Drew Mestemaker led Oklahoma State to a 39-31 upset win over No. 6 Oregon on Saturday, and he told ESPN’s SportsCenter afterward that he was proud of his teammates for “coming back and putting on a show.” The Cowboys entered as 23-point underdogs after losing 66-0 to the Ducks last season. They snapped a 21-game losing streak against FBS opponents and secured their first victory over a top-six ranked opponent since 2022. The win came with a dominant stat line from Mestemaker and a thrilling final drive capped by a fearless touchdown run.
Mestemaker’s Masterclass
Mestemaker completed 26 of 43 passes for 317 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 109 yards and a score on just six carries, including a 75-yard scamper on the game’s first play from scrimmage. His best throw went to receiver Wyatt Young, a 52-yard strike. His best run was the game-defining moment.
The Fourth-Quarter Drive
Oregon took a 31-30 lead early in the fourth quarter. Mestemaker responded by engineering a clutch 75-yard drive. The march ended with a 10-yard touchdown run. On the score, Mestemaker fearlessly launched himself over defenders into the end zone to retake the lead for good.
The Numbers That Defined the Game
| Category | Oklahoma State | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Total yards | 554 | 281 |
| Points scored | 39 | 31 |
The Cowboys outgained the Ducks 554 to 281.
A Sweet Victory Nobody Saw Coming
Mestemaker’s performance earned him AP National Player of the Week honors. The win capped a remarkable day for Oklahoma State football.
The celebration spilled onto the field at Boone Pickens Stadium, where thousands of fans charged onto the grass. Students tore down goalposts and carried them into Theta Pond.
From entering as 23-point underdogs to watching delirious students tear down goalposts and carry them into Theta Pond, Mestemaker and the Cowboys proved that putting on a show is sweetest when no one expects it.
The Final Word
Mestemaker’s interview summed up the day. He was proud of his guys, and rightly so.
The win was a complete team effort. But Mestemaker was the one making the plays. He threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed for 109 yards and a score. He made the big throws and the big runs.
The 75-yard scamper on the first play set the tone. The 10-yard touchdown run sealed it.
Oklahoma State put on a show, and nobody expected it.
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