John Holcomb: OSU’s 2OT Comeback Against Arkansas Marks Another ‘Culture Win’

The latest “culture win” in a growing list at OSU was one of the most surprising, given how much Arkansas dominated the first half at Boone Pickens Stadium.

The Razorbacks were physical and fast, and quarterback Taylen Green was elusive. The Cowboy offense was stuck after the first possession ended with a failed fourth down attempt at the Arkansas 20.

Related: Gordon Scores TD, 2-Pt Conversion In 2nd OT, And No. 16 Oklahoma St. Rallies To Beat Arkansas 39-31

OSU only managed 77 yards in the opening two quarters, the only points came from a Kale Smith interception return for a touchdown and the Cowboys found themselves down 21-7. It felt like much more of a deficit, especially since All-America linebacker Collin Oliver was lost for the game, and maybe the season after suffering a leg injury on Smith’s big play.

The signs that things could be much different in the second half actually started on the kickoff — OSU with a hard hit on the Razorbacks’ returner. Then came a defensive stop, and later more Arkansas mistakes. The Cowboys didn’t maximize the opportunities in the third quarter, but they did get points.

The momentum was shifting, aided by a sellout crowd that did its part, getting louder with each big play.

The fourth quarter and the two overtime periods felt like a battle between a program used to winning close games, and another still trying to figure out how to get that done.

Arkansas didn’t give the WHOLE game away, but they left the door open for OSU to get back in.

The 39-31 double overtime win for the Cowboys was the 20th time under Mike Gundy they’ve rallied from 12 or more points down for a victory. In the last seven one-score games Arkansas’ record is 1-6.

Statistically, OSU shouldn’t have come out on top. Ollie Gordon II was held to 47 yards on 19 carries. The Cowboys gave up 648 total yards to the Razorbacks.

But when it mattered most, OSU was more disciplined, and Gordon found the end zone for the winning score and caught a pass for the two-point conversion.

And despite Arkansas’ game-long ability to run the ball, it was the Cowboys' defense getting the stop on a 4th and 1 at the OSU 6 on the final play.

Similar games that come to mind are OSU’s win at Kansas in 2006 in Gundy’s second year when the Cowboys rallied from 17-0 in the third quarter thanks to the Bobby Reid to Adarius Bowman connection, and the 2011 second-half rally from a 20-3 deficit at Texas A&M. This one felt different, even if it fits the category of another “culture win.”