Oklahoma State Football: 3 takeaways from huge win over Iowa State

Oklahoma State football looked to remain in the College Football Playoff race with a win over Iowa State on Saturday and it did just that.

Mike Gundy had to feel the pressure heading into Saturday’s ranked showdown with Iowa State. His Oklahoma State Cowboys were ranked No. 6 in the country and were the only Big 12 team left unbeaten and in that College Football Playoff race.

How would the Cowboys fare in their toughest game of the season against No. 17 Iowa State? Well, they answered the call and took down the Cyclones 24-21.

Spencer Sanders made his return for the Cowboys and Chuba Hubbard looked like his old self as Oklahoma State picked up a big win that will surely keep them in that playoff conversation.

What did we learn from Oklahoma State’s big win?

3. Oklahoma State’s defense is legit

How often do you hear about a defense from the Big 12 being legit? It’s rare, we know, but the Cowboys have one of the best defenses in the country and they continued their solid play against Iowa State, holding Brock Purdy, Breece Hall and that offense in check all afternoon.

Purdy had a nightmare of an afternoon, completing 19-of-34 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown with an interception.

Hall did have a breakout performance, however, rushing for nearly 200 yards and a touchdown as he looked as good as he has all season. But Oklahoma State picked up big stops when it needed to and continued to impress as one of the best defenses in the country.

Did you ever think you’d see an “elite” defense coming from the Big 12, let alone the state of Oklahoma?