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Toston key to OSU's success

OSU's Keith Toston has averaged 107 yards per game in his team's seven wins. STEPHEN HOLMAN / Tulsa World
 
By MATT BAKER World Sports Writer
Published: 11/9/2009  2:22 AM
Last Modified: 11/9/2009  6:34 AM

 Oklahoma State's offense received a jolt Saturday with a few productive plays from All-America tailback Kendall Hunter.

But with the way Keith Toston has played, how much do the Cowboys really need Hunter?

Toston has emerged from being the ultimate role player in his three previous years to become one of the biggest playmakers at OSU. And, aside from quarterback Zac Robinson, no offensive player has been as important to OSU's success than Toston.

He's quietly become the second-leading rusher in the Big 12 (882 yards) and is heading to a 1,000-yard season. His nine touchdowns are also among the most in the conference. Not bad for a career-long backup tailback.

It helps that he's running behind a veteran offensive line with a future first-round pick in left tackle in Russell Okung, but it's hard to overstate Toston's importance.

In OSU's seven wins, the 205-pound senior has averaged 107 yards per game, including his 206-yard performance at Iowa State. Toston is averaging only 68 yards per game in OSU's two losses.

"I'm a big Keith Toston fan," head coach Mike Gundy told reporters after OSU's 34-8 win over Iowa State.

Every OSU fan should be, too. Toston has chewed up yards and banged out important carries throughout his four-year career in Stillwater. His ability to power through holes, churn out 4-yard runs and avoid negative plays keeps drives alive.

"He's been durable and tough and gotten considerable amount of yardage after contact, which is really
important for a running back," Gundy said. "Ever since Kendall went down with that injury, Keith's never said a word. He's just stepped up."

Hunter's return gives the Cowboys a three-man rotation in the backfield, with Toston and Beau Johnson. That set of triplets can share the bruises from Big 12 linebackers and crank out yards to keep OSU's offense balanced and bail out Robinson.

Gundy has pointed out that Toston lacks Hunter's big-play ability, and Hunter's talent makes him a better NFL prospect. As Hunter's foot gets closer to 100 percent, his workload will likely increase, and the Cowboys will count on him to rush through November and toward a strong finish in the Big 12.

But without Toston's production so far, Hunter wouldn't be in position to carry OSU to a marquee bowl game.

Matt Baker 581-8358
matt.@tulsaworld.com
By MATT BAKER World Sports Writer

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COMMENTS 
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6 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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Report Comment
PIRANA, Tulsa (11/9/2009 10:27:48 AM)
Go Pokes!!! Beat Texas Tech!!!
Report Comment
DontHaveToGuess, (11/9/2009 8:18:23 AM)
We need Toston, Hunter and Beau Johnson. It was great to see Kendall out there on the field again, making plays. They say he wasn't 100$. He still looked like he belonged out there. Wonder if Toston is becoming somebody who'll get some NFL draft consideration ? He catches the ball well too
Report Comment
OUuglystepdaughter, golden (11/9/2009 2:21:26 PM)
OK guys, 4 teams in front of us lost over the weekend and we go into ISU and beat the snot out of them. We should move up in all poles. It seems as though we don't get any respect nationally and it also seems that the NCAA has it out for OSU. If we win out I bet we don't get in the top ten. Let's GO POKES!!
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MexiMike, Tulsa (11/9/2009 12:21:47 PM)
I almost forgot what made Hunter so special until he came in an played in the Iowa State game. His quickness and shifty running are a perfect combination to match Toston's tough, physical running.

Both of them have the opportunity to play on Sundays. I am very happy for Toston that he has taken this opportunity and made the best of it for his future. Keep it up, boys. Go Pokes!
Report Comment
Jimm, (11/10/2009 12:13:26 AM)
This house full of Cowboy fans are proud of Keith and all the Cowboys!
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Big John 2009, (11/9/2009 11:58:10 AM)
So proud of Keith Toston, worked his tail off, now has his chance and is taking advantage of it. "Tough" Totson is my vote for this year's MVP for the Cowboys.

Go Pokes beat Tech !!!!
 

 
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