STILLWATER (AP) — Opposing kickers have a dilemma when they face Oklahoma State’s Perrish Cox.

If they kick to him, they’re risking giving up a touchdown on any return. And if they don’t, well, then they’re just making him mad.

Washington State did both during the Cowboys’ season-opening 39-13 win on Saturday. The Cougars kicked away from Oklahoma State’s talented return man enough to make him angry, and then Cox took matters into his own hands with a game-breaking 90-yard runback for a score.

Before that return, receiver Dez Bryant came over to Cox to ask if he wanted to return the next kick regardless of where it went. He wasn’t about to refuse.

“I went and got it, and it just opened up wide,” Cox said Monday. “All I seen was end zone.”

Cox’s return was the highlight of a dominant performance on returns for the Cowboys (1-0), who host Houston (1-0) this week in their home opener. Bryant added a 42-yard runback on his first ever punt return, and Ricky Price picked up 68 yards after fielding his only punt of the day.

That set up Oklahoma State to start its offensive drives on average at its own 46-yard line.

“On our return game, I feel like we have some big-time play-makers back there. I feel like we’re going to be real good on special teams. It don’t matter who’s back there returning the kicks, punts or whatever,” Bryant said.

“Ricky, Perrish and I, all three can be back there and make big plays.”

For Cox, it was his third kickoff return for a touchdown — tying a school record set by none other than 1988 Heisman Trophy winner Barry Sanders, who had three runbacks of 100 yards each. He’s also tied for the lead in that category among all active Bowl Subdivision players.

So, does that make him the best kick returner in the nation?

“I’m not going to say that but I’m competing for it,” said Cox, who also had a 49-yard punt return touchdown last season. “I’m going to keep competing. That’s my main focus is competing to try to be the best.”

Every time he drops back for a return, Cox is thinking about scoring — or at least about making a big play. Since almost every kickoff follows an opponent’s score, it’s the perfect time to give his team a needed boost.