First-half, first-game observations
Oklahoma State leads Washington State 15-0 at halftime in Seattle. Some early thoughts:
- Between receiving, kick returns and (hopefully) some occasional rushing attempts, OSU sophomore receiver Dez Bryant needs to touch the ball 15-20 times a game. This won’t be Bryant’s last game on Qwest Field. He’ll play here on Sundays sometime after his junior season.
- Mike Gundy’s first half of play-calling was so-so at best (22 rushes; 18 passes). He’s done a lousy job utilizing All-American tight end candidate Brandon Pettigrew, who has four catches for 21 yards. Pettigrew has been used only for dink passes. Send the kid downfield.
- Kendall Hunter looks terrific (63 yards on 14 carries). OSU’s reputation as Tailback U. is in good hands.
- You’d think a game between two no-huddle teams would have some rhythm do it, a fast-pace feel. Not this game.
- After a safety, a team can either punt or kick off from its own 20-yard line. WSU opted to kickoff. I can’t remember the last time I saw a team not punt after a safety. The reason was obvious. Punter Daniel Wagner punts like Dave Winfield used to hit — nothing but line drives.
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JR,
I (an OU fan) watched the OSU/WSU contest with an OSU fan who had a similar take on Gundy’s play calling. My response to him and you is that Gundy is calling the plays to win the game, not a new job. In other words, the longer they take to score (i.e., run the ball) the longer their defense sits which will increase their chances of winning games. I think Mike did a great job Saturday calling the game. Their defensive line is relatively tiny and Mike probably recognizes that better than anybody. They will get worn down fast if they are forced to be on the field. Mike is calling the games to win, not to impress. Kendall Hunter was impressive. Who does he remind you of?