On January 2, 2015, the Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-6) defeated the Washington Huskies (8-6) by the score of 30 to 22 in the TicketCity Cactus Bowl played at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. This game looked like it might be a blow out when the Cowboys had a 24-0 half-time lead. The Huskies slowly clawed their way back into the game. Despite the Huskies working hard to get in the game, the Cowboys prevailed and made those fans who enjoyed betting on Oklahoma State Cowboys football happy campers. While the Sooners’ bowl game appearance did not end very well, the Cowboys brought some glory back to Oklahoma college football.
Do you remember Refrigerator Perry?
The large Oklahoma State defensive tackle James Castleman did his best Refrigerator Perry impression by playing a few snaps on offense. Mr. Castleman pounded his way into the end zone from 1 yard out during an exciting moment in the first half to start all the scoring. The Cowboys were loose and ready to have fun. Would this be the last big play for Castleman?
The Oklahoma State Cowboys had a quick strike passing attack with their quarterback Mason Rudolph going 17 for 26 with 299 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. The Washington Huskies QB Cyler Miles was not too far behind logging 25 for 38 with 268 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
The Cowboys had a well-balanced attack with their running back Desmond Roland accruing 123 rushing yards. This running back hadn’t even had a 100-yard game all season. It looks like he is a late bloomer.
Washington Huskies Make Late Rally
The Washington Huskies running attack was divided with Dwayne Washington registering 42 yards and Jaydon Mickens with one big run of 31 yards. Washington receivers Jaydon Mickens had 82 yards and Kasen Williams had 73 yards. Finally, the Huskies were starting to awake.
The Huskies got the score within one touchdown plus a 2-point conversion at 22 to 30 and hoped their defensive could stop the Cowboys. “Round up them Cowboys” growled the Huskies. There were 3 minutes and 11 seconds left in the fourth quarter with the Cowboys marching. But, then the Cowboys put in their secret weapon defensive tackle James Castleman. “Surely he would not win the game for them?” thought the Huskies. He was big and slow.
On third down, Mr. Castleman snuck out of the backfield for a short pass. None of the Huskies wanted to tackle him and Castleman rumbled for 48 yards before he was gang-tackled. Oklahoma State had a simple 27-yard gimme field goal and missed it! Washington needed a touchdown and 2-point conversion to send the game into overtime.
Washington Had Time Left and Needed a Score
Washington QB Miles stepped back to deliver a pass and overthrew his wide receiver. The interception had been the nail in the coffin sealing the Oklahoma State victory. Both teams had played well.
Oklahoma State Coach Mike Gundy concluded, “Our offense was resilient. I thought we blocked well, our running back ran hard, we made big catches and we turned James Castleman into a wide receiver.” The exciting fact for Oklahoma State fans is that their quarterback Mason Rudolph is only a freshman. Oklahoma State now hopes to accomplish even more next year.