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

STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 24: Running back Chuba Hubbard #30 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys crosses the goal line after breaking free for a 32-yard touchdown against the Iowa State Cyclones in the second quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 24, 2020 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

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Oct 24, 2020; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys player Jelani Woods (89) scores a touchdown as Iowa State Cyclones player Mike Rose defends in the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sarah Phipps-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Oklahoma State is the Big 12’s lone playoff contender

Is this really a surprise after seeing how crazy the 2020 season has been? Not really.

Actually, for me, I was shocked to see Oklahoma State bounce back like it has after nearly falling in the season opener to Tulsa. The Cowboys held on to beat the Golden Hurricane and have now won three straight Big 12 games, including Saturday’s ranked battle against Iowa State.

While the final score was just 24-21, Oklahoma State dominated from start to finish on both sides of the ball. The only bright spot for the Cyclones on Saturday outside of a couple of forced turnovers from Spencer Sanders was Breece Hall who nearly rushed for 200 yards.

Iowa State was hoping to win and prove that it belonged in the playoff conversation, but Oklahoma State showed just why it was ranked No. 6 in the country and now the conference’s lone playoff contender.

Oklahoma State is 4-0, the only unbeaten team remaining in the conference and now the league’s lone playoff contender. The secret? Defense.

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