmets
The NCAA has blocked Oklahoma State football from adding a sticker to its football helmets with a QR code that would link fans to the team’s general name, image and likeness fund that benefits every player on the roster.
OSU interprets the QR code stickers as institutional decals permitted under NCAA bylaws, but the NCAA says the QR code is advertising and/or commercial logos.
“We disagree with the interpretation of the rule but will abide by it and work with the appropriate groups to lead on the needed change,” OSU athletic director Chad Weiberg said. “Our people came up with an innovative concept to raise the NIL value of our student-athletes, but ultimately, it just serves as the latest example of how college sports are evolving at a faster pace than the rule book.”
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
More:NCAA blocks Oklahoma State football's use of QR code helmet stickers
OSU injury update: LB Justin Wright, pair of receivers out Saturday
Oklahoma State will be without some backups at linebacker and receiver in its season opener against South Dakota State on Saturday.
Backup middle linebacker Justin Wright, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, is out, and his availability could be in question the next couple of weeks, based on the pregame injury report from OSU radio voice Dave Hunziker.
Additionally, the Cowboys will be missing two backup receivers in Da’Wain Lofton, a transfer from Virginia Tech, and redshirt freshman Jalen Pope.
— Scott Wright, Staff writer
Oklahoma State vs South Dakota State time today
- Date:Saturday, Aug. 31
- Time:1 p.m., CDT
- Location: Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater
More:Watch out. Oklahoma State football opponent South Dakota State is FBS team in disguise.
What channel is Oklahoma State vs South Dakota State game on today?
- TV channel:N/A
- Streaming:ESPN+/Big 12 Now
- How to watch online:Watch ESPN (here's how to stream it live)
- Radio:96.1 FM
OSU's season opener against South Dakota State will stream on ESPN+ (subscription required). ESPN's crew consists of Shawn Kenny (play-by-play), Taylor McHargue (analyst) and Tori Petry (sideline reporter).
More:Can Oklahoma State football run the Big 12? Best-case, worst-case scenario for Cowboys
Oklahoma State vs South Dakota State predictions
Justin Martinez, trending reporter
OSU 28, South Dakota State 20
WIN BY A HARE
Ollie Gordon II dominates on the ground and finds the end zone three times. Mark Gronowski and South Dakota State’s offense trim the deficit to one possession, but Nick Martin and OSU’s defense get a key stop down the stretch to avoid the upset.
Joe Mussatto, columnist
OSU 30, South Dakota State 26
HARE’Y SITUATION
OSU’s defense denies South Dakota State on the final drive of the game. A close call, but the Cowboys can stand tall after beating the best in the FCS.
Jeff Patterson, sports editor
OSU 37, South Dakota State 31
GRIT & GRIND
Jackrabbits quarterback Mark Gronowski, the reigning Walter Payton Award winner, holds his own against the Cowboy defense, but the two-time reigning FCS champions can't contain Heisman Trophy hopeful Ollie Gordon II in the best under-the-radar Week 1 game.
Jacob Unruh, deputy sports editor
OSU 33, South Dakota State 24
STEAMED CARROTS
Cowboys star Ollie Gordon II and the offense keep heat on Jackrabbits to pull away in the second half. OSU's defense also has a big day, showing more progress against FCS' best.
Scott Wright, OSU beat writer
OSU 31, South Dakota State 23
WABBIT SEASON
The Jackrabbits can’t keep up with Oklahoma State superstar Ollie Gordon II, who breaks the 200-yard mark in the season opener and kicks off his Heisman Trophy campaign with authority. But the SDSU offense should do enough to keep this game interesting into the fourth quarter.
More:Our five boldest Oklahoma State football predictions for 2024 season
Oklahoma State football 2024 schedule
- Aug. 31:vs. South Dakota State
- Sept. 7:vs. Arkansas
- Sept. 14:at Tulsa
- Sept. 21:vs. Utah
- Sept. 28:at Kansas State
- Oct. 5:vs. West Virginia
- Oct. 18:at BYU
- Oct. 26: at Baylor
- Nov. 2:vs. Arizona State
- Nov. 9:at TCU
- Nov. 23:vs. Texas Tech
- Nov. 29:at Colorado
South Dakota State football 2024 schedule
- Aug. 31:at South Dakota State
- Sept. 7:vs. Incarnate Word
- Sept. 14:vs. Augustana University (S.D.)
- Sept. 21:at Southeast Louisiana
- Oct. 5:at Northern Iowa
- Oct. 12: vs. Youngstown State
- Oct. 19:at North Dakota State
- Oct. 26:vs. South Dakota
- Nov. 2: vs. Murray State
- Nov. 9:at North Dakota
- Nov. 16:vs. Southern Illinois
- Nov. 23:at Missouri State
More:Ranking Oklahoma State football's 10 most important players of 2024 season
Oklahoma State football news
- OSU from A-to-Z:Everything you need to know about 2024 Oklahoma State Cowboys
- Rank and file:Which Oklahoma State football game is most important this season?
- Guessing game:Can Ollie Gordon II win 2024 Heisman Trophy? 5 key questions for Cowboys
- Wise beyond years:What benefits seventh-year QBs Alan Bowman, Cameron Rising bring
- Deeper cause:Why QB Alan Bowman's mustache is more than fun facial hair choice
- Second act:How will Oklahoma State football defense fare in Bryan Nardo's second year?
- In a future age:Oklahoma State football will wear QR codes on helmets in 2024 to benefit NIL fund
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
