OSU celebrates new year with Heart of Dallas Bowl win over Purdue

BY KELLY HINES World Sports Writer
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
1/02/13 at 7:17 AM

DALLAS - On Tuesday, all that mattered for Oklahoma State's football team was its Heart of Dallas Bowl game against Purdue.

A lopsided 58-14 victory at the historic Cotton Bowl helped to alleviate the pain of ending the regular season with back-to-back losses and not getting selected for a higher-profile bowl.

"Anytime you have a chance to win a bowl game, that's something that you want to do, especially after dropping two (games) at the end that were tough losses for us," Cowboy quarterback Clint Chelf said.

" ... We knew coming in that we wanted to win this game and kind of make a statement. That's what we tried to do."

The statement was made by OSU, which finished the season 8-5 and won a third straight bowl game, and in particular by Chelf, who in the span of four months went from third string to bowl MVP.

"There were surely times it crossed his mind, whether he really wanted to stick with it here or go play someplace else," coach Mike Gundy said. "We hoped he would (stay).

"Believe it or not, the discussion took place that you never know, you could be just one play away from getting out there and playing."

Against the Boilermakers, Chelf completed 17-of-22 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns. A junior from Enid, he was Brandon Weeden's backup last season before getting passed over by freshman Wes Lunt and redshirt freshman J.W. Walsh in the spring.

Instead of transferring, Chelf chose to stay and continue to compete for the starting job. When Lunt and Walsh went down with injuries, Chelf stepped in and quarterbacked OSU to wins against West Virginia, Texas Tech and Purdue. This season, he produced 1,588 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Chelf remained starter even after Lunt and Walsh were again healthy, and his coach hinted he will stay the No. 1 quarterback heading into the spring.

"Obviously, I want to be the guy," Chelf said. "Now that this game is over, that's a thing you have to start looking forward to. I'll be ready in the spring to lead the team still."

Original Print Headline: Cowboys celebrate new year with win

Kelly Hines 918-581-8452
kelly.hines@tulsaworld.com

Associated Images:

OSU players celebrate with the Heart of Dallas Bowl trophy after beating Purdue in Dallas on Tuesday. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World

OSU quarterback Clint Chelf went from third string to the bowl's most valuable player. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World

OSU fan Mallory King celebrates the win against Purdue in the Heart of Dallas Bowl in Dallas on Tuesday. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World