Bedlam key: the Cowboy ground game
Published: 11/23/2007 11:15 AM
Last Modified: 11/23/2007 11:15 AM
For Oklahoma State, the absolute key on Saturday is its ground game. If the Cowboys can run effectively, they can beat Oklahoma. But if Dantrell Savage is stuffed and OSU becomes one-dimensional, Zac Robinson will be chased all afternoon by the Sooner pass rush.
If Baylor's Brandon Whitaker can rush for 149 yards against OU (and do it in Norman), you would think that Savage -- the Big 12's best back -- could be similarly productive. Then again, you have to expect the Sooner defense to be at its best in a Bedlam game.
The Oklahoma State season has been entertaining and crazy. It wouldn't be a shock to see the Cowboys lose by 24 points or win by 14. The latter possibility hinges on OSU's ability to run the football.
In conference games, the Cowboys have averaged 273 rushing yards. The next-best average: 217 by Texas. The OU average: 144.
Is the Cowboy ground game really that good? Can 5-foot-9, 180-pound Dantrell Savage be the biggest factor in a Bedlam football game?
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
