College Football QB Facing Intense Backlash After Costly Taunting Penalty

On Saturday afternoon, the No. 16 Oklahoma State Cowboys defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks in overtime, 39-31. OSU moves to 2-0 on the season while Arkansas falls to 1-1.

Cowboys quarterback Alan Bowman received a heavy load during the win. He completed 27 of his 48 passes for 326 yards and a touchdown. But, towards the end of the fourth quarter, Bowman nearly cost his team the game.

With the score tied at 28 apiece and just 1:45 remaining, Bowman hit wide receiver Brennan Presley for a 36-yard gain all the way down to the Arkansas six-yard line. After the play, Bowman stared down the Razorbacks' sideline and performed the finger guns hand gesture.

Bowman, a 24-year-old senior from Grapevine, Texas, was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for his act, moving the ball back to the Arkansas 21. The drive ended with an Oklahoma State field goal. The Razorbacks went on to tie the game on their final possession, leading to overtime.

Many fans are convinced that the Cowboys would have scored a touchdown had it not been for the penalty. If they did find the endzone, the game would have likely been over a lot sooner.

"Alan Bowman gets bopped for unsportsmanlike conduct," one fan said.

"Alan Bowman with a wildly stupid taunting penalty with the game on the line."

"Alan Bowman is in his seventh season of college football"

"Alan Bowman at the worst possible time imaginable"

"The 27 year old quarterback gets a personal foul for taunting the 19 year olds on the sideline. Yikes Alan Bowman."

"Alan Bowman is a clown…"

Bowman has been playing college football since 2018. Prior to joining the Cowboys in 2023, he played for the Texas Tech Raiders and the Michigan Wolverines. In 2023, his first year with Oklahoma State, Bowman threw for 3,460 yards, 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

Related: NFL Legend's Son Scores First College Football Touchdown

Related: Pat McAfee Reveals Which College Football Freshman is the 'Real Deal'