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OSU Lives, Dies with Defense
Published: 11/4/2007 2:11 PM
Last Modified: 11/4/2007 2:11 PM

In Oklahoma State's four Big 12 that came down to the final minute, it was defense, or a lack of, that has cost the Cowboys or forced them to pull off some last-second miracle.
Saturday's loss to Texas should have never been close. When you have a three-touchdown lead in the fourth quarter, against anybody, you should win. Giving up 311 yards in the fourth quarter inexcusable.
The loss at Texas A&M should not have been close. OSU had overwhelmed the Aggies until a lack of defense put A&M back in the lead.
In both games, huge special teams mistakes contributed to those losses - roughing the punter against A&M and a missed chip shot field goal against Texas.
OSU was forced to make late-game offensive heroics to beat Texas Tech and Kansas State because the Cowboys couldn't stop the Red Raiders and Wildcats.
OSU has to play better defense to have any chance against Kansas. The Jayhawks may be guilty of overconfidence when they see video of OSU's defense.
If the Cowboys can make a few tackles against KU, OSU will have another good chance to win a Big 12 game. It wouldn't take much but the defense has to do something if State wants to win.



Reader Comments 11 Total

Mike Jones (5 years ago)
Stillwater State should consider a move to a less competitive conference. Surely they could be a powerhouse in the C-USA? Could they be the big fish in that pond? Aww... forget it...Gundy would find a way to be a .500 team there too.
dissapointed (5 years ago)
John, when are the local media, including the Sports Animal, going to start questioning if Gundy is actually the right guy to lead the program forward. It's not like the guy inherited a program that was in turmoil. The Pokes had gone to 3 straight bowl games under Miles, and were 9-4 and coming off an appearance in the Cotton Bowl in his third season. It's looking like we'll have to get a victory over Baylor and hope the Independence Bowl invites us back in Gundy's third go-around. I have to admit, progress was shown from year one to year two, but there has been no progression on defense and questionable offensive play calling in our close defeats. Please, start questioning this coaching staff's competency...........
Harry Balz (5 years ago)
Ever see the movie Ground Hog Day where Bill Murray relives the same day over and over?

Watching OSU football is like that from season to season. Every year there are high hopes and tough talk that this will be the year the Cowboys put it all together. Then we watch them self-destruct. The players and opponents change but the end result is always the same - MEDIOCRITY. Welcome to another 6-6 season and high hopes after a close win/loss in some 3rd rate bowl.
Aaron (5 years ago)
Why does everyone insist on counting out OSU after one close loss? Fact is, Zac Robinson put up 430 yards in the air. We ran for over 150 yards on a defense that was supposed to keep our running game at home. Yes, we didn't run for over 300 like we have been, but who would actually expect us to continue that streak? 594 yards against a defense that was supposed to shut down the OSU offense is nothing to spit at. Our defense is the weak link. It's no surprise and no one is saying anything different, or has said anything different all year. Facts are, we still can win the Big 12 south by winning out. Don't forget that. They will rebound from this and prove that Kansas is overrated because of their cupcake schedule. Just like Oklahoma. Trash us all you want if we end up 6-6. We deserve it. This season will be at least 7-5.
Panama Red (5 years ago)
Aaron take Kansas lightly at your own risk. They beat K-State on the road while OSU had to go to overtime at home to beat the Wildcats. They beat A&M in College Station - something OSU failed to do while they beat Colorado in Boulder - something that OU failed to do. They beat everyone they were supposed to beat - wasn't OSU supposed to beat Troy?
Tim Palone (5 years ago)
Mr. Klein is the only journalist that has pointed out the real problem of us not winning the conference this year. We are technically still in it. We have to win at home and at Baylor and Oklahoma and we will be on top. To do this is something we don't have, a good consistent defence. No one in the country would not want our offence. Scoring and the lack of turnovers and we can score from anywhere on the field. That isn't mediocrity! Anyone who says so is a fool or doesn't know football. Ask Bob Stooper if he would like to add Addarius or Savage to his startin lineup. They have a really good tightend but I believe ours would see some playing time. Our tackles are better than O.U.'s just ask their running backs. So to say we aren't improving is frankly stupid. A first class offence with a poor defence but we are better than some in the conference, Nebraska for example.
Tim Palone (5 years ago)
Mr. Klein is the only journalist that has pointed out the real problem of us not winning the conference this year. We are technically still in it. We have to win at home and at Baylor and Oklahoma and we will be on top. To do this is something we don't have, a good consistent defence. No one in the country would not want our offence. Scoring and the lack of turnovers and we can score from anywhere on the field. That isn't mediocrity! Anyone who says so is a fool or doesn't know football. Ask Bob Stooper if he would like to add Addarius or Savage to his startin lineup. They have a really good tightend but I believe ours would see some playing time. Our tackles are better than O.U.'s just ask their running backs. So to say we aren't improving is frankly stupid. A first class offence with a poor defence but we are better than some in the conference, Nebraska for example.
JD (5 years ago)
I hate to rain on OSU's "we can still win the South" parade, but you cannot. IF you were to win out (a BIG if), you would be in a three way tie with OU and Texas. They would then go to records within the division. Both of OSU's losses are against South division teams, while one of OU and Texas's losses were against South Division teams. Therefore, OSU would be eliminated. It would then go to head to head between OU and Texas, and we all know OU won that won, making the Sooners champions of the South.
Panama Red (5 years ago)
Sorry Tim Palone, but I have a hard time taking anyone seriously who refers to offense as "offence" and defense as "defence." Let me guess, you graduated from OSU, right?

JD, alow the Slowpokes and their even slower witted fans the delusion that they have a shot at the Big 12 South title.
Puddin' Tang (5 years ago)
Uh, Tim saying you're better than Nebraska is kinda like telling a girl she has a nice personality - it's faint praise. Cripes, half the teams in Conference USA could light up Nebraska!
T Bone (5 years ago)

Jones: have you forgot already that OSU football has won a few games over OU the the past few years. It won't be long until OSU has the facilities to lure 4 & 5 star players to paradise in Stillwater, Oklahoma and then to paraphrase B.Switzer, watch out.
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Klein's Korner

Tulsa World senior sports columnist John Klein is in his fourth decade of covering sports. He started his newspaper career at The Daily Ardmoreite in 1977 and moved to the Tulsa World in 1978. He served 10 years as sports editor for the Tulsa World before being named to his current position in 2005. He also spent five years as the Southwest Conference beat writer for the Houston Post. He has won many writing awards and is a former Oklahoma Sports Writer of the Year.

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