In what will be remembered as one of the greatest upsets in the history of college football, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane ripped away one of the biggest underdogs of the season and beat the Oklahoma State Cowboys 19-12 in Boone Pickens Stadium on Friday night. It was the first win in Stillwater that Tulsa had had since November 3, 1951 – a 74-year dry spell finally broken in dramatic style. Being first-year head coach Tre Lamb, the Golden Hurricane were huge underdogs going into the game, yet their disciplined play and opportunistic defence flipped the script on a Cowboys team already mortgaging on early-season misfortunes.

The Victory and Its Implications

The victory propels Tulsa to 2-2 on the season, a much-needed rebound following a demoralising home loss to Navy a week prior. For Oklahoma State (1-2), the loss deepens a growing crisis, leaving them with only one win in the past 12 games since the end of last season. With the Big 12 conference poised for a chaotic weekend, this early Friday showdown quickly became the story of Week 4.

A Thriller Burning Slow by Kickoff

The air was thick in Boone Pickens Stadium, but Tulsa wasted no time in spoiling the mood of the home crowd. Redshirt freshman QB Baylor Hayes led a composed 10-play, 65-yard drive ending in a 27-yard Seth Morgan field goal, giving Tulsa a 3-0 lead. Oklahoma State sputtered offensively, struggling against Tulsa’s swarming defence. Missed chances and turnovers plagued them, while Hayes linked on key plays, including a 19-yard slant to Braylin Presley. By halftime, Tulsa led 16-3, dominating possession (20+ minutes) and holding Oklahoma State to just 112 total yards. Tulsa’s front seven, led by linebacker J.J. Gilbert (two sacks), stuffed the run and forced third-down incompletions, keeping OSU’s rushing attack to just 42 yards on 18 attempts.

Second Half: Desperation and Denial

OSU showed renewed energy after halftime. Zane Flores scored his first TD of the season on a 5-yard keeper, cutting Tulsa’s lead to 16-9. But Hayes answered, connecting with Luke Higley on a 32-yard touchdown strike. A blocked extra point left the score 19-9, adding tension. Morgan’s clutch kicking (another 47-yarder) extended Tulsa’s control. Flores, showing flashes of promise, kept OSU alive with a late 49-yard bomb, setting up a 49-yard Logan Ward field goal to bring it to 19-12. But Tulsa recovered the onside kick and sealed the upset with a resilient defensive stand.

Light Up the Night: Standout Stars

• Baylor Hayes (QB, Tulsa): Completed 23/36 passes for 219 yards, added 28 rushing yards, and threw one touchdown.
• Seth Morgan (K, Tulsa): Perfect 4-for-4 on field goals, including two from 47 yards.
• J.J. Gilbert (LB, Tulsa): Two sacks and seven tackles anchored the defence.
• Zane Flores (QB, OSU): Posted 214 passing yards and 56 rushing yards, but a costly fumble hurt comeback hopes.
• Ollie Gordon II (RB, OSU): Limited to 41 yards on 15 carries, far below his usual production.

Category	Tulsa	Oklahoma State
Total Yards	312	289
Passing Yards	219	214
Rushing Yards	93	75
Turnovers	0	2
Third Down Conv.	5/14	1/12
Time of Possession	32:14	27:46
Field Goals	4/4	2/3

The Aftermath: Coaches Grapple with the Aftermath

Mike Gundy admitted his team was outcoached and outplayed, acknowledging Tulsa’s defensive schemes caught them off guard. Tre Lamb, meanwhile, called the victory a “massive success” for Tulsa’s program, signaling a new era under his leadership.

Tulsa: The Resurgence of a City

This victory wasn’t just another win – it was a statement. Tulsa, coming off two seasons with only four combined victories, now has momentum and potential national recognition. Locally bred QB Hayes embodies their revival, and with Arkansas State visiting next week, the excitement continues to grow.

The Dark Clouds Over Oklahoma State

For OSU, the defeat deepens unrest. Gundy’s once-reliable program faces its ninth straight loss when trailing at halftime. The Cowboys’ offensive firepower has collapsed, averaging only 18 points per game since the Oregon blowout. Once a fortress, Boone Pickens Stadium now feels vulnerable, and Gundy’s seat grows hotter with looming Big 12 challenges.

Echoes on Social Media: Shockwaves and Memes

Social media lit up with reactions, blending jubilation and mockery:

• “Tulsa Tremendous shocks Oklahoma State in Stillwater – first win since 1951!”
• “Baylor Hayes drops a 19-yard dime to Presley… Tulsa beats OSU 19-12!”
• “This is the biggest upset since high school ball last night.”
• “Mike Gundy’s mullet can’t save him now.”

These viral moments amplified the magnitude of the upset across college football fandom.

Gazing Week 5: Momentum vs. Mayhem

Tulsa rides momentum into its matchup with Arkansas State, while Oklahoma State heads into a bye week needing answers. In the grand scope of college football, Friday’s clash was a reminder: dynasties crumble, underdogs, rise, and history belongs to the bold. For Tulsa, the hurricane force continues to spin.