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Inside the huddle
Published: 10/29/2008 5:39 PM
Last Modified: 10/29/2008 5:39 PM

Quick-hitting thoughts and insights on Oklahoma State football:

*** In posting on this blog last week the 10 reasons why OSU is a top 10 team this year, one reason that did not get mentioned but should not be overlooked is the overall health of this team. Knock on wood, but the Cowboys have avoided the injury bug. Lucien Antoine's season-ending knee injury suffered on the opening kickoff against Houston is the only significant loss.

*** The chatter and speculation about possible bowl destinations will become more prevalent over the next few weeks. Right now, the view from this perspective is that a BCS game (most likely Fiesta), Cotton and Holiday are the most likely bowl destinations for the Cowboys. Of course, there are still four games left to play and a lot can change. Holiday Bowl officials are scheduled to be at Saturday's home game against Iowa State.

*** The kickoff time for the Nov. 8 game at Texas Tech will not be officially announced until late Saturday night or early Sunday. If the Red Raiders defeat No. 1 Texas this Saturday in Lubbock, it will not be surprising if the OSU-Tech contest is the prime-time 7 p.m. game on ABC.

*** Question for the OSU fan base, who is the most likely first-team All-America pick, Kendall Hunter or Dez Bryant? I narrowly give it to Spud over Dez because he has been the bigger factor in the two big games to this point (Missouri and Texas). Give me your thoughts.

--- Matt Doyle

Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer



Reader Comments 5 Total

Jeff (4 years ago)
I think it's narrowly Dez, because he's simply d'bomb for the O and for the specials unit. Good question.
Arthur (4 years ago)
I think there are two separate answers because there are really two different questions:

Who should it be? Spud, He adds a great dimension to the offense. He seems even better than Dantrelle Savage. He made some phenomenal plays against Texas to keep us in the game, and his huge break against Mizzou helped to catapult us onto the national stage.

Who would it be? Dez, because of his flashy plays as a kick returner, which should be unrelated to becoming an all American receiver, score him huge points and give him a larger spotlight. He is extremely talented but his route running skills still need some work before he gets to that level, but I will savor every moment until he does. He is one of the most exciting receivers to watch because of his jump ball skills.

Here's an interesting question:

Zac Robinson does not have the strongest arm on the team. He is most definitely the best quarterback. So, why not put Brandon Weeden in for the last play of the game against Texas? Texas knows that you are just going to chunk it deep. Why not put the quarterback in that can throw it 60 yards?
jlk1277 (4 years ago)
Aurthur,
I think the answer is that it is a tough call. You bring in a kid that has not played that much in games. There are so many things that could go wrong, I would worry about him just handling the snap. I would also have to take in to account the chemistry that Robinson and the recievers have and just the leadership that Robinson provides. I just find it hard to not go with the guy that helped get you to that point.

On a different note. It is to hard for me to choose between the two. They are both outstanding athletes on and off the field. What about the o-line? I have to say that Dez and Spud would not be having the games that they are without the line. Being a lineman in my playing days I tend to watch the line play a little more during the games. I don't know how they are graded out, but in my opinion they are doing a great job. Not trying to take anything away from anyone else but I know that the line doesn't get as much credit as it should. Just my humble opinion.
Arthur (4 years ago)
About the O-line I definitely agree. O-lines and D-lines are probably the most overlooked parts of teams. It all begins with them. The spread offense is much easier to handle with a good D-line, but on the other side any running back could average 4 yards a carry behind a great line.

I see your point about Robinson being a leader, but I don't think chemistry comes into play here. This was a situation where the quarterback does nothing more than throw it towards the endzone(not that it's easy just that it doesn't involved reading routes or coverages really) and pray that one of his receivers comes down with it. If Robinson were inside the 40 I don't think it is even a question. With him in closer range you definitely give it to Robinson, but this play is almost entirely about arm strength and somewhat about accuracy with the deep ball. Robinson just doesn't have the arm strength to make that play at the end of the game. This isn't an insult. He just doesn't. Brandon Weeden does. Other than maybe offensive line play, how does leadership and chemistry come into play here? Are the receivers going to having a shorter vertical leap? Are they going to not run as fast? Weeden doesn't have to hit them in stride, so routes or comfort with knowing your receiver's speed doesn't come into play. I understand that chemistry has everything to do with timing and confidence that your quarterback can put the ball between defenders in traffic, but this isn't that type of play. So, why not for one play just for arm strength put Weeden in?
Matt Doyle (4 years ago)
Arthur, I appreciate that you have passionate and insightful comments. BUT.....the only time Mike Gundy and Gunter Brewer are taking Zac Robinson off the field is if he is hurt or the game's outcome is no longer in doubt.

Now, inserting Weeden with Robinson to run a trick play is one thing. But you do not take your undisputed leader off the field for a last-ditch long pass play because he does not have the strongest arm on the team.

Appreciate your comments and keep them coming.
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OSU Sports

Tulsa World Sports Writer Jimmie Tramel is a former class president at Locust Grove High School. He graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern State University with a journalism degree and, while attending college, was sports editor of the Pryor Daily Times. He joined the Tulsa World on Oct. 17, 1989, the same day an earthquake struck the World Series. In 2007, he wrote a book about Oklahoma State football with former Cowboy coach Pat Jones.

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Tulsa World Sports Writer Kelly Hines joined the World staff in September 2007. She grew up in the Oklahoma City area, was valedictorian at her high school and attended Oklahoma State University. She previously worked at The Oklahoman and KOTV and in the World's web and news departments.

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