Keys to the Cotton Bowl: Slowing Snead
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Over the next few days, I’ll be examining some keys to victory for the Oklahoma State Cowboys when they face Ole Miss in the 2010 Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
One main key to victory for Oklahoma State could be forcing Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead into making mistakes.
In the Rebels four losses, Snead has thrown nine interceptions and just five touchdowns and just 42.8 completion percentage.
Perrish Cox is poised to make plays in the Cotton Bowl.
Perrish Cox is one of the nation’s best and most opportunistic cornerbacks, so don’t be surprised if turnovers are the difference on Saturday.
Paging Darius White
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
In Monday’s paper, I wrote about Fort Worth (Texas) Dunbar receiver Darius White.
This guy is a playmaker on the highest level and I think the Cowboys like their chances of landing him. He took the time to make an official visit to Stillwater so there’s no doubt he sees the opportunity he could have if he chose the Cowboys. I’m sure the OSU coaching staff is showing White how they used Dez Bryant and how they highlighted Dez’s talents.
In talking to Rivals.com recruiting expert Jeremy Crabtree, it seemed like landing a player like White would catapult the Cowboys recruiting class into the top 20 and it would clearly be one of the top classes in the Big 12. It’s a class that talent-wise would be able to compete for Big 12 South championships.
Here’s a look at White in action:
Gundy pleased with first practice
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Oklahoma State held its first practice since Dec. 22 on Sunday and Cowboys coach Mike Gundy was happy with his team’s effort during its first workout in Cowboys Stadium.
“I thought practice was good today,” Gundy said. “It’s always an adjustment when you’re in a new place and have been off for a few days, but I thought we got great work in.”
Gundy had given the Pokes two weeks off following the regular season and said he felt it was the right decision on Sunday. With a team that was so beat up and overcame so much, Gundy just felt like it was the right move and apparently it has paid off. The Cowboys had good practices in Stillwater before heading to Dallas and the Pokes continued to focus and get things accomplished in their first on-site practice.
OSU will practice again on Monday from 1:15 to 3:50 p.m. at Cowboys Stadium.
Chat with Brandon Chatmon at 11 a.m.
Survival Counts
By John Helsley
jhelsley@opubco.com
For Cowboys fans, there was much to love and hate about Wednesday night’s win at Stanford.
On the bright side, of course, was a win. As they say, a win is a win is a win. Especially on the road.
And James Anderson played like the star he is. And Obi Muonelo reminded us of his ability to recognize — and deliver — when he’s needed most, firing for 18 second-half points.
And you had to like the way that with the game in danger of slipping away, freshman point guard Ray Penn — held scoreless to that point — looked as cool and refreshing as meringue on lemon pie.
Now to the dark side.
The Pokes nearly choked away a 15-point lead against a team with one real scoring threat.
Marshall Moses, one outing after scoring a career-high 28 points, got zip against Stanford, falling into foul trouble and playing just 14 minutes. The Cowboys need Moses every night, with little trusted help inside except for Matt Pilgrim, who has his own fouling issues.
Except for Anderson and Muonelo, OSU’s perimeter shooting was atrocious: 2-of-14 from 3-point range by everyone else combined.
An ugly win? The final five minutes, yeah.
But the first 35 were actually pretty appealing.
And remember, blemishes and all, a win is a win is a win.
OSU scouting report: Cotton Bowl
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
The Sporting News has a preview of the Cotton Bowl, taking a closer look at OSU looking for win No. 10.
Here’s a clip of Dexter McCluster’s long TD run against Tennessee:
Chat with Brandon Chatmon at 11 a.m.
Inside Travis Ford’s New Contract
By John Helsley
It’s been three months since the news of Travis Ford’s rich new contract at Oklahoma State.
A deal worth $20.375 million carrying through 2019. A deal that makes Ford the highest paid hoops coach in the country under the age of 40.
Those were the basics, although big basics, revealed three months ago. Well, the contract has finally been made public, finalized and presented for public perusing.
And here’s a few of the perks of being a Division I basketball coach, at least in Stillwater:
* In addition to the compensation package — $3.725 million in base salary and $16.65 million attached to talent and personal services if he remains at OSU through the end of the deal — the school is also contributing $400,000 annually to an employee retirement program for Ford.
* A fully insured, dealer provided vehicle.
* Membership, including initiation fees, to Karsten Creek.
* As many as 30 tickets per home basketball games.
* Use of a corporate suite at Gallagher-Iba for all regular-season home basketball games.
* Four tickets for home football games.
As protection for the university, termination of the contract without cause by Ford or a new employer would require a $3 million buyout, payable within 30 days.
Ford also signed off on an agreement that he would not personally or indirectly (through an agent or representative) inquire into, seek, negotiate for or accept other full-time or part-time employment of any nature without first obtaining written permission from the athletic director and school president. Such permission will not be “unreasonably withheld.”
Pretty good deal — for both sides, at least in some regards.
Great deal for Ford.
And for OSU and athletic director Mike Holder, the buyout clause should keep all but the biggest of big dog programs from sniffing around Ford.
Ranking Oklahoma State’s 2010 recruits
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
For the past week, I have been evaluating all 26 of OSU’s recruits. This is my final ranking of the recruits from 1 to 26. Keep in mind that my rankings are based off physical abilities and at the collegiate level it is commitment, mental toughness and mental approach which separates great from good and starter from non-starter. Physical ability is just part of the puzzle.
That said, here they are:
1. Calvin Barnett, DT, 6-3, 330, Tulsa Washington
Barnett gets the nod because it’s hard to find defensive tackles with his combination of quickness, strength, size and athleticism.
2. Joseph Randle, HB, 6-0, 180, Wichita (Kan.) Southeast
Randle is an exceptional runner with great feet and good vision.
3. Shaun Lewis, LB, 6-1, 205, Missouri City (Texas) Hightower
While undersized, Lewis is an explosive player and hitter. Expect him to make a impact immediately in Stillwater.
4. Justin Gilbert, DB, 6-0, 170, Huntsville (Texas)
Gilbert has blazing speed and great playmaking ability. Should battle for kick return duties as a true freshman.
5. Nathan Sorenson, QB, 6-3, 200, Texarkana (Texas) Texas High
Sorenson is perfect for OSU’s system and he’s a very good passer.
6. Caleb Lavey, LB, 6-4, 210, Celina (Texas)
Lavey is a terrific middle linebacker prospect. He has underrated athleticism, is physical and aggressive.
7. Tommie Saunders, LB, 6-1, 200, San Antonio (Texas) Hightower
Saunders may be the best hitter in the class. A very physical player with speed and athleticism.
8. Dan Koenig, OL, 6-6, 260, Cape Coral (Fla.)
A athletic big man, Koenig has great potential and the frame to add weight.
9. Stephen Maeweather, LB, 6-2, 203, Houston (Texas) Sharpstown
Another physical linebacker prospect with good speed and athleticism.
10. Johnny Deaton, QB, 6-3, 195, Sand Springs
Another great fit for the Cowboys offense, Deaton is a solid run-pass threat.
11. Lavocheya Cooper, DB, 6-1, 185, Arp (Texas)
Cooper is an athletic safety prospect who loves contact.
12. Zack Craig, DB, 6-2, 175, Spring Branch (Texas) Smithson Valley
Craig could be the sleeper of the class. He’s got the size/speed combo coaches crave in defensive backs.
13. Chris Dinkins, WR, 6-2, 215, Tyler (Texas) Lee
A big receiver who had good speed and the potential to create mismatches.
14. Diamonte Wheeler, DT, 6-2, 278, Arlington (Texas) Bowie
A solid defensive tackle prospect who has the quickness Bill Young craves in his interior linemen.
15. Devin Hedgepeth, DB, 6-0, 185, Derby (Kan.)
Hedgepeth is a solid safety prospect. A willing tackler with good athleticism.
16. Kris Catlin, LB, 6-1, 215, San Antonio (Texas) Madison
The Pokes most overlooked linebacker prospect but he has the talent to make quality career in an OSU uniform.
17. Larry Stephens, CB, 5-10, 180, Galena Park (Texas) North Shore
Doesn’t have all the measurables that get people excited… he just makes plays.
18. Gerron Anthony, OL, 6-4, 315, Tyler (Texas) John Tyler
Very athletic lineman for his size who could play his way onto the field early in his career.
19. Chris Littlehead, DT, 6-2, 305, Sequoyah Tahlequah
A strong physical defensive tackle who has a mean streak.
20. Montra Nelson, WR, 6-3, 221, Arlington (Texas) Bowie
Another big receiver who has great body control, much like Tracy Moore.
21. Deion Imade, DB, 6-0, 185, Rowlett (Texas)
An underrated safety prospect who is very versatile
22. Kevin Johnson, WR, 6-2, 190, Houston (Texas) Cypress Ridge
A polished route runner with the potential to be a intermediate threat.
23. Joseph Okafor, DE, 6-6, 231, Houston (Texas) Bellaire
Excellent frame and looks the part. Just needs a year or two to get used to Big 12 football.
24. Davidell Collins, OL/DL, 6-6, 255, Bearden (Ark.)
Needs to bulk up but has good feet and is an very good athlete for his size.
25. Eli Dickerson, OL, 6-7, 285, The Woodlands (Texas) College Park
Very good size and has the potential to develop into a solid starter.
NA. Jacob Jenkins, OL, 6-3, 260, Gilmer (Texas)
I could find film on Jenkins so I will hold off on my ranking of him.
OSU insider in-depth: Diamonte Wheeler
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
With recruiting season in full swing, I will be evaluating all 26 prospects who are currently committed to the Oklahoma State football program. I will go in alphabetical order and will post three or four evaluations per day during the next week.
My evaluations will conclude tomorrow when I rank OSU’s commitments including their chances of having an immediate impact in Stillwater.
Diamonte Wheeler, Arlington (Texas) Bowie
Position: Defensive Tackle
Ht, Wt: 6-2, 278
Vitals: 5.0 in 40, 325 bench, 600 squat, 25-inch vertical
Picked OSU over… Nebraska, Texas Tech, Arkansas, Arizona, Houston, Kansas and others
Pros: Wheeler is quick, yet displays the ability to anchor himself in a hole or gap. A very athletic player for his size. Ideal for Bill Young’s philosophy of quick interior linemen.
Cons: Needs to bulk up without losing his quickness.
Expect an impact in… 2011. Expect Wheeler to redshirt but he could push for immediate playing time due to his quickness.
