STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) True freshman quarterback Shane Illingworth made Oklahoma State's usually high-powered offense look normal for just long enough to help the 11th-ranked Cowboys avoid a huge upset.

Oklahoma State stayed in it with defense, and Illingworth rallied the Cowboys to a 16-7 victory over Tulsa on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

Trailing 7-3 late in the third quarter, Oklahoma State received a big offensive spark when Illingworth entered the game and immediately connected on his first three passes, including the two longest plays of the day, hitting Tylan Wallace for completions of 36 and 29 yards.