Beckman's responsibility
Published: 3/1/2007 12:49 AM
Last Modified: 3/1/2007 12:49 AM
On Monday, when the Oklahoma State football program conducts the first of its 15 spring practices, Tim Beckman assumes responsibility for the rebuilding of the Cowboy defense.
After coaching Ohio State cornerbacks for two seasons, the 42-year-old Beckman is OSU's new defensive coordinator. Before working on the Buckeyes' staff, he was a nationally respected defensive coordinator at Bowling Green. In 2001, he was a Broyles Award finalist.
Beckman seems relentlessly upbeat and confident that OSU can redefine itself defensively. He is not married to any one alignment. Depending on personnel strengths and game situations, he says, OSU could switch from a four-man front to a three-man look.
On more than 50 percent of Ohio State's defensive plays last season, the Buckeyes had a fifth defensive back on the field. With Beckman, expect the same at Oklahoma State. During the spring, the development of a playmaking nickel back is critical.
Offensively, the Cowboys should be dynamic in 2007. Returning are players who last season were responsible for 100 percent of OSU's 2,704 rushing yards, 100 percent of OSU's 2,623 passing yards and 75 percent of OSU's receiving yards. Only two Division I-A teams – Oklahoma State and Boise State – averaged at least 200 rushing yards and 200 passing yards per game last season.
Defensively, the Cowboys were flawed. In total defense, they ranked 89th nationally and ninth in the Big 12. Since 2002, OSU has not finished a season with a national total-defense ranking of better than 74th.
Tim Beckman has a big job on his hands. It won't matter how much money is spent, and it won't matter if the offense averages 40 points and 500 yards a game. Until the defense is strengthened, OSU cannot become a Big 12 South contender.
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
