It's been an (almost) great weekend.
Audrey called me tonight while I was in my Daily O sports section meeting and left me a voice mail that pretty much summed it up.
"It was potentially the greatest sports weekend of our lives... Then the Cowboys played..."
This has become the story of my life the last couple of weeks.
First, Texas A&M handles Baylor and all order is restored in the world. If Baylor had somehow knocked the Ags off in College Station, I'm pretty sure the administrators would have closed the school. But the 'ol "Wrecking Crew" came through, and Ryan Tannehill came through.
Speaking of Tannehill, I'd like to issue an apology to the quarterback. I was among the Tannehill haters coming into last year when Jerrod was pulled. Jerrod was one of my favorite Aggies to ever play behind Dat Nguyen, Reggie McNeal and Jamaar Toombs (TOOOOOOOMBS!!!), and I think the fact that Tannehill had to come in and replace him is why I didn't like the guy.
I saw him as a conservative quarterback, and once called him an SEC quarterback (go figure...). He never slung the ball around like the rest of the Big 12, but he's coming into his own now. Had he played against Nebraska and OU last year like he did against Baylor this weekend, the Ags would've won by 50. So Ryan, if you're reading this, my bad buddy. My bad.
Then, Oklahoma State played. Blah. That's all I have to say about it. It was a good game because of the outcome, but not a great game. I thought the play-calling was sub-par, Weeden was about a step off and our special teams were suspect as usual. However, I was impressed with the defense. They locked down and only TRULY gave up about 10 points. Well done, Pokes.
Side note: As I put on twitter yesterday, Jamie Blatnick (defensive end, #50) is one of the scariest guys I have ever met and seen play. Next time you see an Oklahoma State game, watch him. He's a freak.
Finally, the Rangers took the field and sent the Tigers back to Detroit with their tails between their legs. Between a 9 run third inning and a steady flow of run support after that, the Rangers Cruz'd (pun intended) into their second straight World Series appearance, which will be played with what looks like the St. Louis Cardinals.
Take care of business this time, boys.
The weekend was great... Or should I say, the Saturday was great.
And just like Audrey said on my voicemail -- "Then the Cowboys played."
No comment.
Showing posts with label State. Show all posts
Showing posts with label State. Show all posts
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
OSU Schedule Breakdown - Volume 2
Oklahoma State is through their first four games of the year, and came out smelling like a rose at 4-0.
A gorgeous work of art that included two beat downs in Stillwater, a midnight road premiere in Tulsa (My sleep schedule still isn't recovered) and a brilliant final chapter in the book of second half comebacks against A&M, something that is sure to send the Ags to the SEC with their tails between their legs.
But the first phase of the season is over, and the second is about to begin this weekend against Kansas.
To see the prior installment of this series, check out my blog post from the first four games here.
Game 5: Kansas. OSU 47 KU 14 Uniform Predition: Black Helmet, Orange Jersey, Black Pants
Coming off of their bye week, the Cowboys should be well prepared for this game. Although they have yet to show the recovery process from losing CB Devin Hedgepeth (achilles) and OG Jonathan Rush (knee) for the season, I think they will be okay. For Hedgepeth's spot, Brodrick Brown just shut down Biletnikoff hopeful Jeff Fuller in College Station, and Justin Gilbert on the opposite side is probably the best athlete in the Big 12, if not the country (Yeah, I said it.) For Rush, his buddy Nick Martinez will most likely step into his guard spot. Overall, this game will be another blowout. Kansas had a good first half against Texas Tech last week, but OSU is completely different and a whole different level of "Explosiveness." The Pokes ride on, 5-0.
Game 6: @ Texas. OSU 38 UT 24 Uniform Prediction: White helmet, jersey and pants.
OSU hasn't lost to a team in Texas in two years now, and I don't see them losing in the Lone Star State this year either. The longhorns have incredible home field advantage and incredible athletes, but lack what makes every good football team great -- a quarterback. With no quarterback comes no leadership, and with no leadership comes a wandering ship. The Cowboy defense showed their true colors against A&M in the second half. Now we know what they're capable of, let's just hope that becomes the minimum they give. The score will be a lot closer than the game is, I think Texas will score some garbage points at the end.
Game 7: @ Mizzou. OSU 48 MU 38 Uniform Prediction: White Helmet, White Jersey, Orange Pants
This is the second "Game of the Year" in my mind (With A&M being the first.) Missouri has a way of making things complicated, especially when the game is played in Columbia. OU was beaten there last year, and the Tigers defend their home turf extremely well. This will be another thriller, but I think OSU once again escapes by the skin of their teeth simply because they have better, veteran athletes that have been in a game like that before.
Game 8: HOMECOMING vs. Baylor. OSU 52 BU 14 Uniform Prediction: White Helmet, Orange Jersey, White Pants
Everything about this game is exciting. Last year, the Bears rolled in with all the confidence in the world, only to be down 35 points about 5 plays into the game. This year, the stage will be set similarly. Kansas State just knocked off Baylor in Manhattan this past weekend (October 1), but Baylor knows how to win a ballgame. However, at this point the Pokes will have been away from home for a long time with one game in Stillwater since September 8th against Arizona. They'll come charging out of the tunnel and not look back, especially with last year's homecoming loss to Nebraska in the back of their minds. They aren't letting that happen again, you can take that to the bank.
Season Phase 1 MVP's:
Safety Daytawion Lowe- The Cowboys lost Johnny Thomas, their starting safety alongside Markelle Martin, at the beginning of the season because of eligibility issues. Fans were questioning if Lowe was capable of filling his shoes. If he didn't answer those questions in the first three games of the season, his big hit and forced fumble early in the second half of the A&M game should have.
Defensive End Cooper Bassett- Not to promo my own stories, but the O'Collegian is running my feature on Bassett friday, so be on the lookout for that. Bassett has been playing out of his mind. Long story short, he was recruited as a tight end and changed to defensive end last year. This year, he's been in on several key and game-changing plays. Bassett will be a force down the stretch, and the rest of his days at State.
WR Johnny Cooper- Brandon Weeden always says "I don't know why Cooper doesn't get any publicity." Well here you go, Brandon. He's getting a special shoutout on the most-read blog on the internet... Ha. But seriously, Cooper has been an incredible compliment to Justin Blackmon so far this season, serving as both an outlet for Weeden, as well as sneaking under the radar against defenses. Coop is dynamite in a bottle.
O-Lineman Nick Martinez- Give the big man some love! Once again, did a feature on him a week or so ago... But not the point. Martinez came into the year not having a position, and played two or three every game up through A&M to keep everyone fresh. He's the main reason why Joseph Randle has been able to run the ball so well, he comes in fresh while another guy recovers on the sideline, then does it for the next guy, and so on. With Rush going down with his knee injury, Martinez will most likely get cemented into taking his spot, and with that the rotation will most likely die. Unless Coach Wickline hasn't something else under his sleeve. I wouldn't be surprised if he does.
That's all I've got, "Phase 3" breakdown will come after the Baylor game.
Go Pokes, Go Rangers!
A gorgeous work of art that included two beat downs in Stillwater, a midnight road premiere in Tulsa (My sleep schedule still isn't recovered) and a brilliant final chapter in the book of second half comebacks against A&M, something that is sure to send the Ags to the SEC with their tails between their legs.
But the first phase of the season is over, and the second is about to begin this weekend against Kansas.
To see the prior installment of this series, check out my blog post from the first four games here.
Game 5: Kansas. OSU 47 KU 14 Uniform Predition: Black Helmet, Orange Jersey, Black Pants
Coming off of their bye week, the Cowboys should be well prepared for this game. Although they have yet to show the recovery process from losing CB Devin Hedgepeth (achilles) and OG Jonathan Rush (knee) for the season, I think they will be okay. For Hedgepeth's spot, Brodrick Brown just shut down Biletnikoff hopeful Jeff Fuller in College Station, and Justin Gilbert on the opposite side is probably the best athlete in the Big 12, if not the country (Yeah, I said it.) For Rush, his buddy Nick Martinez will most likely step into his guard spot. Overall, this game will be another blowout. Kansas had a good first half against Texas Tech last week, but OSU is completely different and a whole different level of "Explosiveness." The Pokes ride on, 5-0.
Game 6: @ Texas. OSU 38 UT 24 Uniform Prediction: White helmet, jersey and pants.
OSU hasn't lost to a team in Texas in two years now, and I don't see them losing in the Lone Star State this year either. The longhorns have incredible home field advantage and incredible athletes, but lack what makes every good football team great -- a quarterback. With no quarterback comes no leadership, and with no leadership comes a wandering ship. The Cowboy defense showed their true colors against A&M in the second half. Now we know what they're capable of, let's just hope that becomes the minimum they give. The score will be a lot closer than the game is, I think Texas will score some garbage points at the end.
Game 7: @ Mizzou. OSU 48 MU 38 Uniform Prediction: White Helmet, White Jersey, Orange Pants
This is the second "Game of the Year" in my mind (With A&M being the first.) Missouri has a way of making things complicated, especially when the game is played in Columbia. OU was beaten there last year, and the Tigers defend their home turf extremely well. This will be another thriller, but I think OSU once again escapes by the skin of their teeth simply because they have better, veteran athletes that have been in a game like that before.
Game 8: HOMECOMING vs. Baylor. OSU 52 BU 14 Uniform Prediction: White Helmet, Orange Jersey, White Pants
Everything about this game is exciting. Last year, the Bears rolled in with all the confidence in the world, only to be down 35 points about 5 plays into the game. This year, the stage will be set similarly. Kansas State just knocked off Baylor in Manhattan this past weekend (October 1), but Baylor knows how to win a ballgame. However, at this point the Pokes will have been away from home for a long time with one game in Stillwater since September 8th against Arizona. They'll come charging out of the tunnel and not look back, especially with last year's homecoming loss to Nebraska in the back of their minds. They aren't letting that happen again, you can take that to the bank.
Season Phase 1 MVP's:
Safety Daytawion Lowe- The Cowboys lost Johnny Thomas, their starting safety alongside Markelle Martin, at the beginning of the season because of eligibility issues. Fans were questioning if Lowe was capable of filling his shoes. If he didn't answer those questions in the first three games of the season, his big hit and forced fumble early in the second half of the A&M game should have.
Defensive End Cooper Bassett- Not to promo my own stories, but the O'Collegian is running my feature on Bassett friday, so be on the lookout for that. Bassett has been playing out of his mind. Long story short, he was recruited as a tight end and changed to defensive end last year. This year, he's been in on several key and game-changing plays. Bassett will be a force down the stretch, and the rest of his days at State.
WR Johnny Cooper- Brandon Weeden always says "I don't know why Cooper doesn't get any publicity." Well here you go, Brandon. He's getting a special shoutout on the most-read blog on the internet... Ha. But seriously, Cooper has been an incredible compliment to Justin Blackmon so far this season, serving as both an outlet for Weeden, as well as sneaking under the radar against defenses. Coop is dynamite in a bottle.
O-Lineman Nick Martinez- Give the big man some love! Once again, did a feature on him a week or so ago... But not the point. Martinez came into the year not having a position, and played two or three every game up through A&M to keep everyone fresh. He's the main reason why Joseph Randle has been able to run the ball so well, he comes in fresh while another guy recovers on the sideline, then does it for the next guy, and so on. With Rush going down with his knee injury, Martinez will most likely get cemented into taking his spot, and with that the rotation will most likely die. Unless Coach Wickline hasn't something else under his sleeve. I wouldn't be surprised if he does.
That's all I've got, "Phase 3" breakdown will come after the Baylor game.
Go Pokes, Go Rangers!
Monday, October 3, 2011
First Set of College Football Predictions
I don't like predictions.
They only go one of two ways -- You looking good, or you looking bad.
That being said, I've had some success in the prediction department.
I called Mavs in 6, Rangers to the World Series (Although my series prediction didn't prove true), and even last week in College Station. As the clock hit 0:00 for halftime, Audrey Ryon, my "date", turned to me and said "Is that worry I see on your face?"
I smirked, and answered "Nope, just wait until the second half."
Due to a pact with Ms. Ryon, that is the last I will be speaking of the OSU vs. A&M game, but to clear things up, I will simply say we won. Go Pokes.
But back to business, this will be my first set of College Football predictions for the season. It will include a few big games left on the schedules, conference championships, and the national championship.
Big Games
Alabama over LSU.
I think Alabama is "The team" this year. LSU has played incredible on the road early this season, but Tuscaloosa is a completely different story. Last year, Auburn went in and dug out of a big hole to come out on top, and I don't see the Tide letting that happen again. The problem with LSU is that the quarterback situation. They're questioning Jarrett Lee, who won three tough road games for them, and with the return of Jordan Jefferson, I can see Les Miles trying to make that situation work and having it blow up in his face in the end. Especially in Tuscaloosa.
Wisconsin over Michigan State & Ohio State 10/22 & 10/29
Wisconsin has to go to the horseshoe, but I don't see much resistance this year. The media will hype this game up just because it's "THE Ohio State", but Wisconsin's true test will be the week before against Michigan State. This will be a tradition game, but I see Wisconsin finishing off the MSU/OSU two step wonderfully, especially due to neither of the opponents
Oregon over Stanford 11/12
Stanford doesn't have the firepower Oregon does. It'll be a track meet that Oregon wins easily, especially after having so many "tune up" games before.
Oklahoma State over Oklahoma 12/3
Call me a homer, I don't care. I genuinely think this is the year. OSU is loaded on offense, and the defense shows up when it needs to. Look at the second half of the A&M game, the Cowboys defense completely took Cyrus Gray and Christian Michael out of the game. They also forced Tannehill, widely regarded as a conservative passer, into a handful of turnovers. That amount of defense will be enough for OU, who looks good when they line up against Ball State and beat them by 80 points, but struggled against true opponents such as Florida State and Missouri. And don't forget, Florida State was in Tallahassee... Don't forget where Bedlam is. I'll give you a hint, it rhymes with Stillwater.
Conference Champions
Big 10- Wisconsin
Big East- Pittsburgh
ACC- Clemson or Florida State
Big 12- Oklahoma State
SEC- Alabama
Pac 12- Oregon
Who cares- Boise State
National Championship
Alabama over Wisconsin
This is a tough one. I think these are the two best teams in America because they've built their football team the right way. I was just talking with Harrison, and I said that a football team is only as good as their offensive and defensive lines, and that is the case here. Alabama has some of the most athletic lineman in the nation, and Wisconsin's offensive line may be as good as their Green Bay Packer neighbors. I've gotta give the edge to Bama though, their defense will get it done, as well as the diversity they face all year in the SEC.
My Top 10 Teams in the Nation (Not taking into account the time of their losses, one of the biggest flaws of the BCS and the main reason OK State wasn't in a BCS bowl last year)
1- Alabama
2- LSU
3- Wisconsin
4- Oklahoma State
5- Oklahoma
6- Clemson (I'm a believer!)
7- Oregon
8- Texas A&M (Losses are due to coaching, not to talent level)
9- Stanford
10- Georgia Tech (They're the truth this year)
That's all I've got. I'll revisit this in a few weeks when all of my top 10 teams have lost and the college football landscape is completely different.
But then again, isn't that why we love this sport?
Go Pokes and Go Rangers, that's all folks.
They only go one of two ways -- You looking good, or you looking bad.
That being said, I've had some success in the prediction department.
I called Mavs in 6, Rangers to the World Series (Although my series prediction didn't prove true), and even last week in College Station. As the clock hit 0:00 for halftime, Audrey Ryon, my "date", turned to me and said "Is that worry I see on your face?"
I smirked, and answered "Nope, just wait until the second half."
Due to a pact with Ms. Ryon, that is the last I will be speaking of the OSU vs. A&M game, but to clear things up, I will simply say we won. Go Pokes.
But back to business, this will be my first set of College Football predictions for the season. It will include a few big games left on the schedules, conference championships, and the national championship.
Big Games
Alabama over LSU.
I think Alabama is "The team" this year. LSU has played incredible on the road early this season, but Tuscaloosa is a completely different story. Last year, Auburn went in and dug out of a big hole to come out on top, and I don't see the Tide letting that happen again. The problem with LSU is that the quarterback situation. They're questioning Jarrett Lee, who won three tough road games for them, and with the return of Jordan Jefferson, I can see Les Miles trying to make that situation work and having it blow up in his face in the end. Especially in Tuscaloosa.
Wisconsin over Michigan State & Ohio State 10/22 & 10/29
Wisconsin has to go to the horseshoe, but I don't see much resistance this year. The media will hype this game up just because it's "THE Ohio State", but Wisconsin's true test will be the week before against Michigan State. This will be a tradition game, but I see Wisconsin finishing off the MSU/OSU two step wonderfully, especially due to neither of the opponents
Oregon over Stanford 11/12
Stanford doesn't have the firepower Oregon does. It'll be a track meet that Oregon wins easily, especially after having so many "tune up" games before.
Oklahoma State over Oklahoma 12/3
Call me a homer, I don't care. I genuinely think this is the year. OSU is loaded on offense, and the defense shows up when it needs to. Look at the second half of the A&M game, the Cowboys defense completely took Cyrus Gray and Christian Michael out of the game. They also forced Tannehill, widely regarded as a conservative passer, into a handful of turnovers. That amount of defense will be enough for OU, who looks good when they line up against Ball State and beat them by 80 points, but struggled against true opponents such as Florida State and Missouri. And don't forget, Florida State was in Tallahassee... Don't forget where Bedlam is. I'll give you a hint, it rhymes with Stillwater.
Conference Champions
Big 10- Wisconsin
Big East- Pittsburgh
ACC- Clemson or Florida State
Big 12- Oklahoma State
SEC- Alabama
Pac 12- Oregon
Who cares- Boise State
National Championship
Alabama over Wisconsin
This is a tough one. I think these are the two best teams in America because they've built their football team the right way. I was just talking with Harrison, and I said that a football team is only as good as their offensive and defensive lines, and that is the case here. Alabama has some of the most athletic lineman in the nation, and Wisconsin's offensive line may be as good as their Green Bay Packer neighbors. I've gotta give the edge to Bama though, their defense will get it done, as well as the diversity they face all year in the SEC.
My Top 10 Teams in the Nation (Not taking into account the time of their losses, one of the biggest flaws of the BCS and the main reason OK State wasn't in a BCS bowl last year)
1- Alabama
2- LSU
3- Wisconsin
4- Oklahoma State
5- Oklahoma
6- Clemson (I'm a believer!)
7- Oregon
8- Texas A&M (Losses are due to coaching, not to talent level)
9- Stanford
10- Georgia Tech (They're the truth this year)
That's all I've got. I'll revisit this in a few weeks when all of my top 10 teams have lost and the college football landscape is completely different.
But then again, isn't that why we love this sport?
Go Pokes and Go Rangers, that's all folks.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Top 10 College Football Uniforms
I'm a big guy on swagger. In high school, if I looked good on the field then I felt good, and if I felt good then I usually played good. That being said, one of my favorite things to do on my NCAA football game is look at all of the jerseys.
Oklahoma State has finally joined the ranks on the NCAA swagger (As announced last night by Kyle Porter of www.pistolsfiringblog.com, an incredible OSU blog). So, to celebrate the Cowboy's look, let's look at where the new threads land them on my Top 10, a Top 10 that will not include Oregon... It's obvious that Oregon is Number 1, so I'll just go ahead and make a list for second place.
Number 10: Florida A&M
A double A school, but I LOVE the Orange/Green combo they have. It screams swagger and that has paid off for them in the past.
Number 9: Florida State
My favorite scheme in football is Red and Black. It's always been associated with fear for me, as all of my rivals have always had those colors (Trinity High School, Pantego, etc.) Florida State rocks it, and their blackout jerseys as well as their Pro Combat jerseys (pictured below) are always looking clean.
Number 8: TCU's Pro Combat Jerseys
These have been my favorite overall jerseys for awhile, but the fact that they hardly ever wear them and that their other jerseys are mostly purple knocked them down the list a ways... Sorry Frogs, you get screwed out of a title yet again.
Number 7: Hawaii
How can you not love the Warriors? The tribal designs they mix in whether it's on their sleeves or legs, I love it. It goes with the Hawaii theme, and for some reason scares me a little bit.
Number 6: Virginia Tech
Black, Maroon, and Orange? Awesome, and every uniform they have pulls the scheme off perfectly.
Number 5: Boise State
They wore these jerseys against Virginia Tech in their early-season showdown last year, and I loved them. My favorite part is the helmet.
Number 4: Miami
The U is all about the swag game. It's in their heritage. Just watch the ESPN 30 for 30 on them and you'll see. The fact that one team caused the NCAA to make "The Miami Rule" about no celebrating and taunting is enough for me. I love it, and the pro combat jerseys they released are my favorite, but I'll put up a picture of both. Shout out to my boy Kacy Rodgers for modeling the orange uni's for us.
Number 3: Florida
I've always loved Florida's jerseys. Maybe because it's the scheme my high school had, or maybe just because it's awesome. I'm not really sure, I just know I like it and I want to see Nike do more with it.
Number 2: Oklahoma State
As I said, these were just unveiled last night and they look incredible. I love the new gray as well. I can easily say OSU is now the "Oregon of the Midwest", I just wish they had released them early enough to be on the new NCAA 12 game... Oh well. There's always next year I guess.
Number 1: Arizona State
They just unveiled their new jerseys for 2011... One word: Awesome. Check out the pitchfork on the helmets. These are incredible, I love the bright orange/yellow trim for the numbers and helmet. That look is absolutely incredible, and these have taken the cake on the uniform's I'm most excited to see in person.
That's all I've got! Next up is why I'm worried about the Dallas Cowboys and what they're NOT doing yet this offseason.
... I couldn't resist.
Oklahoma State has finally joined the ranks on the NCAA swagger (As announced last night by Kyle Porter of www.pistolsfiringblog.com, an incredible OSU blog). So, to celebrate the Cowboy's look, let's look at where the new threads land them on my Top 10, a Top 10 that will not include Oregon... It's obvious that Oregon is Number 1, so I'll just go ahead and make a list for second place.
A double A school, but I LOVE the Orange/Green combo they have. It screams swagger and that has paid off for them in the past.
My favorite scheme in football is Red and Black. It's always been associated with fear for me, as all of my rivals have always had those colors (Trinity High School, Pantego, etc.) Florida State rocks it, and their blackout jerseys as well as their Pro Combat jerseys (pictured below) are always looking clean.
These have been my favorite overall jerseys for awhile, but the fact that they hardly ever wear them and that their other jerseys are mostly purple knocked them down the list a ways... Sorry Frogs, you get screwed out of a title yet again.
How can you not love the Warriors? The tribal designs they mix in whether it's on their sleeves or legs, I love it. It goes with the Hawaii theme, and for some reason scares me a little bit.
Black, Maroon, and Orange? Awesome, and every uniform they have pulls the scheme off perfectly.
They wore these jerseys against Virginia Tech in their early-season showdown last year, and I loved them. My favorite part is the helmet.
The U is all about the swag game. It's in their heritage. Just watch the ESPN 30 for 30 on them and you'll see. The fact that one team caused the NCAA to make "The Miami Rule" about no celebrating and taunting is enough for me. I love it, and the pro combat jerseys they released are my favorite, but I'll put up a picture of both. Shout out to my boy Kacy Rodgers for modeling the orange uni's for us.
I've always loved Florida's jerseys. Maybe because it's the scheme my high school had, or maybe just because it's awesome. I'm not really sure, I just know I like it and I want to see Nike do more with it.
As I said, these were just unveiled last night and they look incredible. I love the new gray as well. I can easily say OSU is now the "Oregon of the Midwest", I just wish they had released them early enough to be on the new NCAA 12 game... Oh well. There's always next year I guess.
They just unveiled their new jerseys for 2011... One word: Awesome. Check out the pitchfork on the helmets. These are incredible, I love the bright orange/yellow trim for the numbers and helmet. That look is absolutely incredible, and these have taken the cake on the uniform's I'm most excited to see in person.
That's all I've got! Next up is why I'm worried about the Dallas Cowboys and what they're NOT doing yet this offseason.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Oklahoma State Football Season Preview
Oklahoma State football is just right around the corner, but the media is chomping at the bit after today's Big 12 Media Day festivities. Next week, I'll be in Stillwater covering Oklahoma State Media Day, but wanted to go ahead and post my thoughts on the season beforehand, as I'll most likely be writing a ton for the O'Colly after that.
Key Players In 2011
The Obvious: Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon
The duo is back for another year, and on just about every College Football promo on ESPN. I'm hoping to see Blackmon with another big year, but he won't be under the radar as he was at the beginning of last year. Weeden in my opinion is incredibly underrated. Who wouldn't want a guy who's the age of an NFL Quarterback in his prime playing in college? Although secondaries will be after Blackmon like bounty hunters, I still firmly believe OC Todd Monken is capable of using Weeden to get Blackmon the ball... Somehow.
Markelle Martin and Shaun Lewis
With Orie Lemon graduated, these two have become the new anchors of the Cowboy defense. Shaun Lewis broke onto the scene last year as a freshman, and might be one of the most physically gifted players I've ever seen. I saw him at the end of the Spring semester when I was at a friend's apartment and he had gotten even bigger. Add that in with Markelle Martin coming in even better than he was last year and you've got a defensive core that even I'm comfortable with... And that's saying something. We'll just see if the guys around them fall into place.
The Undercover: Joseph Randle and Hubert Anyiam
Jo Randle now carries all of the running back duties. In 2010, he excelled as a wild-card running back that countered Kendall Hunter. Now, Monken is hoping that Randle and his backup Jeremy Smith will be the 1-2 punch that Randle and Hunter were last year. The other key to the offense is Hubert Anyiam. Weeden already has two proven tools in Blackmon and Josh Cooper, if Anyiam returns to his 2009 form and proves himself as another legitimate threat... Well, let's just hope the ROTC guys who do pushups for points are in shape. We could see some consistent 60+ scores. I'll go ahead and give Anyiam the benefit of the doubt though, he had a bum ankle in 2010, and I'd love nothing more than to see him come off that year and have an incredible 2011.
THE GAME:
Bedlam is big... Obviously. But this year, there might be a game even bigger, and it will be played in College Station. To those of you who haven't looked at schedules yet, THIS IS THE BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP.
But why? It's simple; Whoever wins this game has a pretty easy route to the crown. After A&M, OSU has two potential opportunities to slip up: Texas and Missouri, both of which are away games. Texas is a big game because it's Texas. They may have been a losing team last year, but any program that consistently brings in a Top 10 recruiting class has the talent to beat anyone else in the country, especially when Mack Brown is on the sideline. Missouri has the same explosive offense that the Cowboys posses, and that game easily turns into a shootout. We saw how shootouts can end in 2010's edition of Bedlam. Oh, and speaking of Bedlam, it's in Stillwater again. Maybe this time we can fill up those seats in the corners and bring even more noise? Talk to your trusty Cowboy athletic director.
After Oklahoma State, A&M has to go to Norman. What that means is: A&M is guaranteed a loss. The Green Bay Packers would have a tough time winning in Norman because of the simple fact that OU doesn't lose at home. Ever. Obviously the Packers is a bit exaggerated, but I hope you get what I mean by that. Besides OU, A&M has to travel to Lubbock to play Tech, a team that always gives them fits for some reason, and they also have Texas in College Station.
That being said, matchup on September 24th is THE GAME. I'm not one to dub a game that early in the season as the most important game of the year, but this is an exception. This game is huge, and my Tivo is already set to record it. Judge me.
Storyline Of The Year: Justin Blackmon's Final Act?
Let's start this with a question. Does anyone here think Blackmon will be back his senior year?
*Crickets*
Okay, so we're all on the same page. Strictly from an athlete and future standpoint, it'd be foolish for Blackmon to be back in 2012. He'll have another stellar year in 2011 with one of the best quarterback's in football throwing to him, and he'll be the best receiver going into the 2012 draft. I can't see him coming back to have a first-year quarterback throwing to him in what would be the most important year in his football career. He would have to do more with less in 2012, and with an unproven arm, it's just too much of a risk.
That being said, I can also easily see Blackmon coming back. Confusing? Absolutely. Anyone who has been to anything that is Oklahoma State related knows the same thing. Blackmon goes to every Basketball game, most baseball games, and a ton of social functions. My first memory as an official Poke was at Camp Cowboy last summer, when Blackmon, Jarrod Fields, Brodrick Brown, and Andrew McGee came to talk to us one night. I had to go back home and get on my NCAA game to even see what position Blackmon played. 6 months later, he's hoisting the Biletnikoff. But it gets even better, the other day I saw via twitter that Blackmon was going BACK to speak at Camp Cowboy. He's not too big for anything, and that's why he is the perfect player for Oklahoma State. Not only is he one of the best players to ever grace Boone Picken's Stadium, but he gives back to OSU more than ever.
So will he be back? No. But maybe. But probably not. Oh, who knows. I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's enjoy 2011!
Go Pokes, Go Rangers, Go Cowboys (Finally Unlocked!), and Go 2011 World Champion Mavs
Key Players In 2011
The Obvious: Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon
The duo is back for another year, and on just about every College Football promo on ESPN. I'm hoping to see Blackmon with another big year, but he won't be under the radar as he was at the beginning of last year. Weeden in my opinion is incredibly underrated. Who wouldn't want a guy who's the age of an NFL Quarterback in his prime playing in college? Although secondaries will be after Blackmon like bounty hunters, I still firmly believe OC Todd Monken is capable of using Weeden to get Blackmon the ball... Somehow.
Markelle Martin and Shaun Lewis
With Orie Lemon graduated, these two have become the new anchors of the Cowboy defense. Shaun Lewis broke onto the scene last year as a freshman, and might be one of the most physically gifted players I've ever seen. I saw him at the end of the Spring semester when I was at a friend's apartment and he had gotten even bigger. Add that in with Markelle Martin coming in even better than he was last year and you've got a defensive core that even I'm comfortable with... And that's saying something. We'll just see if the guys around them fall into place.
The Undercover: Joseph Randle and Hubert Anyiam
Jo Randle now carries all of the running back duties. In 2010, he excelled as a wild-card running back that countered Kendall Hunter. Now, Monken is hoping that Randle and his backup Jeremy Smith will be the 1-2 punch that Randle and Hunter were last year. The other key to the offense is Hubert Anyiam. Weeden already has two proven tools in Blackmon and Josh Cooper, if Anyiam returns to his 2009 form and proves himself as another legitimate threat... Well, let's just hope the ROTC guys who do pushups for points are in shape. We could see some consistent 60+ scores. I'll go ahead and give Anyiam the benefit of the doubt though, he had a bum ankle in 2010, and I'd love nothing more than to see him come off that year and have an incredible 2011.
THE GAME:
Bedlam is big... Obviously. But this year, there might be a game even bigger, and it will be played in College Station. To those of you who haven't looked at schedules yet, THIS IS THE BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP.
But why? It's simple; Whoever wins this game has a pretty easy route to the crown. After A&M, OSU has two potential opportunities to slip up: Texas and Missouri, both of which are away games. Texas is a big game because it's Texas. They may have been a losing team last year, but any program that consistently brings in a Top 10 recruiting class has the talent to beat anyone else in the country, especially when Mack Brown is on the sideline. Missouri has the same explosive offense that the Cowboys posses, and that game easily turns into a shootout. We saw how shootouts can end in 2010's edition of Bedlam. Oh, and speaking of Bedlam, it's in Stillwater again. Maybe this time we can fill up those seats in the corners and bring even more noise? Talk to your trusty Cowboy athletic director.
After Oklahoma State, A&M has to go to Norman. What that means is: A&M is guaranteed a loss. The Green Bay Packers would have a tough time winning in Norman because of the simple fact that OU doesn't lose at home. Ever. Obviously the Packers is a bit exaggerated, but I hope you get what I mean by that. Besides OU, A&M has to travel to Lubbock to play Tech, a team that always gives them fits for some reason, and they also have Texas in College Station.
That being said, matchup on September 24th is THE GAME. I'm not one to dub a game that early in the season as the most important game of the year, but this is an exception. This game is huge, and my Tivo is already set to record it. Judge me.
Storyline Of The Year: Justin Blackmon's Final Act?
Let's start this with a question. Does anyone here think Blackmon will be back his senior year?
*Crickets*
Okay, so we're all on the same page. Strictly from an athlete and future standpoint, it'd be foolish for Blackmon to be back in 2012. He'll have another stellar year in 2011 with one of the best quarterback's in football throwing to him, and he'll be the best receiver going into the 2012 draft. I can't see him coming back to have a first-year quarterback throwing to him in what would be the most important year in his football career. He would have to do more with less in 2012, and with an unproven arm, it's just too much of a risk.
That being said, I can also easily see Blackmon coming back. Confusing? Absolutely. Anyone who has been to anything that is Oklahoma State related knows the same thing. Blackmon goes to every Basketball game, most baseball games, and a ton of social functions. My first memory as an official Poke was at Camp Cowboy last summer, when Blackmon, Jarrod Fields, Brodrick Brown, and Andrew McGee came to talk to us one night. I had to go back home and get on my NCAA game to even see what position Blackmon played. 6 months later, he's hoisting the Biletnikoff. But it gets even better, the other day I saw via twitter that Blackmon was going BACK to speak at Camp Cowboy. He's not too big for anything, and that's why he is the perfect player for Oklahoma State. Not only is he one of the best players to ever grace Boone Picken's Stadium, but he gives back to OSU more than ever.
So will he be back? No. But maybe. But probably not. Oh, who knows. I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's enjoy 2011!
Go Pokes, Go Rangers, Go Cowboys (Finally Unlocked!), and Go 2011 World Champion Mavs
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