Game day thoughts – Week 7
Published: 10/13/2007 12:14 AM
Last Modified: 10/13/2007 12:14 AM
Finally! Fall weather has arrived, at least here in God's country (my esteemed colleague Dave Sittler's term for his native state of Nebraska).
There is nip of cool air. There is an early indication that leafs are preparing to change colors. There were a few long-sleeved shirts packed for this road trip.
Three words from the three aforementioned sentences I want to focus on regarding the Cowboys.
Cool: The feelings of many OSU fans currently regarding coach Mike Gundy and the performance of this year's team. The feelings have not been warm and fuzzy.
Change: What the OSU fans seek regarding the team's fortunes away from home.
Long: What this season could become if the road record drops to 1-12 after today's game at Nebraska.
Three things I'll be watching closely this afternoon in Lincoln.
*** Early desperation. Both OSU and Nebraska are in need of a victory after vastly different crushing losses last week. Which team will do something out of the ordinary early or tip its hand and show the sense of desperation.
*** Run early, run often. OSU offensive coordinator Larry Fedora wants a fast-paced tempo, particularly with the passing game. But if the Cowboys can get the ground game with Dantrell Savage and Kendall Hunter going from the outset, it could be more effective in the long run to crush whatever is left of Nebraska's sinking confidence.
*** Discipline. OSU has made countless killer penalties this season. Penalties typically have to be kept at a minimum to win any game. That is especially the case for a road game.
--- Matt Doyle
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
