Game Day Thoughts – Week 1
Published: 8/30/2008 1:30 AM
Last Modified: 8/30/2008 1:30 AM
SEATTLE – Forgive me if I stray away from objectivity for one second. I'm hoping Artrell Woods can make a big play Saturday. Heck, I'm hoping he can even score a touchdown Saturday against Washington State.
If anyone deserves good fortune, it's Artrell Woods. By now, you should know about Artrell's story. If you don't, then go find Bill Haisten's fine piece that appeared in Friday's Tulsa World about Oklahoma State's sophomore wide receiver.
A little more than a year ago, Woods was primed for a breakout season. That came to a crashing halt the moment 185 pounds worth of weights connected to a bar came crashing down on his back in a freak weight room accident.
For Woods to even be playing football close to the level he displayed in spring practice 2007 is remarkable. This is a comeback story worth following and cheering for. Today, Artell Woods completes the journey back to the football field.
Besides observing Woods' play, here are three other things I'll be watching in the 2008 season opener:
***Battle at line of scrimmage when OSU has the ball: The Cowboys have a seasoned offensive line. Washington State is playing its first game with a new 4-3 defensive front alignment. Injuries and suspensions have hindered the Cougars' line. OSU has the opportunity to impose its will on the Pac-10 opponent.
***Battle at line of scrimmage when WSU has the ball: Injuries have hindered Washington State's offensive line as well. One projected starter is lost for the season and another likely will not play Saturday. OSU's defensive line is a work in progress. But this is the first litmus test for a group that was routines pushed around last year.
***Mike's Midas touch?: Larry Fedora had the knack for making the right offensive play calls more often than not the past two seasons. Now with Fedora at Southern Miss as head coach, Mike Gundy has placed himself in the play-calling role. Will there be any noticeable difference or will the OSU attack continue to perform as usual?
--- Matt Doyle
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
