Thoughts on Oklahoma State’s “Depth Chart” ESPN feature
I just watched Oklahoma State’s “Depth Chart” show on ESPN twice. Here are some thoughts on the documentary.
Overall, I thought it was a very solid product. All three quarterbacks—Brandon Weeden, Clint Chelf and J.W. Walsh—came off well and it was a good mix of on-the-field and off-the-field material. Some really great photography, too, especially when showing off OSU’s stunning facilities.
My favorite “football” elements were getting inside the locker room and the team meetings. It was really cool to see that interaction between coaches and players and all the work that goes on away from the practice field. I get to watch practice, but I don’t get to see that stuff.
My favorite “non-football” element was when Brandon went to his parents’ house. I loved the home video footage of him getting a football as a kid (“Football! Yeah! Just what I wanted!”) and hearing his parents, Sharie and Robbie, talking about his transition from baseball to football and what the journey has meant to their family. I think Robbie even got a bit teary-eyed.
A couple things seemed staged—when Weeden handed his wife, Melanie, a sports section that he was on the front of (The Oklahoman?), when the wide receivers went to Bad Brad’s just to talk about their quarterback and when Gundy and Monken met in Gundy’s office. Those moments didn’t sit comfortably with me.
I’ve already heard a lot about offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s…word choice. I tallied 24 times that Monken was bleeped for profanity. I’ve only interacted with Monken on a limited basis for about seven weeks, and in my experience, he’s not a bad guy. Intense? Yes. Speaks his mind? Absolutely. He’s a reporter’s dream in that sense, because he’ll answer every question honestly. Some people just swear more than others—almost to the point that it loses its “purpose.” I can see why some people would be taken aback by it, but it doesn’t really bother me.
And yes, some of you noticed that I made a random cameo during the part where Weeden was getting interviewed by the media before the Louisiana-Lafayette game. That was my second day at The Oklahoman. And that day was an absolute blur.
Some random notes:
Really liked how the show opened with the pregame scene, but then cutting to a bunch of weather stuff was a little awkward. But I did like the audio montage from Robert Allen and Co. about Weeden and the high expectations for the Cowboys this season.
Chelf is riding a scooter/moped. So, who started that trend? Weeden or Chelf? It’s a mystery I plan to get to the bottom of.
Stillwater was described as a “sleepy town” and an “unlikely place for a 27-year-old to seek athletic redemption.” I think that’s a pretty accurate description. But, again, I’ve only been here seven weeks.
The exchange between Brandon and Melanie, where she asks him when the deal they made that she cleans the house and he goes to the store will start happening, was priceless.
Before I got here, I remember reading/hearing so much about how the tempo of the offense during scrimmages was not very good and how everyone was trying to adjust to Monken being in the booth rather than on the sideline. It’s interesting to see how things were in August and how they are now.
Alex Elkins was shown during a montage of “freshman introductions.” He’s a new player, but a junior-college transfer. Whoops, ESPN.
Thought the practice segment where Walsh’s shoulder was “going to fall off” was interesting. One, to see how different major college football really is compared to high school football from a physical standpoint. And two, to see the respect that Weeden has from his coaches. I thought it was a solid leadership move for Weeden to tell Monken that Walsh was “not sore, he’s hurting.”
Chelf telling Walsh his bagel order was hilarious. I can’t comment on their golf games, because I’m absolutely terrible at that sport.
The random fan shots at the fair were odd.
Oh, Boone…
I loved the montage of the first day of classes. Was Walsh falling asleep? And how come I couldn’t take a golf class? I just mentioned I was terrible.
Monken can cook? Walsh can make a peanut butter pie?
The game day footage was great, especially the stuff with Monken in the booth and his phone interaction with Weeden. For some reason, “good throw, buddy” made me laugh. I don’t know why. Also, Weeden was absolutely disgusted with himself after that third interception. But that “bad” performance sure feels like a long time ago now, doesn’t it?
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the show:
Mike Gundy’s pregame speech: “You’re on your field in front of your friends and your family. You’ve got an opportunity to do something special. Let’s get it done.”
Gundy’s speech at first fall practice: “From this point on, we want no regrets. Practice to win. Don’t just practice to get it completed. Don’t just practice to finish. Practice to win.”
Monken on Weeden’s ability: “There’s not one throw he can’t make. It’s really amazing how accurate he is with all the throws he has to make.”
Chelf on Monken’s knowledge: “I’ve never been around anybody that knows football as well as he does.”
Weeden on his minor league baseball career: “I failed. I’ve experienced what it takes to overcome adversity.”
Weeden on Walsh’s potential: “He’s one of those guys that will always learn, always ask questions, and that’s pretty unique for an 18-year-old kid that’s just coming in and trying to learn the offense.”
Boone Pickens on the state of the OSU program: “We know we are competitive. Everything’s lined up. Let’s just do it. Let’s get a national championship. I’m ready, and I know everybody else is.”
Weeden on Justin Blackmon’s ability: “More times than not, he made me look better than I should have last year.”
Weeden on his playing style: “I rely on my arm a little bit too much at times. But I’m willing to take a shot. I’m all about throwing the big ball and letting our receivers go get it.”
Gundy pregame speech: “You get 13 opportunities in 365 days a year.”
So, what did you think? Leave your comments below.
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Comments
Whoa whoa whoa! Rick got electricity and learned how to press the button on the Google-machine!! Rick, like Uncle Rico (Napoleon Dynamite), is just upset that he can’t go back in time and win that 2a state championship out in BFE, Oklahoma… and by God he’s REALLY upset that he can’t go back and play for his beloved sooners down there in norman, America.. HOODANG!!! Well, Rick, you can’t. Brandon Weeden on the other hand could, did, and is putting on quite the show. Now I know this comes as new information to you, Rick, but most men actually hit growth spurts in high school and finish growing around age 19-21. This is why 16 year olds can’t play Little League.. and as for 24/254 year olds playing high school sports, that’s not possible either because of something called graduation (not sure if you’ve accomplished this feat,so I’ll tack your comment up to ‘misunderstanding’) However, 28 yr old playing college sports? No illegalities here. It happens more than you think, but most aren’t as talented as Weeden. Despite your 4 years as backup punter down in Wapanucka, 3 years in the oil field, and 7 years military service.. I STILL don’t think you were in the shape to come back and play Div 1 football against 99.99% of the recruited 18 and 19 yr olds across the country. You would have gotten your mess handed to you. I know, I know.. it must be devestating news for you to hear this, but I’m not your mother telling you that you can do whatever you put your mind to, because you can’t.. accept it, buddy. Most 28 year olds I know couldn’t take the abuse from those 18-19 year olds playing Div 1 football, but apparently Weeden can, and I’m glad he’s the trigger man for my Pokes’ top rated offense. If Landry Jones was 28, doubt we’d be reading your insignificant posts. As for 70 year olds marrying 10 year olds.. I have no response to imbecility. I applaud/thank you for your service to our country, but your post was just asinine.. Go Pokes!
nice to see that Gina is keeping up the DjOKe standards on proofreading. “chelf on monken”.
sigh.
enjoyed the espn production. a lot. interesting editing choices. anyone think espn does not love Gundy? think that espn may be feeling more love than oSu fans. he is turning out to be a special head coach.
“Sleepy town”? “Unlikely place”?
While I can understand the perspective from the benighted and uninformed visitor, as one that grew up in the Houston Metro, one that’s traveled all over the U.S., and one that’s traveled to the opposite side of the planet, I can offer first hand testimony as to the fact that the OSU/Stillwater community is not only singularly unique but also stands tall on a World Class stage.
Under the guise of a small unassuming hamlet on the prairie in what was once known as the Territories, OSU/Stillwater has produced the likes of Garth Brookes and the All American Rejects. OSU/Stillwater produced the inventor of the PC.
Not so long ago, it was reported that outside of the Military Academy’s, OSU/Stillwater had produced more active duty Generals and Admirals than any other University in our nation. It was also reported that OSU/Stillwater had produced the greatest per capita personnel contributions to our nations intelligence communities (NSA, CIA, etc…).
I could go on and on…
Unlikely place to seek athletic redemption?
The place that produced two current MLB Manager’s?
The place that has produced no fewer than 21 Olympic Gold Medal winners along with a Olympic Gold medal winning coach?
The place that has produced over 140 individual NCAA National Champions and 50 NCAA National Team Titles?
In what other 50k village on this planet does one find world-class facilities the likes of Karsten Creek, GIA, and BPS?
OSU currently touts a defending National Championship team that has retained its number 1 ranking (Cross Country), a Top 10 Football team, a Top 5 Soccer team, a Top 5 Golf team, a Top 5 Wrestling team, and a Top 5 Equestrian team.
“Unlikely place”?
Athletics?
Compared to the Vegas Strip, at 4:00AM, Stillwater is no doubt “sleepy” in comparison but pray tell, per capita, what place on this Earth is more likely to provide such athletic opportunity?
Good gosh, even the Editor of this news outlet is a OSU/Stillwater product.
OSU/Stillwater has such a long storied history of producing the demographically unlikely that such has become more-than-likely reoccurrances to the better informed.
That being said, it was a great piece.
Rick-if you were any kind of real football fan, you would be able to acknowledge the true talent that Weeden has at quarterback & wouldn’t be pathetically focusing on his age alone. GO POKES!!
Amazing show!!! I loved every minute of it. That has to be the best full hour of national exposure (aside from a big game) that OSU has ever received.
Richard – excellent points. OSU needs to take what you just posted and turn it into a commercial.
The audio montage at the beginning of the special was only partly Robert Allen.
Most of it actually came from the Cowboys Ride For Free blog podcasts.
My favorite quote was when Monken said “the said ULL has the best corner, bur we have the best receiver in the country so f them. hahaha
I love the national press we get and also love how the dorks on the Sports Animal always try to downplay it to cater to their gooner listeners.
Downplay it all you want but that’s like trying to plug the little leak while the flood is spilling over the top of the dam.
I think it is very clear by now: A lot, I mean A LOT of OU fans are total idiots. Every time I think that my fans are getting smarter, one of them talks and I know that they aren’t getting smarter. Thank you to my core fans (high school drop outs, oil field workers, uneducated) for your support. Please try to be quite, you are making OU look like all of our fans are idiots. Go Sooners!
Gina, I too, enjoyed the ESPN special on OSU football. I didn’t have a problem with Coach Monken or anything related to the program. Well done.
However, I thought the county fair and its patrons were an odd choice, too. The footage reminded me of post-tornado destruction coverage: It appears the national media always gravitates to the most eccentric, buck-toothed, and uneducated people they can find.
Overall, I believe the program could be a nice recruiting tool.
[...] Good thoughts on Depth Chart from Gina Mizell. Glad to see someone else thought the Chelf/Walsh Bagel Cafe exchange was hilarious as well. (NewsOK) [...]
Hi, Gina –
My husband and I had DVR’d the show and just watched it late last night. I think your review of the program was fairly dead-on, but I’m glad you qualified the “sleepy town” comment with your lack of time there.
You’re right – there were actually a number of transitions in the program that were a bit strange – the opening about the weather went on for about 15 seconds too long, in my opinion. The point was made…it was horribly hot for the players to be practicing, but then they never showed any players sweating profusely or overdosing on Gatorade because of the heat…and the fair thing was weird too.
However, I was pretty impressed with the research and digging the creators did. The family film was just one piece of that – the stroll through the trophy room, the specific visual features they picked were fairly meaningful to the OSU community, and the clear hierarchical leadership structure were spot on. I liked your write up. I’m not sure what feedback you’re talking about in terms of “potty mouth” syndrome, but I have a feeling the longer that guy is around the OSU team, some of that will fade away anyway. Expletives aren’t a huge part of that context within which he’s embedded. Obviously, they exist – it’s sports. But…it’s not part of the identity, per se.
Welcome to OSU sports coverage –
~ Red Dirt Kelly
Great stuff Gina. I especially like how you pointed out the (likely) staged portions of the show. That was stilted, as you say, but I agree it was extremely well done overall. Stillwater is a great place but it’s most definitely a sleepy little town. I wonder Gina, do you read these comments?
Rick, and change you’re an OU fan? I thought so. If Landry was as old as he looks with that receding hairline your tune would change. It’s not little league dude. It’s big time college football. They are all adults so the same rules apply to all. It’s not all advantage at 28. There are certainly areas where a 21 yr old player has the advantage over a 28 yr old such as endurance and quick reflexes. But we’re OSU, so we’re used to OU fans making excuses. Maybe you better give the NCAA a call and let them know that BYU has a huge advantage over the rest since all their athletes complete a 2 yr mission before they graduate, so their average starter is probably 23 or 24. Idiot. How old is Whaley btw, like 24? And he has eligibility remaining. Gine, I took golf at OSU as an elective 30+ yrs ago and made an A. I couldn’t shoot under 100 at the time. It has nothing to do with your ability. It has a lot to do with knowing the minutiae of the rules of the game and the mechanics of the golf swing as well as other nerdy stuff. Stillwater is a ‘sleepy town’. What is that? Not enough cocaine like they do in Norman or something? They should spend a weekend in Gotebo and so should you. If Stilly is sleepy then most towns in this State are in a coma. When I was there in school in the early 80′s the town was half as big and far tamer. The only night I recall things getting crazy was Streaker Night! What happened to that?
Are you people that stupid. Brandon Weeden is 28 years old. There’s no way he should be allowed to compete in college. If you’re ok with this then you should have no problem with 16 year olds competing in Little League. If Gundy gives his I’m 40 I’m a man speech Weeden can say yeah me too. Weeden says that most people are suprised that he’s not 22 or 23 years old. Are you kidding me. Everytime that I hear Gundy or Monken say that they’re suprised how mature he is, I think that they must be complete idiots. By Brandon Weedens age I had already spent 7 years in the military and 3 years in the oilfield. There is no way that it would be fair for me to compete with 18 and 19 year olds. This is a disgrace. It’s as bad as when Chris Wienke won the Heisman trophy as a 27 year old. If you believe the crap you’re selling then I’ll be on board for 24 and 254 year olds playing high school football. Next thing you know you’ll be OK with 70 year old men marrying 10 year old girls.