The Mountaineers began the game with a whimper and, despite showing some life just after half, lost their fourth straight game without putting up much of a fight, falling to Oklahoma State, 55-34.
Smith threw for 364 yards on Saturday.
West Virginia started the game with the ball, posted a one-yard run from Geno Smith, lost several yards on a busted play and threw an incomplete pass to walk-on receiver Connor Arlia. After the punt, it took the Cowboys only five plays and 98 seconds to take a 7-0 lead and the defending Big12 Champions never looked back.
Junior Clint Chelf, in his first ever start, completed 22-of-31 passes for 292 yards and four touchdowns to only one interceptions, but it was receiver Josh Stewart that was the start of the day.
After a missed opportunity for the ‘Eers – a Geno Smith overthrow to Stedman Bailey on a deep post – Josh Stewart followed his 46 yard reverse touchdown run on the first drive with a 21-yard receiving touchdown to give Oklahoma State a 14-0 lead.
Stewart finished with 13 catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns through the air to go with his 46-yard touchdown run.
Even when West Virginia was able to do something well, a 37-yard touchdown pass from Paul Millard to Bailey, they couldn’t hold on to the momentum as the Cowboys returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown to extend the lead back to two touchdowns.
Trailing 31-17 at the half, the Mountaineers came out playing well on both sides of the ball, cutting the lead to 38-34 at one point and even had the ball with a chance to tie the game before the end of the third quarter.
After the offense faltered and special teams fell apart - not downing the ball inside the one - the defense completed the meltdown, allowing Oklahoma State to go 80 yards in 2:39 to take a two score lead.
The Cowboys added another touchdown on a short field to get the final score, 55-34.
Geno Smith completed 36-of-54 passes for 364 yards and two touchdowns. Paul Millard, subbing for Smith on two plays, completed 1-of-2 passes for 37 yards and a score.
Stedman Bailey returned to form, catching 14 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown.
West Virginia has lost four straight for the first time since 2001 and will play 12th ranked Oklahoma next week in a night game in Morgantown.
- Chris Anderson
- WVU & BC Insider - 247Sports