Bedlam 2014: Three OSU observations
By MARK COOPER World Sports Writer
It ran away from them Look no further than the Cowboys' run defense as to why OSU couldn't get a bowl-clinching sixth win in Bedlam. It started on the opening drive, when Oklahoma went 75 yards on seven consecutive rushes for a quick touchdown. And while the Cowboys forced a punt here and there, they generally fell back into their struggles tackling the OU backs.
The Sooners ran for more than 300 yards on the ground, led by Samaje Perine's 151. Wide receiver rotation was thin The Cowboys' wide receiver corps looked to be one of its deepest units entering the season, and early on, it was. Against the Sooners, OSU mainly relied on three receivers for nearly all the snaps: James Washington, David Glidden and Brandon Sheperd. Jhajuan Seales came on late, when Glidden was shaken up by a hit, but it was otherwise just the trio. One has to wonder if the number of snaps got to a freshman like Washington, who made a couple questionable plays. To counterattack the lack of rotation at wide receiver, OSU relied on tight ends more than it has all year. Jeremy Seaton was OSU's most effective weapon in the passing game.
Now what? For the first time since 2005, Oklahoma State won't have another game to play. No bowl practices. This was the Cowboys' playoff game and they lost. What's next? The questions about the program's future won't truly end until we see what the team looks like next season. The Cowboys coaching staff -- those who remain -- will have to shore up the 2015 recruiting class over the winter months. It's an odd, unusual feeling for OSU fans. But that's a sign of the progress made in this program in the last decade, too.
Mark Cooper 918-581-8387
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The TW obviously eventually took the story down. Thought I would post considering our recent criticism of our local paper.
By MARK COOPER World Sports Writer
It ran away from them Look no further than the Cowboys' run defense as to why OSU couldn't get a bowl-clinching sixth win in Bedlam. It started on the opening drive, when Oklahoma went 75 yards on seven consecutive rushes for a quick touchdown. And while the Cowboys forced a punt here and there, they generally fell back into their struggles tackling the OU backs.
The Sooners ran for more than 300 yards on the ground, led by Samaje Perine's 151. Wide receiver rotation was thin The Cowboys' wide receiver corps looked to be one of its deepest units entering the season, and early on, it was. Against the Sooners, OSU mainly relied on three receivers for nearly all the snaps: James Washington, David Glidden and Brandon Sheperd. Jhajuan Seales came on late, when Glidden was shaken up by a hit, but it was otherwise just the trio. One has to wonder if the number of snaps got to a freshman like Washington, who made a couple questionable plays. To counterattack the lack of rotation at wide receiver, OSU relied on tight ends more than it has all year. Jeremy Seaton was OSU's most effective weapon in the passing game.
Now what? For the first time since 2005, Oklahoma State won't have another game to play. No bowl practices. This was the Cowboys' playoff game and they lost. What's next? The questions about the program's future won't truly end until we see what the team looks like next season. The Cowboys coaching staff -- those who remain -- will have to shore up the 2015 recruiting class over the winter months. It's an odd, unusual feeling for OSU fans. But that's a sign of the progress made in this program in the last decade, too.
Mark Cooper 918-581-8387
_____________________________________________________
The TW obviously eventually took the story down. Thought I would post considering our recent criticism of our local paper.
