(BCSNN) — Oklahoma State returns to Boone Pickens Stadium Friday night for the Gateway First Bank Turnpike Classic, hosting in-state rival Tulsa in a matchup that’s spanned more than a century. The Cowboys (1-1) look to rebound from a road loss to No. 6 Oregon, while Tulsa (1-2) enters with momentum after a competitive showing against Navy. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT, marking OSU’s first home Friday game since 2023.

Quarterback Zane Flores will make his second career start for Oklahoma State after stepping in for injured freshman Hauss Hejny. Flores showed in that game that he has a lot of room to grow, completing 7 of 19 passes for 67 yards and two interceptions against Oregon. Head coach Mike Gundy praised Flores’ development, noting, “Every play that he is in is going to help him down the line… there’s no fast-forward button with a young quarterback”.

Tulsa counters with Baylor Hayes, who has taken over the starting role after a shaky start to the season. Hayes threw for 189 yards and two touchdowns last week, showing improved command of the offense. Gundy acknowledged Tulsa’s progress, saying, “They’ve gotten better, and I thought they played their best game last week. They continue to improve, and they’re young”.

Oklahoma State’s defense will be key to containing Hayes, especially after surrendering 69 points to Oregon. Linebackers Bryan McCoy Jr. and Brandon Rawls have combined for 42 total tackles through three two games. Defensive back Kenneth Harris said the bye week helped the team “reflect and get back on track and play Oklahoma State defense”.

Offensively, OSU is still searching for balance. Running back Trent Howland is expected to return after tweaking his ankle, and Gundy remains optimistic about the ground game. “I think we’ll improve in the run game… if you could average four yards a carry, it’s a successful night,” he said. The Cowboys will also lean on wideouts Terrill Davis and Shamar Rigby to be reliable targets for Flores.

This rivalry is steeped in history, with OSU holding a 45-27-5 edge all-time and a 28-6-3 record in Stillwater. The Cowboys have won 10 straight in the series and 23 consecutive home games against Tulsa, dating back to 1953. A win Friday would extend the longest win streak for either team in the series and match OSU’s second-longest streak against any opponent.

The game will be televised nationally on ESPN and broadcast via the Cowboy Radio Network. OSU offensive lineman Bob Schick said the team is eager to respond after the Oregon loss: “We want to prove that we can go out there and score, we can drive, we can hold our blocks… really go out there and prove all the naysayers wrong”.

With Big 12 play looming, Oklahoma State aims to solidify its identity and build momentum. Gundy emphasized internal growth over opponent scouting during the short week: “We’re really working on getting better at who we are… developing some of the younger players and our newer players”. For Flores and the Cowboys, Friday’s Turnpike Classic is more than a rivalry—it’s a chance to reset the season.