The University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane football team has achieved a noteworthy victory, defeating their in-state rivals, the Oklahoma State Cowboys, with a decisive score of 24-10. This marks the second consecutive season that Tulsa has bested Oklahoma State, igniting hopes for a revitalized program under the leadership of coach Tre Lamb. The win, predicted by Lamb months prior, showcased a dominant defensive performance and strategic offensive plays, signaling a potentially bright future for the team.
Tulsa Triumphs Over Oklahoma State in Resounding Football Showdown
In a highly anticipated football match held on Saturday, September 6, 2026, at H.A. Chapman Stadium on the University of Tulsa campus, the Golden Hurricane secured a 24-10 victory against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. This win not only solidified their in-state bragging rights for the second year running but also validated coach Tre Lamb's bold preseason prediction. Lamb, known for his confident demeanor, had publicly declared his team's capability to defeat the Cowboys months before the game, even alluding to the lopsided score during a Tulsa basketball event at the adjacent Reynolds Center.
Despite a few early game missed field goals and an interception deep in Oklahoma State territory, Tulsa's defense proved impenetrable, orchestrating four crucial turnovers and limiting the Cowboys to a mere two successful fourth-down conversions out of six attempts. This defensive prowess effectively stifled the highly anticipated debuts of OSU coach Eric Morris and transfer quarterback Drew Mestemaker.
Baylor Hayes, Tulsa's quarterback, who was also instrumental in last season's 19-12 triumph over Oklahoma State (which incidentally marked the final game for then-Cowboy coach Mike Gundy), delivered a commanding performance. Hayes, a former East Tennessee State player who followed Lamb to Tulsa, completed 17 of 24 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown. His near-second touchdown pass late in the first half saw Jimmy Calloway make a spectacular catch, placing the ball at the OSU 1-yard line, leading to a Damari Alston touchdown run that broke a 3-3 tie. Tulsa never relinquished the lead thereafter.
The Hurricane extended their advantage to 17-3 in the second half with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Hayes to Oran Singleton. In the final nine minutes, with Tulsa leading 17-10, the defense once again stepped up. Zach Williams and Sam Stone collaboratively stopped a short pass on fourth-and-short at the OSU 34-yard line, returning possession to Tulsa. Two plays later, Alston sprinted for a 29-yard touchdown, sealing the victory. Interceptions by Williams and Tyson Williams on subsequent Cowboy possessions further underscored Tulsa's defensive dominance.
Following their significant win against Oklahoma State last season—their first in Stillwater since 1951—Tulsa failed to capitalize on the momentum, losing their next four games and finishing the season with a 4-8 record. However, with two consecutive victories against OSU, a feat not achieved since the 1950-52 seasons, there is renewed optimism surrounding Lamb and the Golden Hurricane. The team now looks ahead to upcoming games against Sam Houston State, who had a 2-10 record last year, and Football Championship Subdivision team East Texas A&M. A potential victory against Arkansas on September 25, a team Tulsa hasn't beaten since 1976, could truly elevate their season and even position them as a dark horse contender for a College Football Playoff spot, particularly if they perform strongly in the American Athletic Conference.
Coach Lamb, despite the recent success, remains grounded, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and focusing on the next challenge. He stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes and not allowing success to lead to complacency, as evidenced by his immediate focus on preparing for Sam Houston State. This disciplined approach suggests that Lamb is committed to building a consistent winning culture at Tulsa, aiming for the team to peak at the end of the season.
