Cowboy key: copy Schembechler
Published: 11/17/2006 11:10 PM
Last Modified: 11/17/2006 11:10 PM
Having closely followed college football since 1969, I was jarred this morning by the news of Bo Schembechler's death.
In advance of Saturday's game at Texas Tech, Oklahoma State would be wise to copy a few pages from Schembechler's ultra-conservative Michigan playbook. Against Texas Tech on Saturday, OSU's offensive line and tailbacks are good enough to be the winning factor.
The Cowboys rushed for 387 yards against Baylor, 267 against Nebraska and 226 against Texas A&M. OSU tailback Dantrell Savage has run for at least 100 yards in three of his last four games. With 215.7 rushing yards per game, OSU leads the Big 12.
Last season, Tech was 8-1 and ranked 13th when it was beaten by a bad Cowboy team. The key on that day? The Cowboys rushed for 303 yards.
The 2006 Red Raiders have five losses. They have an above-average passing offense and an average defense. So, for Oklahoma State, it's an easy game plan, right? Rush the football, shorten the game, demoralize Texas Tech and win in Lubbock for the first time in 62 years.
Schembechler's name was synonymous not only with Michigan football, but with college football. He was hardcore and old-school in every sense. His age was 77.
And consider this: Next year, another college football legend – the seemingly ageless Barry Switzer – turns 70.
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
