(STILLWATER, Oklahoma / September 17, 2017) The Oklahoma State football team moved up in both national polls this week, as the Cowboys came in at No. 6 in the Associated Press Top 25 and No. 7 in the Amway Coaches Poll, both of which were released Sunday. It is OSU's highest ranking in the AP and Coaches polls since being ranked at No. 4 in both polls on Nov. 15, 2015.
OSU improved to 3-0 on the year this week after overpowering Pittsburgh at Heinz Field, 59-21. Several Cowboys put in impressive shifts during Saturday's contest, but the biggest talking point from the game was the play of quarterback Mason Rudolph.
Rudolph's performance against Pitt further cemented his Heisman candidacy, as he finished 23-of-32 passing for 497 yards and five touchdowns (all in the first half) before being pulled early in the third quarter with OSU comfortably ahead. The Rock Hill, South Carolina, native set a school record for passing yards in a half, throwing for 423 during the game's first two quarters. That mark is also the best total in Big 12 history and the most against an FBS opponent since 2013 when San Jose State's Dave Fales passed for 451 against Fresno State.
He also helped four OSU receivers reach the 100-yard mark in the game, marking the first time that has happened in school history and the first time an FBS team has had four 100-yard receivers since Texas Tech had four against Kansas State in 2005. Jalen McCleskey was the leader of that quartet out wide, as he finished with season highs for passes caught (7), receiving yards (162), longest reception (48) and a career-high three receiving touchdowns.
Along with McCleskey, James Washington added 124 yards on five catches. Dillon Stoner also recorded the first 100-yard game of his OSU career as he hauled in five passes for 100 yards and caught his first career touchdown. Marcell Ateman added four catches for 109 yards to round out the quartet of Cowboy wideouts to reach the century mark against Pitt.
Oklahoma State's win over Pitt marked its 11th win in its last 13 true road games and was also the Cowboys 11th win in their last 12 games overall. OSU is now 55-6 against unranked opponents dating back to 2010.
Aside from OSU, two other Big 12 schools are represented this week in the AP and Amway Coaches polls, with Oklahoma (No. 3/3) leading the pack. TCU rounds out the trio of Big 12 programs in this week's rankings at No. 16 and No. 15 in the AP and Coaches polls, respectively.
Oklahoma State will welcome the Horned Frogs to Stillwater this week for the opening week of Big 12 play. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2.
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