Sep. 27--STILLWATER -- West Virginia receiver Sam James came across the middle of the field -- where the Mountaineers had found their most success in the passing game -- and quarterback Jarret Doege’s throw was on target.

But at the last second, Oklahoma State cornerback Rodarius Williams reached out and knocked the pass to the ground.

West Virginia had to kick a field goal and OSU answered with a long touchdown drive.

The Oklahoma State defense didn’t make every play on Saturday. But it made plenty to assure the 15th-ranked Cowboys a 27-13 victory over West Virginia at Boone Pickens Stadium.

On a day when OSU honored legendary running back Thurman Thomas, the Cowboy defense played like it was 1984 all over again.

“OUr defense was really good again,” coach Mike Gundy said. “They kept their head up and made plays.

“We found a way to win. Again, the defense continued to get stops.”

West Virginia snapped the ball 79 times, compared to 63 for the Cowboys, but OSU allowed only one touchdown -- a 70-yard slant to Winston Wright in the second quarter.

But more often than not, the Cowboy defense had an answer.

OSU had five quarterback sacks, the first of which caused a fumble that was picked up by defensive end Tyren Irby and returned 56 yards for a touchdown.

“I think we’re extremely dangerous if we get the pressure we need with the backfield we have,” said sophomore Trace Ford, who stripped the ball that Irby scooped up and ran in for the score. “I think our defense can do something special this year, for sure.”

OSU finished with nine quarterback hurries, 11 tackles for loss and six pass breakups.

“There were a number of times that we influenced the quarterback,” coach Mike Gundy said. “I bet we got at least 10 hits on him today.

“Eventually that’s gonna wear a guy down.”

West Virginia was 6-of-17 on third down, with an average distance to gain of 8.5 yards on those 17 snaps.

The Mountaineers made it into the red zone only twice and came away with field goals each time.

So far, this hasn’t been a season of beautiful for Oklahoma State -- because defense isn’t about being pretty -- but the Pokes are 2-0 because the defense has stood strong.

With a true freshman quarterback playing in his second game and making his first start, the offensive game plan was simplified. Forty-one run plays to 22 passes, even behind an offensive line that was without a pair of starters.

The defense had its issues, giving up chunks of yardage on pass plays over the middle, including the touchdown, and committing some poorly timed penalties.

But overall, it didn’t break down.

“You gotta find a way to win somehow,” Gundy said. “It’s not pretty. I’ve been here 16 years as coach, and that’s not how you draw it up.

“But guys have to find a way to win a football game and make enough plays.”