Cowboys Send Bruins Home In Opening Round Thriller

#59 UCLA – 14
#6 Oklahoma State – 17

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Joseph Randle scored on a 11-yard run with five seconds remaining to give Oklahoma State a thrilling opening round victory over UCLA. The sophomore running back finished the day with 85 yards on 18 carries and propelled the Cowboys into the second round where they'll host #27 Auburn.

OSU jumped out to an early 7-0 lead on a 37-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Weeden to Hubert Anyiam. They forced a fumble on UCLA's opening possession but were unable to capitalize turning the ball over on downs at their own 45.

UCLA's Johnathan Franklin tied the score on a two yard plunge in the second quarter. The Bruins opened the second half with a promising drive but stalled at the OSU 40 failing to convert on fourth down.

Randle went to work again for the Pokes eating up yards and time, setting up Quin Sharp's go-ahead 24-yard field goal with 3:05 left to play.

Franklin answered on the opening play of the ensuing drive, taking a Richard Brehaut screen pass from the backfield and emerging from a sea of bodies to bust loose for a 66-yard gain down to the OSU 14. He'd punch it in two plays later on a 9-yard touchdown run putting UCLA ahead 14-10 with 2:08 remaining.

Weeden, who completed just 9 of 23 throws on the day, calmly led the no-huddle offense down to the red zone setting up Randle's game-winner. With just 11 seconds to go, Weeden took the shotgun snap and dropped back as if setting up to pass before giving the handoff to Randle who fought through two defenders, pushing one forward and falling over top into the end zone.

The Cowboys racked up 11 first downs on the day to go along with 246 yards of offense. They also held an 8 and a half minute advantage in time of possession.

Stats:
Oklahoma State
QB Brandon Weeden – 9 of 23, 167 yards, TD
RB Joseph Randle – 18 carries, 85 yards, TD
WR Justin Blackmon – 4 catches, 66 yards
WR Hubert Anyiam – 1 catch, 37 yards, TD
LB James Thomas – 5 tackles, 2 TFL

UCLA
QB Richard Brehaut – 7 of 12, 161 yards
RB Johnathan Franklin – 12 carries, 43 yards, 2 TDs; 2 catches, 92 yards