Field Goals Carry Oklahoma State Offense to Win Against Kansas State

Settling for three points is not always ideal, but Oklahoma State can use field goals to its advantage.

In OSU’s 29-21 win against Kansas State on Friday night, it scored just one offensive touchdown. But OSU kicker Alex Hale delivered with five made field goals.

Hale’s boost to the Cowboys’ offense was as significant as anyone’s. With a couple of extra points to go with his five field goals, Hale accounted for 17 of the Cowboys’ 29 points.

With three second-half field goals, Hale scored every point for OSU after halftime. While scoring only nine points in a half is not ideal, the offense getting into field goal range and avoiding empty possessions is a positive sign.

Hale’s longest kick of the night was from 53 yards, his career-long. That type of range can give an inconsistent offense confidence, knowing it may only need to get to around the 35-yard line to avoid an empty possession.

Still, scoring only one offensive touchdown is a step in the wrong direction for OSU. After scoring three touchdowns against Iowa State, OSU’s offense sputtered after a bye week and never got in the end zone again after the first drive.

The Cowboys’ 15-play, 72-yard drive that Ollie Gordon finished off looked like a sign of life for the offense. And while the Cowboys continued to drive into scoring range, head coach Mike Gundy was frustrated with their inability to find the end zone.

“You know, we had to kick five field goals,” Gundy said. “What we have to do is figure out a way to quit kicking field goals. We’ve gotta punch in down there, come up with some concepts to give us a better chance.”

As Gundy said, the Cowboys' struggles to turn good opportunities into touchdowns was reflected in where Hale kicked his field goals from. Three of his field goals came when the Cowboys were in the red zone.

Hale’s last field goal was especially frustrating as OSU had to kick from the eight-yard line when a touchdown would have made it a three-possession game. But it worked out for OSU as the 11-point lead turned to 14, forcing KSU into needing two touchdowns rather than a touchdown and a field goal.

As they did many times throughout the night, the Cowboys’ defense backed up the play of Hale to secure a win in his big night. Nick Martin’s interception and a fourth down stop sealed the win in the final minutes.

“Kicking five field goals, you would think you’re probably lucky to win,” Gundy said. “But it worked out.”