Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma State Short Report | Dec 27, 2023
NRG Stadium
Houston, TX
Dec 27, 2023
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Game Recap
In a thrilling TaxAct Texas Bowl, the Oklahoma State Cowboys edged out the Texas A&M Aggies with a 31-23 victory. The Cowboys exploded out of the gate, establishing a 10-3 lead in the first quarter and extending it to 24-6 by halftime. Alan Bowman's prowess was evident early, as he connected with Rashod Owens for a 13-yard touchdown to cap off the first quarter. The Aggies, led by freshman quarterback Marcel Reed, showed resilience in the second half, scoring 14 points in the third quarter to close the gap.
Despite Texas A&M setting a bowl record with a 51-yard field goal and making crucial interceptions, Oklahoma State's consistent play secured the win. Key defensive plays and turnovers in the fourth quarter, including a critical fumble recovery by Nick Martin and an interception by Kendal Daniels, held the Aggies at bay. Outstanding performances by Rashod Owens, with two touchdowns and 164 receiving yards, and Ollie Gordon II, who surpassed 2,000 yards of offense this season, highlighted the Cowboys' triumph. Alan Bowman, with 402 passing yards, was instrumental in leading Oklahoma State to finish their season with a 10-4 record.
Key Plays:
Alex Hale (Oklahoma State Cowboys)
Alex Hale kicked a 19-yard field goal to open the scoring for the Cowboys, setting the tone early and giving Oklahoma State a 3-0 lead. This initiated a strong opening drive covering 85 yards in 10 plays.
Randy Bond (Texas A&M Aggies)
Randy Bond tied the game with a 37-yard field goal for Texas A&M after the Aggies' 11-play, 56-yard drive. This balanced the score at 3-3, showcasing Bond's consistency under pressure.
Rashod Owens (Oklahoma State Cowboys)
Rashod Owens caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Alan Bowman, putting the Cowboys up 10-3. This play capped a 10-play, 65-yard drive and highlighted Owens' reliable hands and Bowman's precision.
Randy Bond (Texas A&M Aggies)
Bond hit a 24-yard field goal to reduce the Aggies' deficit to 10-6, completing a 7-play, 68-yard drive. His steady performance provided crucial points for Texas A&M.
Gunnar Gundy (Oklahoma State Cowboys)
Quarterback Gunnar Gundy, son of head coach Mike Gundy, scored on a 10-yard rushing touchdown, extending Oklahoma State's lead to 17-6. This was a key moment in a 75-yard drive.
Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State Cowboys)
Ollie Gordon II powered through for a 1-yard touchdown run, making it 24-6. This play capped a 13-play, 83-yard drive right before halftime, underscoring his red-zone efficiency.
Amari Daniels (Texas A&M Aggies)
Amari Daniels found the end zone with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, helping cut the deficit to 24-13. This capped off a 60-yard drive in the third quarter, signaling a determined Aggies' response.
Rashod Owens (Oklahoma State Cowboys)
Owens caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Bowman, extending Oklahoma State's lead to 31-13. This catch concluded a quick 6-play, 80-yard drive and punctuated Owens' standout night.
Marcel Reed (Texas A&M Aggies)
Marcel Reed dashed into the end zone on a 20-yard rushing touchdown, narrowing the score to 31-20. Reed showcased his dual-threat capability, having stepped in after the starter's injury.
Randy Bond (Texas A&M Aggies)
Bond drilled a 51-yard field goal, setting a Texas Bowl record and bringing the Aggies within one score at 31-23. This was part of a crucial 7-play, 47-yard drive late in the game.
Nick Martin (Oklahoma State Cowboys)
Linebacker Nick Martin recovered a fumble at the Cowboys' 1-yard line, preventing a potential Texas A&M touchdown, helping maintain OSU's 31-20 lead. This pivotal play demonstrated Martin's alertness and composure under pressure.
Kendal Daniels (Oklahoma State Cowboys)
On the final play, Kendal Daniels intercepted Marcel Reed’s Hail Mary attempt near the end zone, sealing the Cowboys’ victory at 31-23. This defensive stand prevented a dramatic Aggies comeback and secured the bowl win.
Standout Players:
Alan Bowman (Oklahoma State Cowboys, QB)
Bowman showcased his leadership and skill by completing 34 of 49 passes for 402 yards and 2 touchdowns. His ability to connect repeatedly with Rashod Owens was instrumental in the Cowboys' victory.
Rashod Owens (Oklahoma State Cowboys, WR)
Owens had a career night with 10 receptions totaling 164 yards and two touchdowns. His reliable hands were crucial, particularly on key scoring drives, marking him as a standout offensive weapon.
Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State Cowboys, RB)
Gordon rushed 27 times for 118 yards and a touchdown, surpassing 2,000 yards of offense for the season. His consistent ground performance provided balance to the Cowboys' pass-heavy attack.
Marcel Reed (Texas A&M Aggies, QB)
Freshman Reed stepped up admirably, passing for 361 yards and rushing for 29 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown. Despite the loss, his dual-threat capability was evident throughout the game.
Jahdae Walker (Texas A&M Aggies, WR)
Walker was a key target for 361 yards and 8 receptions, making him the Aggies' top receiver. His 137 yards added significant yardage in crucial moments.
Randy Bond (Texas A&M Aggies, K)
Bond excelled in special teams, making all three field goal attempts, including a Texas Bowl-record 51-yarder. His precision kept the Aggies within striking distance.
Nick Martin (Oklahoma State Cowboys, LB)
Martin had a game-changing moment with a fumble recovery at the Cowboys' 1-yard line. His defensive awareness prevented a critical Texas A&M score, maintaining the lead.
Kendal Daniels (Oklahoma State Cowboys, DB)
Daniels' interception on the game's final play sealed the Cowboys' victory, showcasing his clutch performance under high-pressure conditions.
References:
Texas A&M Aggies vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys - Final Score - December 27, 2023 | FOX Sports
Oklahoma State football vs Texas A&M score, live updates in Texas Bowl
Texas Bowl: Texas A&M Aggies vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys | Full Game Highlights - YouTube
Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma State score, updates, highlights from Texas Bowl
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Texas A&M Aggies
3
3
14
3
23
Oklahoma State Cowboys
10
14
7
0
31
