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Pokes Suffer Devastating Loss, Fans Look to Basketball by Justin Waganer Senior Sports Writer October 28, 2001
The Oklahoma State Cowboys are finding new and improved ways to lose football games, Saturday's loss could be titled, "define heartbreak." The Pokes held a lead until six minutes remained in the game and still had an opportunity to tie or win the game, but as I said before, define heartbreak. Saturday night's homecoming crowd of 41,070 watched their beloved Cowboys let another one slip away 22-19 to Colorado, extending the losing streak to four.
In that four game losing streak the Cowboys have come back and lost in overtime, been blown out after a great start, been dominated in a game that the offense saw 1/3 of the game on the field, and lost a game that they led most of the way and gave away at the end. A game that seemed to be the one that would turn the tide for the Pokes turned out to be a cruel joke that Colorado won after scoring the go ahead touchdown with just under six minutes left.
What made the go ahead score even more painful was the point after. Colorado was penalized 30 yards after the touchdown for two personal fouls, but that didn't stop the Buffs. On a play that defines the O-State season, the Buffs threw a 32-yard two point conversion to make the lead three with six minutes left.
Colorado receiver Derek McCoy described the play afterward, "It was obviously a busted coverage because I ran past two guys and neither of them were with me, so I was just hanging out in the end zone by myself."
Colorado quarterback Craig Ochs left in the second quarter with a foot injury, but backup Bobby Pesavento came in and went 15-20 for 180 yards with an interception and a touchdown, the game winner with 5:54 left. Pesavento had to start for Colorado in their 41-7 loss to Texas a week ago so the team is confident in his leadership on the field.
Head Coach Gary Barnett is impressed with his backup QB, "That kid has really fought hard for us the last two games, in some tough situations too. He just keeps coming through for us."
The final dagger for the Cowboys was once again turnovers, or should I say, a turnover. Aso Pogi was driving the Pokes down the field after the go ahead touchdown for CU, but was intercepted at the Colorado 21 yard-line effectively ending the upset bid for Oklahoma State.
"After the interception, I knew we had another chance to get back out on the field. It makes you mad, but you have to go with it. You can't point fingers. This team has a lot of fight. That is what is going to make us good in the future and for the rest of the season," Aso Pogi said after his 17-32 for 210 yard performance.
The loss drops the Cowboys to 2-6 on the season, putting an end to all chances of a bowl season for Les Miles first year. OSU linebacker Dwayne Levels believes his boys deserve better. "I don't think our attitude can get any better right now. Of course we feel we deserve to win when we put that much into it and lay it all out on the field. I am proud of this team. We showed a lot of heart and a lot of courage. We kept ourselves in the game and hung around to the last minute. I am very proud of this team."
The Cowboys play at home for the final time in 2001 against Texas Tech next weekend in a game that is tentatively set for 1 p.m. The game will not be televised.
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