Lack of toughness results in 6-6
Published: 11/29/2006 8:16 AM
Last Modified: 11/29/2006 8:16 AM
How should the 2006 regular season be remembered?
If you are the glass-half-full type, you could view the season as having been a forward step for Oklahoma State.
If you are the glass-half-empty type, you could classify the Cowboys as a talented team that isn't quite tough enough to win in close games.
In 2005, the Cowboys were 4-7 and tagged with the ignominious label of "the Big 12's worst team.'' They averaged 20.2 points, 324.8 total yards and 153.9 rushing yards per game. This season, with a bowl game remaining on the schedule, the 6-6 Cowboys average 33.0 points, 406.1 total yards and 210.6 rushing yards per game.
The offensive improvement was obvious. The defense was a little better this season – but only a little. The Cowboys allowed 30.4 points and 401.4 yards per game. Good teams do not allow 30 points and 400 yards.
OSU has been plagued by poor defense for several seasons. Until it somehow develops the talent base and depth necessary to make the biggest plays in the biggest games, OSU will remain a .500 type of program.
The glass-half-empty critics will review 2006 and determine that OSU should have recorded eight or nine victories. The Cowboys lost to Houston, Kansas State, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Oklahoma by a combined total of 26 points.
Before losing 31-27, OSU blew a late 10-point lead at K-State. If the Cowboys had gotten one more first down in the closing minutes, they would have prevailed.
In the 34-33 homecoming loss to A&M, the Cowboys allowed the Aggies to convert on a fourth-and-13 pass play with 1:33 left. A&M went on to score the tying touchdown and extend the game to overtime. In OT, the Cowboys had an extra-point kick blocked. Ballgame.
In the 30-24 setback at Texas Tech, the Cowboys relaxed after surging to a 17-0 cushion. If you relax at Lubbock, you're doomed. The Cowboys were doomed.
OSU lost four times in games that ultimately were decided on the final play. The inability to produce under pressure resulted in 6-6 instead of 9-3 or 8-4.
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
