STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) -- Two long punt returns by Terance Richardson helped Oklahoma State score three touchdowns in less than three minutes of the third quarter Saturday, and the Cowboys went on to beat Kansas 45-13.

Oklahoma State (4-5, 2-4 Big 12) also scored on a blocked punt and recovered a fumble in the end zone to end a three-game losing streak and keep alive slim bowl hopes. They must win their final two games, at Baylor and Oklahoma, to finish with the six victories needed to be considered for a bowl.

Kansas (4-7, 2-5) used a two-touchdown burst in the second quarter to take a 13-10 halftime lead but disintegrated in the second half.

Richardson returned a punt 44 yards to the Kansas 35, and four plays later Tony Lindsay hit tight end Garret Steggs for a 16-yard touchdown and a 17-13 lead.

After the Jayhawks lost six yards on their next possession, Richardson returned the punt 60 yards to the 8. Lindsay hit tight end Khary Jackson on the next play for a 24-13 lead.

The Cowboys made it 31-13 a minute later when Dylen Smith mishandled a shotgun snap and defensive end Kevin Williams recovered the ball in the end zone.

Oklahoma State scored twice in 70 seconds early in the fourth quarter to make the final 13 minutes academic. Cameron White caught a backward pass from Lindsay and threw a 36-yard TD to Ethan Howell, and later Nathan Simmons scored after linebacker Kenyatta Wright recovered Smith's fumble at the 1.

The Cowboys' first touchdown came late in the first quarter when Chris Massey blocked a punt and Marcus Jones returned it 17 yards.

Kansas then scored on drives of 80 and 70 yards to lead 13-10. The first drive started with a 30-yard pass from Smith to Henri Childs. Moran Norris added a 38-yard gain and eventually scored from 7 yards.

Kansas' second touchdown came on a 56-yard pass from Smith to Harrison Hill, who caught a short throw and outran a defender the final 45 yards to the end zone.