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Young proves he's one of this year's best

OSU linebacker coach Glenn Spencer shakes hands with defensive coordinator Bill Young (right) in the final seconds of OSU's win over Iowa State. STEPHEN HOLMAN / Tulsa World
 
By DAVE SITTLER World Sports Columnist
Published: 11/10/2009  2:25 AM
Last Modified: 11/10/2009  4:21 AM
Go to Dave Sittler's Blog

STILLWATER — How about seven come eleven?

That's the message Bill Young is sending his players these days. And Oklahoma State's defensive coordinator isn't talking about rolling the dice or the name of a convenience store.

Now that the Cowboys (7-2, 4-1 Big 12) have seven wins, why not go for the whole enchilada? Young is challenging the Cowboys to become the first team in OSU history to win 11 games, which means the Pokes would have to sweep their final three regular-season games and a bowl game.

"Coach Young's talked about us taking it one game at a time to try and become the best team in school history," defensive end Ugo Chinasa said Tuesday. "So that's our goal."

If the Cowboys make history, Young will be a major reason why. In his first season as defensive coordinator at his alma mater, Young has the players on his side of the ball believing in his ability to help them set records.

This Saturday's home game against Texas Tech is a prime example. The Red Raiders (6-3, 3-2) will bring one of the most explosive offenses in the country to Boone Pickens Stadium.

Tech coach Mike Leach is considered the godfather of the wide-open spread, throwing the ball all over the yard. Because of Young's steadying influence, Leach's well-earned reputation doesn't intimidate

OSU's defense. "Our coaches are going to come up with a great game plan and we're going to stop (Tech's offense)," defensive end Jermiah Price said. "So it really doesn't matter what they do."

The 63-year-old Young has his young charges following him like he's the Pied Piper, because he's demonstrated that he knows his stuff. For the first time in many seasons, OSU's philosophy isn't based solely on the offense setting scoring records to overcome a bad defense by scoring one more point than its opponent.

OSU ranks 35th nationally in total defense. What's the big deal about that? It's this: After nine games the previous four seasons, the Cowboys ranked 93rd, 101st, 89th and 95th.

"It's been great playing for (Young)" Price said. "He's a great coach. He keeps everybody excited and wanting to play hard."

If OSU can continue its dramatic defensive turnaround, Young should be a leading candidate for the Frank Broyles Award, which goes to the nation's top coordinator.

And to think, Young took a $35,000 pay cut when OSU coach Mike Gundy offered him the job last January. Young was making $350,000 as Miami's (Fla.) defensive coordinator, but immediately agreed to the $315,000 deal Gundy put on the table.

Born in Hereford, Texas, but raised in Oklahoma City, Young said he didn't blink at the $35,000 reduction in salary because "I really wanted to be here. This is my home, and it just felt right with family in the area and those kinds of reasons."

OK, but how did Lawana Young take it when her husband informed her he had accepted a job that paid a whole lot less than the one he had?

"She wanted to come worse than I did, and I wanted to come as bad as you could want," Young said. "I'm so happy to be here that I can't put it into words."

The feeling is definitely mutual with Gundy and the players. Their respect for the former OSU defensive end/linebacker shot up again after last Saturday's 34-8 win at Iowa State, when the defense held the Big 12 Conference's leading rushing team to 54 yards on the ground.

The nation's ninth-best defense against the run (94 yards per game), OSU has limited its last three opponents (including then-No. 3 Texas) to less than 300 yards of total offense for the first time since the 1998 season.

While OSU is better in almost every defensive category from a year ago, Texas Tech will test an area that appears vulnerable. The Cowboys rank 87th nationally and 10th in the Big 12 in pass defense, giving up an average of 237.33 yards per game.

Even though injuries have forced Leach to play three quarterbacks, the Red Raiders are still second in the nation in passing offense, averaging 400.44 yards a contest. They also lead the conference in pass efficiency, and are second in total offense and scoring.

So something will have to give in Saturday's 7 p.m. game. OSU's depleted offense, which is sixth in the Big 12 in total yards per game (408.11), finds itself in the unfamiliar position of relying on its defense more than at any time in the Gundy era.

"We're doing good, but we haven't played our best game yet, by far," Price said. "I just hope the coaches continue to do great things with the game plan, and we continue to do great things executing it."

If Young helps OSU turn those seven wins into a historic 11, he should be in line for a significant bump in salary. Even if the Cowboys fall short of a single-season win total, Young has already earned a hefty raise after becoming arguably the best coordinator hire of the year.

Thanks to his loyalty to OSU, he's definitely this season's best bargain.

By DAVE SITTLER World Sports Columnist

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4 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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Rhymeister, International (11/10/2009 8:04:19 PM)
RUN THE BALL, Ok State, we need ball control this game. That should be a big part of the game plan, open up the holes for Toston, Hunter and Johnson. Keep penalties to a minimum and win the turnover ratio, we should be able to get two or three picks.
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MexiMike, Tulsa (11/10/2009 8:11:52 AM)
Yeah, Price needs to be a bit more humble when speaking about opponents...especially since T-Tech has put up ridiculous numbers on us in recent past.

Let your actions speak for you, Jeremiah.

Go Pokes!!!
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opiskua, Tokyo (11/10/2009 5:43:36 AM)
I am all about being confident, but don't give the other team locker room material. Saying those things.... Price and the defense better be ready to back it up. GO POKES
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BOBO1, (11/10/2009 9:36:20 AM)
I like the fact that OSU has some HOME GROWN coaches. And, that these coaches are not all about the money....they as Aluni also truly want OSU to be a top team. Very refreshing from the past stepping stones OSU has played with other Coaches who come and go. These coaches are not just good coaches but a refreshing change in dedication to the University.
 

 
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