The foggy 2008 outlook
Published: 8/26/2008 10:01 AM
Last Modified: 8/26/2008 10:01 AM
My prediction skills have been near the mark the past two seasons picking OSU's season record here in this blog space. In 2006, I said the Cowboys would go 6-6. I wouldn't call it a bulls-eye since I missed on the games OSU would win and lose in the month of October that season.
Last year, I called for a 7-5 season. But I didn't foresee the loss at Troy or the unexpected whipping the Cowboys put on Nebraska or the anticipated rise to power by Kansas on the gridiron or the 6-6 OSU regular season.
The crystal ball is a little foggy regarding this season. From one viewing, it could be a very good season for the Cowboys. Another viewing, though, offers troubling times ahead. Let's get a game-by-game outlook.
Washington State: Zac Robinson plays the role of OSU's McDreamy and will leave Seattle gracefully with a 359-yard total offense performance in a 44-23 Cowboys victory.
Houston: The dozen Cowboys who call the Houston area home want bragging rights back after a 2006 loss to the Cougars. H-town products Orie Lemon, Andre Sexton, Ricky Price and Jeray Chatham claw the Cougars 42-17.
Missouri State: Lightning strikes twice. Perrish Cox returns the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown, just like he did two years ago against the Bears, to spark a 52-10 triumph.
Troy: Lightning surely cannot strike twice here, can it? One year after getting embarrassed by the Trojans, the Cowboys conquer Troy 48-24.
Texas A&M: This time, a one-point decision goes OSU's way. Big 300-pound defensive tackle Swanson Miller stuffs big A&M running back Jorvorskie Lane short of the goal line on a last-second two-point conversion try for a 28-27 OSU win.
Missouri: Hold those Tigers? OSU can't on this day. Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman are too tough to tame in mighty Mizzou's 41-27 victory.
Baylor: The Bears will be better – some day. But not on this day. Robinson, Dez Bryant, Kendall Hunter and Brandon Pettigrew all have stat-stuffing days in a 52-20 whipping.
Texas: Where have we seen this before? Colt McCoy and the Longhorns score three unanswered fourth-quarter touchdowns to give OSU a gut-wrenching 38-35 defeat.
Iowa State: The Cyclones can huff and puff, but they will not blow Boone Pickens Stadium down. No contest. OSU 47, Iowa State 19.
Texas Tech: Set aside about five hours for this marathon and a score-a-thon. Unfortunately, the Pokes will leave Lubbock on the short end once again. Tech wins 55-49 in overtime.
Colorado: Robinson returns to the Rocky Mountains. But the Littleton, Colo., product and his teammates get rocked by Ralphie and the Buffs 31-27.
Oklahoma: Bedlam in Stillwater always seems to come down to the end. No different this time. Bedlam erupts as an instant replay decision reverses an apparent Sam Bradford fumble and sets up Tress Way's 60-yard field goal, that hits the cross bar and rolls through good as time expires for a 34-33 OU win.
Independence Bowl: The Cowboys go nuts, upset they are not bowling in San Antonio, San Diego or Dallas. Frustration is taken out on Houston Nutt's Ole Miss Rebels. OSU rolls the Rebels 45-20 to finish the 2008 season 8-5.
--- Matt Doyle
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
