Weeden-Blackmon complemented by Gundy's best defense
Published: 4/17/2011 4:10 PM
Last Modified: 4/17/2011 4:10 PM
STILLWATER – Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon are good enough to lift Oklahoma State’s football team into this year’s preseason Top 25.
Depending on offseason developments in Stillwater and elsewhere, the Cowboys could be anywhere from No. 8 to No. 15 in the first Associated Press poll released in August.
If the Weeden-Blackmon combination can get the Cowboys into that position, is the defense good enough to keep OSU in that position?
If the front-seven guys can stay healthy, and if at least one of the incoming freshmen is able to bolster the depth at tackle, the 2011 defense looks to be the best of the Mike Gundy era.
Without question, Gundy has his best collection of cornerbacks, safeties and ends. During the 2008 season, the Cowboys were ranked as high as No. 7 nationally in spite of a defense than wound up with a measly total of 15 sacks. Defensive coordinator Bill Young’s emphasis on pressure has garnered positive results – 29 sacks in 2009 and 30 last season.
Shaun Lewis is brilliant at star linebacker. There are question marks at each of the other two linebacking positions, but more because of a lack of experience than a lack of athleticism and football talent.
Oklahoma State isn’t yet at that Alabama-Oklahoma level of great defense, but the Cowboys – because of consistently effective recruiting and coaching – are moving steadily to a higher level of respectability. The combination of the Weeden-Blackmon offense and a pretty good defense could result in a very nice 2011 for the Cowboys.
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
