BRANSON MO NEWS: 1. Story of the gameCornelius has solid openerTaylor Cornelius did fine in his debut as Oklahoma State starting quarterback, going 24-for-34 for 295 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. And yet fans have plenty to pick over. The most obvious issue: Cornelius’ three longest completions through three quarters were to running backs who turned short passes into 22- and 25- and 54-yard gains.
Coach Mike Gundy said he wants to keep the bomb prominent in OSU’ playbook, but Cornelius struggled throwing downfield to his wide receivers.2. Matchup that matteredWinning the line of scrimmageThe difference between OSU and Missouri State was most obvious at the line of scrimmage. While the Bears couldn’t block three- and four-man pass rushes, the Cowboys created space for a ground game that piled up 242 yards by halftime. Also, while Cornelius threw inconsistently, he was more accurate than MSU quarterback Peyton Huslig.3. Game MVPOSU defensive trioIt would have been Justice Hill had OSU coaches not parked him after his 93-yard sprint in the second quarter. Hill still rushed for 122 yards on 10 carries.
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The trio of inside linebacker Justin Phillips and edge pass rushers Jordan Brailford and Calvin Bundage formed the Cowboys’ most effective grouping on either side of the ball.4. What’s nextOSU takes on USA next weekThe Cowboys host Sun Belt Conference member South Alabama at 7 p.m. Sept. 8. The Jaguars host Louisiana Tech this Saturday, when they’ll debut new head coach Steve Campbell — he arrives from Central Arkansas — and try to improve on a 4-8 2017 season.— Guerin Emig, Tulsa World
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