STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — True freshman quarterback Shane Illingworth made Oklahoma State's usually high-powered offense look normal for just long enough to help the 11th-ranked Cowboys avoid a huge upset.

Oklahoma State stayed in it with defense, and Illingworth rallied the Cowboys to a 16-7 victory over Tulsa on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

Trailing 7-3 late in the third quarter, Oklahoma State received a big offensive spark when Illingworth entered the game and immediately connected on his first three passes, including the two longest plays of the day, hitting Tylan Wallace...