Game Day Thoughts – Week 9
Published: 10/31/2008 4:17 PM
Last Modified: 10/31/2008 4:17 PM
Prior to the start of this season, Zac Robinson's name was frequently mentioned with the other elite Big 12 Conference quarterbacks.
As the regular season enters the final month, the Big 12 has the leading Heisman Trophy candidate in Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. Two more quarterbacks – OU's Sam Bradford and Texas Tech's Graham Harrell – are right in the Heisman mix after McCoy. Another QB, Missouri's Chase Daniel, was near the top of the Heisman ballot before his Tigers faltered against OSU and Texas.
Robinson has not put up the eye-popping statistics as those four aforementioned quarterbacks. But that does not lessen his value. In fact, that is the beauty of Robinson's value. The OSU junior quarterback does not need to throw for 300-plus yards and account for 4-5 touchdowns each week.
Robinson's statistics this year are not as spectacular as his sophomore season. That's not to say his performance has been lacking. The strong running game production from Kendall Hunter and Keith Toston has taken some running responsibility off Robinson, although the OSU QB still is a dangerous threat when he is on the run. OSU's winning ways has meant the passing game is not needed as much. But doesn't Dez Bryant's success mean Robinson is doing something right, as well?
Really, the only statistic of importance to Robinson and his teammates is OSU's 7-1 record. The one loss, last week at Texas, is particularly perturbing to Robinson. There was a small detectable edge – call it annoyance, anger, bitterness, etc. – to the quarterback's postgame comments after the setback at Texas last week that has not been evident in my three years of dealing with him.
The loss hurt and stung Robinson and his teammates more than any loss the previous two years. The stakes were higher, and the Cowboys were not satisfied with a loss. Especially their leader who takes the snaps every week.
Robinson very well could be gearing up for a big final month of the season, starting with Saturday's home game against Iowa State. It would not be surprising if the OSU quarterback does produce a few eye-popping statistical efforts. If that big final month has four consecutive victories as well, that's even better. It's truly the only thing Robinson cares about.
Three things I'll be watching closely against the Cyclones:
***Lack of letdown: Let's face it. Iowa State is the worst team in the Big 12. The Cyclones have lost six consecutive games. Still, OSU cannot enter this game thinking victory is a given. Mike Gundy has stated this group of Cowboys understands the importance of hard work and preparation each week. It has been evident eight times already this year. It should be evident again for a ninth time Saturday.
***Big-play Bryant: Iowa State will be starting two true freshmen at cornerback, Leonard Johnson and Ter'ran Benton. Think OSU standout receiver Dez Bryant and Robinson are salivating about the potential for a few big plays? The last three quarterbacks Iowa State has faced (Baylor's Robert Griffin, Nebraska's Joe Ganz and Texas A&M's Jerrod Johnson) went a combined 79-of-100 passing.
***Difference-making D: OSU's defense has held its last three opponents to season-low point output. It may be tough to accomplish that feat against the Cyclones, whose lowest point production this year is 5. But OSU's defense has made big strides the past month. It needs to continue Saturday with another high-stakes shootout awaiting the following Saturday at Texas Tech.
---Matt Doyle
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
