J.W. Walsh was supposed to be Oklahoma State's running quarterback. Anyone who watched the Cowboys' 52-34 win at Texas Tech would have figured that title went to redshirt senior Clint Chelf after he ripped off two touchdowns runs.
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Chelf, who started the season opener but was unceremoniously replaced by Walsh in the first half, ran for touchdowns of 67 and 8 yards in the third quarter. Oklahoma State outscored the Red Raiders 24-10 in the second half. The 67-yard scamper came on a quarterback draw out of an empty set with five wide receivers; Chelf simply exploded up the middle, which had been vacated by the Texas Tech defense.
Chelf finished with 88 yards on six carries to go with 211 passing yards and two touchdowns, though he completed only 18 of 34 attempts and was intercepted twice, one returned for a touchdown.
With running back Desmond Roland rushing for 96 yards and three touchdowns, giving him seven scores in two games after seizing the starting job, and the Cowboys defense posting 10 tackles for loss and three takeaways, minor improvements from Chelf in the passing game might be enough to secure a second Big 12 title and Fiesta Bowl bid in three seasons. Along with Baylor and Texas, both unbeaten in conference play, Oklahoma State controls its destiny, though it must play both teams as well as Bedlam rival Oklahoma to close the season.
The Cowboys secondary seems ready for the challenge. Safety Daytawion Lowe had a team-high 11 tackles with one tackle for loss and one forced fumble, and star cornerback Justin Gilbert was effective in limiting wide receiver Eric Ward and added three tackles.
Texas Tech's championship aspirations were dashed despite another productive game from tight end Jace Amaro. Amaro caught 15 balls for 174 yards and one touchdown, but also lost a first-quarter fumble, allowing OSU to build up a 21-0 lead.
Quarterback Davis Webb threw for 425 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in a losing effort, with Ward (eight receptions for 86 yards) accounting for the other score.
Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.
