Poke pondering
Published: 10/28/2007 10:39 PM
Last Modified: 10/28/2007 10:39 PM
One person's opinion regarding the highs and lows of the OSU football season:
MVP: Dantrell Savage. His return to the lineup not only sparked the offense, but provided a boost to the team. If Savage were truly 100 percent at the start of the season, the Cowboys would have at least one more and possibly two or three more victories. His presence to this team means that much.
Offensive difference maker: Adarius Bowman. The senior wide receiver has not had that one tour de force performance like he did last year against Kansas. But Bowman has put up consistent numbers week in and week out. His downfield blocking skills get rave reviews from the coaching staff on a weekly basis.
Defensive difference maker: Patrick Lavine. This is a tough choice because there has not been one particular player that has stood out constantly. Lavine, though, is a steady and solid performer weekly.
Most surprising development I: The offensive line's play. After David Washington's season-ending injury at Troy, the line technically had to insert two new starters with Andrew Lewis moving from guard to center and Steve Denning taking Lewis' guard spot. In the last five games, OSU's quarterbacks have only been sacked once and the running game has taken off.
Most surprising development II: Kendall Hunter. The diminutive freshman running back supplanted Keith Toston as OSU's No. 2 back behind Savage and become a positive contributor.
Most disappointing development: The Bobby Reid saga. Many thought Reid was ready to become an elite quarterback. But slow starts in the opening two games and Reid's injury early against Florida Atlantic allowed Zac Robinson to come in and take the job for good. Reid likely is in his final weeks as an OSU player.
Most disappointing development II: The overall struggles of the defense. First-year defensive coordinator Tim Beckman prefers to avoid 38-35, 41-38 type shootouts. But the talent deficiency at some positions and lack of overall consistency has led to the high-scoring affairs.
Best game of 2007: OSU 41, Kansas State 39. Hard-fought, physical game. Few penalties. Big plays made at big times by both teams. Too bad the Big 12 TV partners had zero regard to put it on their airwaves.
Worst game of 2007: Troy 41, OSU 23. This is the type of game OSU needs to avoid in the future. It could have been worse. Too bad for the OSU fandom that this game was televised.
--- Matt Doyle
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
