Assessing Alan Bowman's First Full Game as Oklahoma State's Quarterback
Oklahoma State finally decided on a quarterback, but it was anything but smooth sailing for the Cowboys.
Despite repeating all week leading up to the game that the three-quarterback rotation would remain, OSU coach Mike Gundy decided Alan Bowman was the guy for the first game of conference play. Bowman and the other two quarterbacks had struggled through the first three games of the season.
Against Iowa State, Bowman had some highs and lows but ultimately did not have enough to get OSU the win in a hostile road environment. Bowman completed 23 of his 48 passes for 278 yards and threw two touchdowns and two interceptions.
With OSU trailing by two scores, Bowman delivered on a fourth down to keep the team in the game. Bowman found Rashod Owens in the endzone to cut the ISU lead down to seven with just under three minutes remaining.
The Cowboys forced a three-and-out and got out to around midfield with less than two minutes left. On fourth-and-10, with the game on the line, Bowman was picked off, and the Cyclones sealed the victory.
Nonetheless, Bowman showed flashes of the reliable veteran quarterback the Cowboys brought in. No example of that is better than his first touchdown pass as a Cowboy.
After ISU had just taken the lead in the second quarter, Bowman led OSU on a four-play drive that ended with a 60-yard bomb to Jaden Nixon. Nixon got past the defense and Bowman threw a perfect ball to him on the sideline for the important touchdown.
After getting through the first half turnover-free, Bowman threw a costly interception on the Cowboys’ first possession of the third quarter. The Cowboys had just driven into Cyclones’ territory and had a promising possession after Bowman had connected on a 24-yard pass to Bryson Green.
While Bowman missed on some deep balls throughout the afternoon, OSU’s starting quarterback still looked solid when throwing the ball downfield. He also showed that his legs could be a weapon.
Bowman got the Cowboys on the board first, and it was not through the air. After Ollie Gordon’s 71-yard run set up the Cowboys deep in Cyclones’ territory, Bowman took it into the endzone himself for a 12-yard score.
Bowman also got out of the pocket to make plays against ISU. Although the success varied mightily when he left the pocket, Bowman showing his ability to extend and even create plays will likely help him keep the starting job moving forward.
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Ivan is a sports media student at Oklahoma State University. He has covered OSU athletics since 2022 and also covers the OKC Thunder for Inside The Thunder and Thunderous Intentions.