No doomsday clock at OSU
In the past, as the clock wound down in the fourth quarter, the Oklahoma State football faithful frequently wiggled in their seats. They watched with one eye closed, sometimes both eyes closed. And this was when their team was ahead.
Insultingly, it became known as the “Aggie Factor,” the ability to snatch defeat from victory.
But there was no such uneasiness in Saturday’s 24-10 season-opening victory against No. 13 Georgia. At no time did the No. 9 Cowboys show signs of faltering in the closing minutes.
Maybe it was because no fan wearing orange had left the building. Maybe it was because Boone Pickens Stadium finally was finished and Lewis Field finally was extinct. Maybe it was because the OSU defense had displayed an unexpected stubbornness. Maybe it was because this year’s Cowboys appear to be different. Maybe it was because of all the above.
Whatever the reason, this final quarter was not a place where victory went to die. In the past, the uncertainty was palpable as mumbles and groans cascaded down from the stands. On Saturday, there was an extreme sense of confidence displayed by OSU players and fans.
Sure, it’s only one game, but it’s a start. It’s something the Cowboys and their fans can build on for potential fourth-quarter uncertainty that might come later this season against Houston, or Missouri, or Texas or Texas Tech.
With the formal elimination of Lewis Field perhaps came the elimination of ghosts that arrived in the fourth quarter.
Boone Pickens Stadium looks nothing like Lewis Field. And during the fourth quarter against Georgia, it felt nothing like the relic, either.
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Comments
Many, including myself, take notice that U. of Houston scored several of their TDs on squirrelly on and a million tips and breaks. One U of H fan told me the that, “Only God could have given them three of their TDs. They know they kind of robbed us in our own house. I’ve said before, that I don’t believe God watches Football or any other sport, He is too busy with wars, famine etc. OSU just flat did not play well enough to deserve to win against UH. One good thing for the Pokes, is that UH will rise in the rankings all season and throttle just about every team they play, which will be salve on a huge wound. This was absolutely the best game on our schedule to lose (if you have to lose.) because it was a sobering reminder that only good play, good coaching, and a little bit of luck wins FB games. Hype never won anything. The Pokes can regroup and eat some crow while they tune up the O and the D side if the ball. This can, and probably will, be the best season ever for O- State FB. GO POKES
I guess the 4th quarter uneasiness is better than OU’s 1st quarter or pregame uneasiness huh John? You will write about that.. correct? Thx for being the #1 place for OSU sports 10 pages deep in the sports section..will it be this way for the next ten weeks ?