Kickoff nearing
By Scott Wright
We’ve sung the national anthem. Pistol Pete has fired his gun. Bullet made his first appearance of the season.
Now the Cowboys are about to take the field for the first time of the year. Here are a few things to watch for today:
1. QB run game: Will Houston try to take away the quarterback run game the way Washington State did last week? I think at least a few teams will try to do that this season to contain Zac Robinson’s running ability and force him to throw the ball. He passed the test last week. We’ll see how this set of Cougars treats him.
2. RB run game: Will Kendall Hunter get the bulk of the carries again this week? I think Mike Gundy and Curtis Luper will try to ease up on him, giving more handoffs to Beau Johnson and Keith Toston — but Johnson especially. There were likely some butterflies for the junior-college transfer last week in his first D-I game. I expect a different look from him this week.
3. Secondary is primary: With the combination of Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Houston offensive priniciples combining on the Houston coaching staff, I expect plenty of completions from Cougar QB Casey Keenum. The key for OSU will be limiting yards after catch. OSU used their nickel package more than I anticipated last week, considering that Andre Sexton is really like a defensive back at linebacker. But that package — which adds Lucien Antoine into the group of regular DBs — will probably be on the field a lot today.
Court Cowboys on the field
The Oklahoma State basketball team is on the field, between the cheerleaders and the pom squad, waiting for the football team to come out of the tunnel.
-andrea cohen
Some football recruiting news
By Scott Wright
An interesting story popped up on the Web site of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution regarding the recruitment of Douglas County quarterback Tony Caldwell. Apparently OSU coaches came across a story about Caldwell’s first game, in which he completed 19 of 27 passes for 274 yards. It also mentioned that the senior once rushed for 200 yards in a game last season.
And now the Cowboys are interested.
There hasn’t been much movement on the QB recruiting front, though Scout.com recently spoke with Tyrik Rollison from Sulphur Springs, Texas, who is the highest rated recruit on OSU’s radar. The Cowboys have yet to offer him and the Scout story said Rollison has yet to speak with coach Mike Gundy. But Rollison continues to list OSU in his top three choices, because of the offense they run. He also says he wants to redshirt next year, which is ideal for OSU.
Tyler Tettleton will remain on OSU’s watch list as his season gets started. The Norman North senior ran for one TD and threw for another, though the Timber Wolves weren’t asked to do much in their 58-0 rout of intra-city rival Norman.
Regardless of which quarterback gets the next scholarship offer from OSU, it’ll likely be at least late September before it happens.
Scout: Trenton Marshall not going to be a Cowboy
The most highly-touted Oklahoma State commitment for the Class of 2009 has decommited, Scout.com reports.
Junior college player Trenton Marshall committed to OSU in mid-June and told The Oklahoman at the time that he chose the school mostly because of his relationship with assistant coach Butch Pierre, who was previously recruiting Marshall to LSU.
“I picked them because I’ve known Butch Pierre and he’s been recruiting me real hard,” Marshall said. “It was a pretty good campus, I like the way the office is and stuff. I like it.”
The shooting guard is a sophomore at Jones County in Mississippi. He told Scout.com that he is looking for schools closer to home.
-andrea cohen
5-0 start, then what?
By Scott Wright
The weekend before the season started, I wrote a story about what media members from around the Big 12 Conference thought would be the best possible realistic season for Oklahoma State. Most settled around 8-4.
One writer — Tom Shatel of the Omaha World-Herald — didn’t get my request for his participation in time to be part of the story, but still offered his thoughts. While cleaning out my e-mail box last night, I came across his responses and figured I should share them with the Cowboy fans. I think you’ll find it interesting.
But first, I want to ask you this: If the Cowboys start 5-0 (which they’ll have to shoot themselves in the foot not to), what is a reasonable expectation for the final record. In my opinion, 8-4 is still a respectable finish, but I’d like to know what you think.
Here’s what Tom had to say about the Pokes:
“I’d like to see Gundy make some noise in the top three of the south, meaning a win over OU, Texas Tech or Texas. He’s come close against Texas. I think they could 9-3 if they take care of home business and steal one on the road.
“My sleeper: an upset win at Missouri. That’s a dangerous sandwich game for Mizzou, after a trip to Nebraska (which they should be celebrating their first win in Lincoln in 30 years) and a trip to Austin the following week.”
Wednesday’s OSU links
* More on Dez Bryant’s “jump ball” ability.* Licking their wounds at Washington State.
Brad in a boot
Oklahoma State shooting guard Brad Garrett is cruising around campus and Gallagher-Iba Arena in a protective boot, but he said Monday evening that it isn’t a stress fracture as originally feared. That means he should be able to get back on the court by Oct. 1, Garrett said.
The sharp-shooting transfer has had an extremely injury-plagued career — he sat out most of last season after injuring his shoulder when OSU was in Maui over Thanksgiving. It was the second time he has had shoulder surgery.
-andrea cohen
OSU’s Monday links
* Gundy on the hot seat? No way! This blog says he “brought it”.
* Blowouts ahead from OSU, OU and Tulsa? Could be.
* Cowboys looking like more than just an offensive-minded team.
* A four-guard lineup for Travis Ford’s Cowboys?
Coming up: Houston QB Case Keenum
Coming up: Houston coach Kevin Sumlin
