OSU football notebook: Defensive issues

BY KELLY HINES World Sports Writer
Sunday, December 02, 2012
12/02/12 at 5:54 AM

The play of sophomore defensive tackle James Castleman was a reason that OSU's defensive line got an upgrade this season, but he did not play in the regular-season finale.

Gundy indicated that Castleman was injured during the week.

After sustaining a foot injury against Oklahoma and wearing a protective boot all week, cornerback Brodrick Brown saw his team-leading streak of 38 consecutive starts come to an end. He came off the bench to play against the Bears.

"He is not healthy," Gundy said. "He probably should have just stayed home. He felt like he wanted to try to go, but he is not healthy."

Kevin Peterson, a true freshman from Wagoner, started in Brown's place, becoming the 20th OSU player to make his first career start this season.

Something's gotta give: OSU entered the game ranked 22nd nationally in run defense. Baylor entered the game ranked 18th nationally in rushing offense. The Bears ran 55 times for 319 yards. Oregon transfer Lache Seastrunk ran 16 times for 178 yards. Quarterback Nick Florence carried 18 times for 71 yards.

Streak ends: OSU entered the game having won six straight and 15 of the last 16 against Baylor.

"Today was a good win for the seniors and to get our seventh of the season," Bears coach Art Briles said. "But really today was about getting respect. When we are standing on the street corner we have to find room, and we have not done that with OSU."

Road woes: The Cowboys closed the regular season with a 1-4 record on the road. The lone win was a narrow 20-14 victory against Kansas.

"In order to be a good football team like we have been over the past few years, you have to be able to win on the road," Gundy said. "That comes with experience and maturity, and we did not have that today."

Late bloomers: Baylor is now 10-1 in November and December games over the past two years.

Notable performances: Joseph Randle (23 carries, 139 yards) went over 100 yards rushing for the eighth time this year and the 14th time in his career.

Josh Stewart (12 catches, 147 yards) had more than 100 yards receiving for the third time in the last four games. He also recorded double-figure receptions for the third time in four games.

Nicholas' block: Nigel Nicholas blocked a 34-yard field-goal attempt on the final play of the first half, OSU's first blocked field goal since Chris Donaldson's against Kansas in 2010.

The Cowboys have blocked three kicks (two punts and a field goal) in the last three games. The 2008 team blocked four kicks for the highest single-season total of the Gundy era.

Turning the tide: In defensive coordinator Phil Bennett's two seasons, Baylor is 15-2 when forcing at least two turnovers.

Fast start: Baylor's lead at halftime was 31-17, matching Kansas State for the most points scored in a half against OSU this season.

Uniform tracker: The Cowboys wore gray carbon-fiber helmets, white jerseys and orange pants.

Associated Images:

Castleman

Brown