Sep 16, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Cowboys won 59-21. Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
PITTSBURGH — Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph threw for 497 yards and five touchdowns as the No. 9 Cowboys shredded the Pittsburgh pass defense in a 59-21 victory at Heinz Field on Saturday
The Cowboys had four receivers go over 100 yards as Oklahoma State jumped out to a 28-0 lead.
Oklahoma State scored touchdowns on each of its first six possessions, with the first Panthers defensive stop coming as the clock expired in the first half.
Wide receiver Jalen McCleskey had three touchdowns, including a 48-yard catch-and-run as part of his 162 receiving yards on the day. Dillon Stoner had five catches for 100 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown. Marcell Ateman had the biggest gain of the day with a 69-yard touchdown. He finished with four catches for 109 yards.
The Panthers were able to keep Biletnikoff Award candidate James Washington out of the end zone, but he ended up with 124 yards on five catches. Running back Justice Hill added two scores and finished with 91 yards on 11 carries.
Pitt redshirt senior quarterback Max Browne went 7 of 10 for just 60 yards before being removed in favor of Ben DiNucci in the second quarter.
DiNucci lead the team’s two scoring drives, capping one with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Rafael Araujo-Lopes. But DiNucci also threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by linebacker Justin Phillips. DiNucci finished 13 of 25 for 228 yards.
Chawntez Moss scored on a 5-yard rush and was Pitt’s leading rusher with 36 yards on 12 carries. The Pitt running game was mostly bottled up, with starter Qadree Ollison held to six yards on seven carries.
The Panthers’ other score came when freshman cornerback Jason Pinnock fell on the ball in the end zone after Oklahoma State punter Zach Sinor fumbled a snap.
NOTES: Oklahoma State QB Tyler Cornelius saw his first extensive action of the season. He went 3 for 5 for 75 yards in relief of Mason Rudolph. … Pitt OL Brandon Hodges (undisclosed injury) did not play after leaving the game against Penn State last week in the first half. … DE Rashad Weaver made his first career sack. … Cowboys PK Matt Ammendola kicked a field goal to finish with 11 points. He has had more than 10 points in all three games this season.
