OSU 31, Colorado 28: Thoughts and observations
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
–I was very upfront about my belief that Zac Robinson shouldn’t play against Colorado. I felt OSU should be able to be Colorado with its running game and defense. Guess I was wrong…
–…or maybe I was right. If OSU had lost that game, it would have, again, been because they beat themselves. I didn’t envision five fumbles (three lost). I figured if OSU was going to turn it over it would be interceptions.
–What more can be said about Brandon Weeden. I wasn’t surprised by Weeden’s play. He just has that “it” factor much like Zac. Some people have it, some don’t it’s just that simple.
–The Cowboys need to do something about their kick coverage. A big part of the problem has been their battles with injuries. They had Donald Booker covering kicks last night, it just shows how depleted their depth really is. So I don’t know what really can be done at this point, unless they start pooch kicks.
–That Perrish Cox punt return was special. Excellent vision, excellent desire to make a big play.
–I wasn’t sure about the black uniforms at first but now I like them. That said, they are probably burning as I write this.
–OSU’s run defense was outstanding again. True enough CU only ran the ball 22 times but they averaged 0.6 yards per carry for 13 rushing yards.
–Once the coaches got the confidence in Weeden, he delivered. And his 16.8 per completion shows he is looking downfield and willing to take chances. Both good attributes.
–The last thing I expected was to see Keith Toston fumble AND Kendall Hunter fumble AND Perrish Cox to muff a punt.
–Give Colorado credit for capitalizing on OSU mistakes. They scored after Toston’s fumble, Cox’s muffed punt and the blocked FG. Then returned a kickoff for a touchdown. There’s their 28 points.
–This week I wrote about Patrick Lavine making big plays when the Cowboys need it… and who forced the fumble with CU driving late? Pat Lavine. He had eight tackles including two for loss and the forced fumble.
–Cornerback Andrew McGee played extremely well. But he’s been doing that all season, so it wasn’t a huge surprise.
–The Pokes were able to get a pass rush without having to blitz, which is a good sign for OSU heading into Bedlam.
–I wrote about Toston in my insider. If he’s not a all-big 12 running back, I’ll be shocked. He has earned it at this point, what more does he have to do?
–The biggest issue I saw with Alex Cate is that he didn’t play with confidence, almost like he didn’t EXPECT to play well. It’s hard to have success if you don’t envision success beforehand.
–When Weeden was asked if he was surprised how well he played, he said “Honestly, no.” His body language throughout the night showed he expected to have success when he was called upon. And he delivered.
–If you don’t think Quinn Sharp has a big effect on games, last night was a good example. He couldn’t kickoff the last few kicks and one was returned for a touchdown. And his punt average (34 yards) was not what the Cowboys have become accustomed to. They need him to be healthy for Bedlam.
–Weeden needs to be ready for Bedlam with Zac ailing. Even if Robinson starts, one hit on that shoulder and “hello Brandon”
–Bottom line: OSU will have to play A LOT better if they want to beat OU in Bedlam. It can be done however. Unless one team runs away with the turnover margin, OSU’s offensive line against OU’s defensive line will decide this game. And both units are among the Big 12′s best.
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Comments
Thought the Cowboys were looking past the game and came out cold. That with a new Quarterback and a slow start hurt. Defense sucked it up quickly and did damage control for the offense. Second half Weeden steps in and the Cowboys rallied around him both offense and defense. Stats showed 126 yards cowboy offense the 1st. Half and 274 yards the second have…more than doubled the performance. CU managed 141 the first half but could only muster 110 yards the second half. OSU cowboys are not only getting better on the field physically but they are able to handle adversity well and come back for wins…when trailing at half time..remember Tech. This is different than in years past when they would wither and fold. Keep playing tough Pokes and go get the Sooners.
I can’t remember a team I enjoyed watching more than this one. They play with so much heart. They refuse to give up. One last HUGE game to make this season one that will be remembered forever by OSU fans. GO POKES! BEAT OU!
Good point about expectation of performance between Cate & Weeden:
“The biggest issue I saw with Alex Cate is that he didn’t play with confidence, almost like he didn’t EXPECT to play well. It’s hard to have success if you don’t envision success beforehand.
–When Weeden was asked if he was surprised how well he played, he said “Honestly, no.” His body language throughout the night showed he expected to have success when he was called upon. And he delivered.”
Good analysis there Mr. Chatmon. “Thanks”
Booker put himself in on kickoff coverage. He did it last year and was frustrated and just did it. Dude was spent after the game.