18Kansas State 39 - 41 16Oklahoma State
Final
  for this game

Late field goal lifts Oklahoma State to wild win

Oct 21, 2007 - 5:59 AM STILLWATER, Oklahoma (Ticker) -- Add Oklahoma State to the list of contenders in the South Division of the Big 12 Conference.

Jason Ricks kicked a 26-yard field goal with two seconds remaining, lifting the Cowboys to a 41-39 victory over 25th-ranked Kansas State on Saturday.

The wild win, which came after five lead changes in the second half, vaulted Oklahoma State (5-3, 3-1 Big 12 South) into a three-way tie atop the division with Oklahoma and Texas A&M.

"I think this was a must win," Cowboys wide receiver Adarius Bowman said. "I really think this win right here could spark us off to a lot more wins throughout the season."

Kansas State (4-3, 2-2 Big 12 North) had taken a 39-38 lead, converting a gutsy two-point conversion pass with 1:10 remaining.

After Leon Patton scored on an 11-yard touchdown run, Kansas State elected not to play for overtime on the road. The gamble paid off, as Josh Freeman completed the conversion pass to Jordy Nelson to put the Wildcats ahead.

"It's a tribute to our team to come back with 1:10 left," Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said. "It was a great call by (Kansas State) coach (Ron) Prince, and a gutsy call on his part. I was very well planned to go for two."

Kansas State could not stop Oklahoma State on its final possession, however, as Zac Robinson marched the Cowboys into position for the winning kick.

"We had those things that cause you to lose," Prince said. "For example, a kickoff return for a touchdown. We had an opportunity to go in and extend our lead, and we had a turnover and allowed them to come back and answer."

Robinson tossed two of his three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, including a 39-yard strike to Brandon Pettigrew that gave Oklahoma State a 38-31 lead with 4:09 remaining.

"It was a simple play, and I'm just glad he caught it because the ball wasn't thrown very well," Gundy said of Pettigrew's touchdown. "The Kansas State defender had a chance at it, and I think he missed it and it went over his arm. Brandon kind of bobbled it and took off and then cut back."

Robinson completed only 11-of-25 passes for 181 yards but sparked the Cowboys in the second half. Kansas State led, 21-17, at the half.

Freeman also tossed three touchdowns, completing 36-of-51 passes for 404 yards.






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