STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) -- Mason Rudolph connected on an 86-yard pass to Jhajuan Seales, then Rennie Childs scored on a 1-yard run - his fourth rushing touchdown of the game - with 1:28 remaining to lift Oklahoma State to a 45-38 victory over Pittsburgh on Saturday.
Rudolph was 26 of 46 for 540 yards and two touchdowns, while James Washington pulled in nine receptions for 296 yards -- the most in the nation by anyone so far this season -- and two touchdowns. Childs gained 101 yards on 10 carries.
One week after a stunning loss to Central Michigan on a final untimed play that officials later admitted should never have happened, Oklahoma State (2-1) found themselves in another nail-biter decided in the final moments.
PHOTOS: OSU Cowboys beat the Pittsburgh Panthers 45-38
After starting its final possession on its own 8-yard-line with 1:21 to go, Pitt advanced to the OSU 45-yard-line before Nathan Peterman's pass was intercepted by Ramon Richards with 15 seconds left.
Rudolph had 372 yards passing and Washington 231 receiving in the first half alone, both OSU school records for one half. The Cowboys' 467 yards of total offense in the opening half also set a school record.
James Conner rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries for Pitt (2-1), while Peterman threw for 237 yards and a touchdown on 14-of-30 passing.
With the game tied 38-38 with 12:55 left in the fourth quarter, action was suspended due to lightning in the area. Play finally resumed following an almost 2-hour delay.
THE TAKEAWAY
Pittsburgh: Despite the loss, the Panthers displayed impressive resilience, falling behind 24-10 and 31-17 in the first half, but continuing to battle back, answering Oklahoma State's penchant for big plays. They tied the game 31-31 early in the third quarter on Matt Galambos' 2-yard fumble return, and then again at 38-38 several minutes later on Quadree Henderson's 50-yard touchdown run.
Oklahoma State: The Cowboys showed no ill effects after their controversial defeat last week against Central Michigan. Any lingering questions were undoubtedly cleared up when the Cowboys' first offensive play turned into a 91-yard touchdown pass from Rudolph to Washington.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
