Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Tops Oklahoma State to Remain Undefeated
June 21, 1999 | Football
October 11, 1998
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) - Rob Peters threw two touchdown passes to Donnie Hart to lead Texas Tech to a 24-17 victory over Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Conference on Saturday night. The Red Raiders (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) continued their best start since 1976.
Tech led only 17-10 with 2:53 left when Montae Reagor forced a fumble and Dorian Pitts returned it 53 yards for a touchdown and a 24-10 lead. The Cowboys (2-3, 1-2) struck back with an 8-yard pass from Chris Chaloupka to Terrance Richardson with 2:20 left in the game.
The Cowboys had one more possession but turned the ball over on downs. It was a tough defensive struggle. Neither team reached 100 yards passing, and even the rushing yardage was modest. Tech's Ricky Williams ran for 97 yards, well below his season average, and Nathan Simmons led Oklahoma State with 81 yards rushing.
Tech had a nightmarish first quarter, not completing a single pass, rushing for minus-2 yards and only converting one third-down play.
Oklahoma State scored first when Brian Aikins dove into the end zone from 1 yard out, capping a 12-play, 51-yard drive. Tim Syndes' 38-yard field goal with 5:05 left in the first quarter gave the Cowboys a 10-0 lead.
Tech's defense began to take over, recovering a fumble by Tony Lindsey a the Oklahoma State 37 midway through the second quarter. That set up a 14-yard touchdown pass from Peters to Hart, who made a fingertip catch in the corner of the end zone.
After the Cowboys' next drive fizzled, Scott Elder's punt was blocked by Pitts and Tech recovered at the Oklahoma State 27. That set up the second Peters-to-Hart touchdown. The quarterback found Hart streaking into the end zone for an 18-yard connection with 3:44 left in the half.
By CHRIS NEWTON
Associated Press Writer
