Too many negative plays, too many third-and-longs. Arizona State put up decent numbers on the road against Oklahoma State, but the 11th-ranked Cowboys kept distance throughout and sent the Sun Devils home with a 34-17 loss to drop Arizona State to 1-1 on the season.

The Sun Devils were stopped in the backfield by Oklahoma State eight times. They had 10 penalties called against them for a total of 95 yards lost.

The average distance needed on Arizona State’s 13 third downs was 9 yards. Arizona State just couldn’t get out of its own way.

Quarterback Emory Jones finished 12-for-24 throwing the ball, with 223 yards and a touchdown through the air. Elijhah Badger (six catches) and Giovanni Sanders (three catches) each topped 90 yards receiving. Tailback Xazavian Valladay had 21 carries for 118 yards and a score.

Oklahoma State gassed the Sun Devil defense, though. The Cowboys finished with 465 yards of offense, 197 of which came from the ground. Tailback Dominic Richardson ran for 131 yards and a score on 27 carries. The ground game wore the Sun Devil defense down late and allowed Oklahoma State to stay in control throughout.

The Sun Devils return home to face Eastern Michigan next Saturday, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. PT on the Pac-12 Network.