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OSU Notebook: Defensive improvement

OSU's Markelle Martin chases down Texas A&M's Uzoma Nwachukwu at Kyle Field in College Station, Tex. STEPHEN HOLMAN / Tulsa World
 
By JIMMIE TRAMEL, World Sports Writer
Published: 10/28/2009  2:23 AM
Last Modified: 10/28/2009  6:07 AM

 Here comes a burnt orange test for Oklahoma State's gaining-in-respect defense.

Texas has averaged 43.0 points during the last five trips to Stillwater. The Longhorns scored at least 34 points in all five games.

Meanwhile, OSU has allowed seven points over the last six quarters and 24 points over the last two games.

The Cowboys haven't surrendered fewer points in consecutive games against Big 12 opposition since giving up a combined 21 to Iowa State and Colorado in October of 2004.

When did the Cowboys get their first hint the defense could be improved? "During the offseason," safety Markelle Martin said. Martin indicated that he knew the defense could be better because of workouts in which OSU defenders were able to compete against, and slow down, a highly regarded Cowboy offense.

Creature feature: Because OSU is playing a Halloween game, players were asked some unusual questions at a Monday press gathering.

For instance, tight end Cooper Bassett was asked if he has a favorite horror flick. Bassett is 6-foot-5 and 259 pounds, but he's not too big to be scared.

"I just saw 'Paranormal' and I have to admit that I slept with my door open and the lights on after it," Bassett said. "If anyone wants to go see it, it's a good flick. That definitely got me into the Halloween spirit."

Grounded: OSU allowed Oregon to produce two 100-yard rushers in the Holiday Bowl last season. The Cowboys, given a get-tougher edict by coach Mike Gundy, haven't allowed an individual to rush for more than 87 yards in a game this season.

Staying unpredictable: OSU has allowed only four sacks all season and is giving up an NCAA-low 2.86 tackles for loss per game. Avoiding negative yardage plays has helped the Cowboys to keep defenses guessing.

"You want to have the capability to run or pass or be in a position where you are not so deep (in a down-and-distance hole) that they know you are going to do one thing or another," co-offensive coordinator Gunter Brewer said. "Hopefully we can continue that."



2009 OSU SCHEDULE

Tickets: (877) 255-4678; tulsaworld.com/osusports

Sept. 5: Georgia W, 24-10

Sept. 12: Houston L, 45-35

Sept. 19: Rice W, 41-24

Sept. 26: Grambling W, 56-6

Oct. 10: at Texas A&M W, 36-31

Oct. 17: Missouri W, 33-17

Oct. 24: at Baylor W, 34-7

Oct. 31: Texas KTUL-8 7 p.m.

Nov. 7: at Iowa State TBA

Nov. 14: Texas Tech TBA

Nov. 19: Colorado ESPN-25 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 28: at Oklahoma TBA

Dec. 5: Big 12 Championship KTUL-8 7 p.m.
By JIMMIE TRAMEL, World Sports Writer

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5 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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Report Comment
TMS, (10/28/2009 11:14:19 AM)
Unfortunately, OSU is catching Texas at a high point. Timing is everything as they say.
Report Comment
Davie, (10/28/2009 12:21:02 PM)
OSU is at high point too, save the Dez Bryant fiasco. Not only is the defense improved, Zac has improved without Dez to go to. Last week's 85% pass completion rate should have gotten him more attention than it did.
Report Comment
SUEA, MESQUITE (10/28/2009 2:56:59 PM)
Texas has already beaten the best team in Oklahoma...........Steers by 14
Report Comment
okstate12, (10/28/2009 7:48:50 PM)
If you think fexas is on a high point you are sadly mistaken Missouri is awful and that beating was expected. But their previous games that I have watched they looked awful they squeaked one out on OU and CU. CU is another pretty bad team. I like our chances at home.
Report Comment
jasheldon, (10/28/2009 9:15:19 PM)
Texas squeaked one out on OU's backup offense. OSU throws down with some serious defense for 4 quarters and they have a great chance of pulling one off over Texas.

Go Cowboys!!!
 

 
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