News Summary
The Oklahoma State Cowboys concluded their regular season campaign with a disappointing road loss to the UCF Knights, finishing the Big 12 without a road win. The Cowboys ended the season with a 4-14 record in conference play, struggling throughout, particularly against UCF. This final matchup highlighted UCF’s defensive strengths, and both teams will face off again soon, as Oklahoma State looks to improve after this challenging season.
Stillwater, Oklahoma
The Oklahoma State Cowboys faced a disappointing end to their regular season road struggles with a loss to the UCF Knights in a Big 12 matchup, finishing their conference play without a road win. The Cowboys fell to UCF with a final score of 83-70, marking the end of an unsuccessful road campaign.
The Cowboys concluded their season with a 4-14 record in the Big 12, significantly impacted by a series of tough road games. This matchup against UCF was particularly crucial as both teams had finished at the bottom of the Big 12 standings last season.
In their previous encounter earlier in the season, UCF dominated Oklahoma State, triumphing 45-3. The Cowboys struggled immensely in that game, committing four turnovers and failing to score a touchdown. This latest defeat marked another instance of struggle for OSU against UCF.
UCF, which had high hopes for its inaugural season in the Big 12, hired a new head coach, Scott Frost, after parting ways with Gus Malzahn. Malzahn resigned with a hefty exit fee of six million dollars after a disappointing 2024 season, where UCF started with a 3-0 record but concluded with a challenging 1-8 streak, placing them near the bottom of the conference standings.
Game Highlights
During the latest battle against UCF, Darius Johnson emerged as a standout player, scoring 36 points in the second half alone, which helped secure the victory for UCF after OSU had initially established early momentum. The Cowboys put up a commendable 40 points in the first half, with Brandon Newman contributing significantly with 13 points. However, UCF turned the tide with multiple scoring runs and regained control in the second half, ultimately sealing the win.
UCF’s Defensive Strengths
Despite their overall struggles, UCF’s defense has showcased strength, ranking third in rushing defense and fourth in total defense during the 2024 season. This defensive capability has been crucial in their games, allowing them to maintain competitive matchups even against stronger opponents.
Looking Ahead
As both teams look ahead, Oklahoma State will play UCF again on March 5, 2025, just two weeks after their latest showdown. The Cowboys will look to bounce back from their disappointing season when they return to Gallagher-Iba Arena for their next home game against Cincinnati.
Meanwhile, UCF continues to navigate changes within its roster, including a quarterback battle following the transfer of KJ Jefferson. Former Oklahoma State running back Jaden Nixon is also competing for the RB1 position, indicating a shifting dynamic in UCF’s lineup that could impact future performances.
With the conclusion of the 2024 season, both Oklahoma State and UCF aim to build upon their experiences and make necessary adjustments for the improving prospects of the upcoming year.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Oklahoma State University Cowgirls Softball Triumphs in Orlando
OSU University Cowgirls Triumph Over UCF in Softball Match
Additional Resources
- Pistols Firing: Summer Schedule Preview UCF
- News 9: Oklahoma State UCF Basketball Preview
- Sports Illustrated: Oklahoma State Falls at UCF
- College Football News: UCF Defense Preview 2025
- Oklahoman: Oklahoma State UCF Live Updates
- Wikipedia: Oklahoma State Cowboys
- Google Search: UCF Knights
- Google Scholar: Big 12 Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- Google News: Oklahoma State UCF Basketball
