STILLWATER -- The little man was back for Oklahoma State's offensive attack.

Dantrell Savage's return to the lineup after missing the past two games with a groin injury impacted the OSU offense and running game.

Savage had 130 yards rushing, four short of his career high, in the Cowboys' 49-45 victory over Texas Tech.

Earlier in the week, OSU running backs coach Curtis Luper said the Savage's presence on the field gives the Cowboys offense power. Luper said Savage "makes us go. He has the ability to make things so much easier for everyone."

The quiet Savage downplayed his impact stating it was a team effort that sparked the Cowboys. But after sitting out the past two weeks, even Savage was eager to help his team.

"I was tired, but I wanted to be out there," he said. "I just had to get into a groove."

Savage's shifty cuts and elusive moves gave Tech's defense fits. For OSU, it was a sight to see.

"He's an unbelievable player and definitely having him back was huge," quarterback Zac Robinson said. "We have a ton of running backs that can run the ball. But when he got the ball in

Matt Doyle 581-8316
matt.doyle@tulsaworld.com