In a thrilling college football matchup, the Utah Utes secured a 22-19 victory over the Oklahoma State Cowboys, marking a significant win in their inaugural Big 12 game. With veteran quarterback Cam Rising sidelined due to injury, true freshman Isaac Wilson stepped up to lead the team to victory.
Wilson, making his second career start, demonstrated impressive poise and maturity, completing 17 of 29 passes for 207 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Despite a shaky start, he rallied to make several key plays, including a crucial 45-yard touchdown throw to tight end Brant Kuithe in the fourth quarter.
The young quarterback’s ability to use his legs proved instrumental in the win, as he barreled through defenders for a first down in the second quarter and broke free for a 48-yard run minutes after halftime. His confident fourth-quarter read and decisive running helped the Utes convert on four of their five fourth-down attempts.
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham praised Wilson’s performance, saying, “I like that he just kept hanging in there and never got down on himself. Threw a couple of picks. Didn’t flinch. You saw his ability to run. He ripped off that 40- or 50-yard run. That was huge at that point in time.”
The Utes’ dominant ground game, led by sixth-year running back Micah Bernard’s career-high 182 yards, allowed them to outgain Oklahoma State 249-48 on the ground and control the clock for 42:26 of game time.
In contrast, Oklahoma State’s quarterbacking woes continued, with seventh-year QB Alan Bowman struggling to find consistency. Coach Mike Gundy eventually benched Bowman in favor of redshirt sophomore Garret Rangel, but the Cowboys’ offense failed to gain traction until late in the game.
The win solidifies Utah’s position as early Big 12 favorites this fall, and Wilson’s impressive performance has earned him recognition as a rising star in college football.
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