Fifteen penalties? Ridiculous
Published: 9/10/2009 6:56 PM
Last Modified: 9/10/2009 6:56 PM
Three factors to watch in Saturday's Houston-Oklahoma State game at Boone Pickens Stadium:
* * * Penalties: The Cowboys defeated Georgia last week in spite of a ridiculous number of penalties – 15 for 106 yards.
During a six-minute span of the second period, the Cowboys were flagged for a holding, pass interference and three false-start infractions. Later in the half, a Zac Robinson touchdown dive was nullified by a holding call.
Penalties can be possession-killers, and OSU cannot afford to squander possessions against a team with the offensive horsepower of Houston.
* * * Experience advantage: Four of OSU's five offensive-line starters are seniors. Each of Houston's starting defensive ends (Zeke Riser and Radermon Scypion) is a first-year freshman. Each of Houston's backup defensive tackles (Ameen Behbahani and Tyrone Campbell) is a first-year freshman. Behbahani is a walk-on. Two of Houston's three backup linebackers are freshmen.
The Cowboys seem positioned for a big afternoon in the ground game. Time-consuming touchdown drives would demoralize the Cougars and force prolific quarterback Case Keenum to watch from the sideline.
* * * Tackling and turnovers: What makes the Houston offense so effective is what happens after the catch. When a receiver like Tyron Carrier can elude the first would-be tackler, an 8-yard pass play can turn into a home run for the Cougars.
The Oklahoma State linebackers and defensive backs must tackle well. OSU was plus-three on turnovers against Georgia. Getting three takeaways from Houston would be huge.
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
