Arkansas suffers surprise loss to No. 16 Oklahoma State after forcing double overtime

In an unexpectedly wild Week 2 clash, 16th-ranked Oklahoma State edged Arkansas, winning 39-31 in double overtime. The Razorbacks started strong, but the Cowboys battled back, took a fourth-quarter lead and eventually won after multiple overtimes.

Arkansas, which was expected to finish at the bottom of the SEC standings, was considered a clear underdog on Saturday and led 21-7 at halftime.

A second-half Oklahoma State charge ended in a 28-28 tie, with the Cowboys pushing for the win just before the end. But multiple penalties and poor decisions forced them into a fourth-and-four as they tried to run down the clock remaining – much to the visible frustration of OSU coach Mike Gundy – and they settled for a 38-yard field goal by kicker Logan Ward to lead 31-28 with 59 seconds left.

Arkansas marched down the field and kicker Kyle Ramsey scored a 45-yard field goal as time expired, sending the game into overtime.

Arkansas started the first overtime with the ball, but was stopped by the Cowboys defense and Ramsey missed the 46-yard field goal.

OSU's overtime drive didn't go much better, as the Razorbacks stopped the Cowboys and forced them to make a field goal on fourth-and-9. Ward, who had been so strong earlier in the game, missed the 41-yard attempt, sending the game into the second overtime.

The Cowboys got the ball first in the second overtime and initially had trouble moving it, but an unnecessary roughness penalty against Arkansas put Oklahoma State in the red zone. Running back Ollie Gordon II scored twice – once on a 12-yard touchdown run and once on a catch from Alan Bowman for a two-point conversion – to take the lead. Arkansas nearly got revenge, but couldn't gain the final yard on a fourth-and-1 to end the game.

It was some of the best action of the morning to kick off the second week of the college football season.

The Razorbacks got off to a fast start, scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter through running back Ja'Quinden Jackson.

Oklahoma State followed with a pick-six by cornerback Kale Smith to score points, but it didn't take long for Arkansas to answer again, with Jackson scoring his third touchdown of the day.

In the third quarter, Oklahoma State recovered a crucial Arkansas fumble to open the door, but the Cowboys had to settle for another field goal, making the score 21-13.

Arkansas's missed field goal attempt and botched punt return gave Oklahoma State some luck, as the Cowboys were able to recover their own punt. With the ball suddenly back in their hands – and with great field possession – Bowman was able to throw an easy pass for the touchdown. A successful two-point conversion tied the game at 21-21.

The Cowboys then made a huge stop on defense that forced Arkansas to give up on a tackle attempt. From there, Bowman threw a huge 64-yard flea flicker to fullback Jake Schultz to put OSU within striking distance. Receiver Brennan Presley ran in another touchdown to take a 28-21 lead.

But the Razorbacks fought back and scored a touchdown less than two minutes in on a completely open pass to tight end Luke Hasz, tying the game at 28-28 and setting the stage for the final moments.

Despite the loss, the first two games have been a strong showing for Arkansas, especially for disgraced former head coach and current offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. Under Petrino, the Razorbacks have been an efficient offense, helped along by Jackson, who had 24 carries for 149 yards. There are certainly still some issues, however, as a handful of messy fumbles and mistakes as the game progressed threatened Arkansas' success.

Oklahoma State, meanwhile, barely survives. Although the Cowboys ultimately didn't lose, the game initially recalled last year when OSU suffered a humiliating 33-7 loss to Southern Alabama in Week 2. Fortunately for the Cowboys, however, they remain 2-0 heading into Week 3.