The basics of Bedlam 2009
Published: 11/24/2009 3:12 PM
Last Modified: 11/24/2009 3:12 PM
* Zac Robinson, who missed last week's Colorado game with a deep bruise of his passing shoulder, practiced on Monday and is expected to make his 35th career start this week. Robinson owns school records for total offense, passing yards and touchdown passes, but he has never beaten Oklahoma. The Cowboys are attempting to beat the Sooners for the first time since 2002.
* With Bob Stoops as coach, OU is 65-2 on its home field. The Sooners lost to TCU in 2005 – and to Oklahoma State in 2001.
* Mike Gundy has done the best coaching job of his career. The Cowboys entered the 2009 season with All-American Dez Bryant at wide receiver and All-American Kendall Hunter at running back. Because of Hunter's foot injury and Bryant's suspension, they were on the field together for exactly one game this season. OSU lost several others to injury and had the starting tight end leave the program, but Gundy never panicked and the Cowboys never panicked.
* For the fourth consecutive season, the Cowboys have had a 50-50 run-pass balance. With Keith Toston running for 1,130 yards, OSU is on course for its fourth consecutive Big 12 rushing title.
* OSU is savoring its best defensive performance in years. Before Bill Young arrived as the defensive coordinator, OSU's Gundy-era defenses were mired in futility. Young has coached the Cowboys to rankings of 31st nationally in total defense and fourth in rushing defense. Seven opposing teams failed to reach the 100-yard mark in rushing. No individual has had a 100-yard rushing performance. Young deserves the Broyles Award, given annually to the top assistant in college football.
* Lane Taylor, Andrew Mitchell, Brandon Weeden, Donald Booker and Hubert Anyiam. During the preseason, these guys were not expected to be major contributors. But for various reasons, they were forced into important situations and all have responded in a winning way. Taylor, a redshirt freshman, has made eight starts at right guard. Since Brady Bond sustained a sprained ankle, Mitchell has played well in three starts at right tackle. Weeden had a sensational, game-saving relief performance against Colorado. Booker was expected to be the backup middle linebacker. Orie Lemon was injured before the Georgia opener, and Booker has been very good all season. Anyiam was slotted to be Dez Bryant's backup. With Bryant having become a former Cowboy, Anyiam emerged as OSU's No. 1 option in the passing game.
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
