Live from San Diego, pregame report
Published: 12/30/2008 5:26 PM
Last Modified: 12/30/2008 5:26 PM
SAN DIEGO – We're a little more than 90 minutes from the Holiday Bowl kickoff. Activity already is buzzing out in the parking lots and stands of Qualcomm Stadium for the game between Oklahoma State and Oregon. Here are some final pregame thoughts from the field.
***The stadium's grass playing surface appears to be in good shape. There was a newer strip of sod down the middle of the field than the strips along the two respective sidelines that have some brownish dirt patches to the trained eye. But all in all, there is no rain in the forecast so the footing should be fine for both teams.
***There is some thought in the Oregon camp that tonight's game will the final one for Ducks coach Mike Bellotti. The school announced earlier this month that Bellotti will become athletic director when he decides to no longer coach. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has been tabbed as Bellotti's replacement. Kelly has been given a lot of credit for Oregon's offensive success the past two years. Don't be surprised if there is an even stronger effort from the Ducks tonight.
***There is some thought in the OSU camp that tonight's game could be the final one for offensive left tackle Russell Okung. The junior is expected to decide in the coming days whether or not to leave school early for April's NFL draft. Okung is projected as a possible first-round selection if he were to declare for the draft. OSU, though, may have improved its chances to retain Okung for his senior season when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced there will not be a rookie salary wage scale implemented for the 2009 or 2010 draft class. Will that be enough to entice Okung to stick around Stillwater one more year?
***Look for a surprise from the Cowboys tonight. Rumor has it they will wear black uniform pants for this game. The last time OSU wore black pants was in 1994. The team just arrived at the stadium, walked around the field and conducted a team prayer at midfield. They're back in the locker room getting dressed. Will update the blog when they take the field for program warm-ups.
***Looking for an OSU X-factor tonight? Look at Brandon Pettigrew. The senior tight end wants to make his final college game a special one. If Oregon intends to focus its pass coverage on Dez Bryant, then look to Pettigrew a more viable option for Zac Robinson. Maybe he'll even catch a touchdown. The best unknown stat regarding the Cowboys this year is that no senior has scored a point for the Pokes this year. All the scoring has been done by either a junior or sophomore. Pretty amazing.
---Matt Doyle
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
