Ok State Football Preview...3 weeks late

I know, I know, the season is already 3 games in and I am making a "preview" post. Before the season, I was really looking forward to this year because it meant I got to go back to Stillwater and see my brother and friends. I never thought I would be saying this so short after graduating... but I miss college. I love not having an responsibility on the weekends, but never again will I have 24/7 friend hangout time. Anyways, on to the preview.

First I will discuss the offense, then the defense, then coaching/overall analysis.

The Offense

Despite losing Dantrell Savage and Adarius Bowman the offense is still going to be dynamic. Personally, I always thought Bowman was an overrated WR that made his reputation off of one game. He didn't have the best hands and wasn't a good blocker. Sure he would break a few tackles, but he couldn't be counted on in the clutch.

Some key returners include:

Zac Robinson - He proved last year he could run and pass. He makes good decisions and should be solid this year. Only him and one other QB had over 2800 passing yards and 800 rushing yards. That man was Tim Tebow, the Heisman winner.

Brandon Pettigrew - He is the best TE in the nation, and that isn't me saying that, that is multiple draft services.

Dez Bryant - I thought Dez was better than Bowman last year, and he has already proven how good he is this year. He is probably one of the best 3 WRs in the Big 12.

Kendall Hunter. And you never want to forget about the offensive line. By one publication, OSU's offensive line was ranked 2nd in the nation.

And you can't forget the offensive line. I expect them to be very good. They were rated the #2 offensive line in the nation by one publication.

I think the offense should put up some big numbers like it always has. Watch out for Bo Bowling and Damien Davis at WR. Both have lots of potential. Bowling is very quick, and Davis is 6-5 with great hands.

Defense

The defense has always been a weak spot. So far they have not looked stellar, but despite that, I have hope. I have seen improvement. I know, I know, it is hard to believe. But the defensive backs have been making more plays. They have been sticking with the WRs and actually been in the area when the ball is coming their way. It seems their technique is better. The linebackers are alright but on the slow side. They are better as run stoppers. The defensive line has been a weak spot so far. They haven't gotten enough of a pass rush, so the LBs will probably have to blitz. While in the past size has been an issue on the line, it doesn't seem to be the issue anymore. The defense is at least headed in the right direction. I really liked Antoine Lucien, who was a JUCO transfer DB, but he got injured. Andre Sexton seems to be a star, and the defense as a whole looks to be hitting harder.

Coaching

I really like this coaching staff. Gundy isn't the best coach, but he has done a great job of putting a good staff in place. He also relates with the players. Slowly, he has made better coaching decisions and I think this year will show us how much progress he has made. In 2009, OSU could have a big year, but it would need to be set up by a serviceable year in 2008. Trooper Taylor has done a great job so far. He has pulled in recruits and the WRs love him. I have already seen many cases when a WR made a crucial block down field to spring a play open. THAT is what wins football games, and he has gotten them to buy into it. I think Beckman, the D coordinator, has this defense headed in the right direction and Joe Wickline has built a great offensive line.

Predictions

@ Washington State W 39-13 1-0 (0-0)
Houston W 56-37 2-0 (0-0)
Missouri State W 57-13 3-0 (0-0)
Troy W - Troy's QB from last year graduated.
Texas A&M W - A&M could be in a dogfight with Baylor for the cellar.
@ No. 5 Missouri L - They may not lose a game this year.
Baylor W
@ No. 7 Texas L - OSU has been on the verge before, this year they could beat an overrated team.
Iowa State W
@ No. 11 Texas Tech W - I also say Tech is overrated.
@ Colorado W - haven't looked good so far
No. 2 Oklahoma L - It is an L for now, but this could very well go the other way.

Basically I think OSU has a great shot in every game except Missouri. This year OSU could easily go 9-3(5-3 in the Big 12). Tech is overrated and just hasn't played solidly so far this year. I think Texas will end up dropping out of the top 25 or pretty close to it by the end of the year. And OSU has always held OU close at home, yet just fallen short. It will happen eventually, it is just a matter of when. This year is as good as any other. Last year I predicted 7 wins and got it spot on... this year I think it is 8 or 9. It really depends on how OSU plays on the road, because they have a legit shot to pull of some huge wins.


I'm pretty excited, and the team believes they are good, which is the key. I'm sure some will think I am overly optimistic.