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'Horns to test OSU's tailbacks
O-State's run attack and Texas' run defense, each among the nation's best, will clash on Saturday.

OSU's Kendall Hunter leads the Cowboys onto the field. STEPHEN HOLMAN/Tulsa World

 
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Published: 10/22/2008  2:32 AM
Last Modified: 10/22/2008  9:42 AM

O-State's run attack and Texas' run defense, each among the nation's best, will clash on Saturday.



Texas ranks No. 2 nationally in run defense. The Longhorns have allowed only 48.1 rushing yards per game.

The Oklahoma State rushing attack is the fifth-most productive in college football.

It should make for an interesting competition on Saturday, when the No. 1 Longhorns host seventh-ranked OSU in a 2:30 p.m., ABC-televised clash of unbeaten Big 12 teams.

"They're averaging 283 yards a game and they've got (24) rushing touchdowns," Texas coach Mack Brown said of the Cowboys. "They can run the option. Anybody than can run the option can give you fits. It changes everything you do on defense."

But just how good is the Texas run defense and the OSU ground game?

None of the previous seven Longhorn opponents ranks better than 49th nationally in rushing offense.

None of OSU's six previous Division I-A opponents ranks better than 45th in rushing defense.

OSU's Kendall Hunter is the Big 12 rushing leader at 136.4 yards per game (6.3 per attempt, with nine TDs). Against Texas, he needs 45 yards to reach the 1,000 mark for the season. Backup running back Keith Toston and quarterback Zac Robinson have combined for 736 rushing yards and 12 TDs.

Texas limited Arkansas to 11 rushing yards on 26 attempts. When the Longhorns beat then-No. 1 Oklahoma on Oct. 11, the Sooners mustered only 48 rushing yards (1.8 per attempt). In its 56-31 loss at Texas last week, Missouri averaged 1.6 yards per rush attempt.

OSU averages 5.5 yards per rush attempt.

"Texas is a great defense. Very physical," Cowboy offensive tackle Russell Okung said. "You should want to establish the run in any game you play. It sets the tempo. It sets the pace of the game."

The Cowboys have had at least one 100-yard rusher in 16 of their past 18 games. This season, they have rolled up big numbers against mostly inferior defenses. Washington State is 118th nationally against the run. Texas A&M is 106th. Houston is 94th.

The highest-ranked rushing defense that OSU has faced was Missouri's (45th). Against the Tigers, OSU ran for 187 yards. Hunter had 154, including a 68-yard TD dash.

"Oklahoma State is doing a tremendous job of running the ball," Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo said. "They're a very balanced team. In the Big 12, you play against so many spread teams that you kind of forget about the run. We have to really get ready for that."

The Texas defense is anchored by Orakpo, who ranks eighth nationally with 7.5 sacks, and nose tackle Roy Miller. OSU counters with a veteran offensive line. Center David Washington, tackles Okung and Brady Bond, and guards Steve Denning and Andrew Lewis have made a combined total of 124 career starts.

OSU benefits from the return of tight end Brandon Pettigrew, a fierce run-game blocker who missed three games with a sprained foot. He was on the field for 30 plays against Baylor last week. Against Texas, Pettigrew is expected to get extensive playing time.

"I feel good with our running game," Robinson said. "The way our offensive line is playing, they are blocking great. Brandon will be 100 percent this week. The backs are running great."

Something’s gotta give



OSU boasts one of the best rushing attacks in college football. But this week’s opponent, the Texas Longhorns, is among college football’s best at stopping the run.

283.1
Rushing yards per game gained by OSU

48.1
Rushing yards per game allowed by Texas.



Bill Haisten 581-8397
bill.haisten@tulsaworld.com
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer

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Dave in Houston, Houston (10/23/2008 10:04:35 AM)
Unstoppable force against imovable object. Should be a great matchup. I think the OSU rushing attack will keep Texas' D honest more than anyone else has been able to do. OU and Mizzou tried to air it out too much and began chasing points.

I think Texas will take this one but I don't think a loss of 10pts or less will hurt OSU much at all. Depending on who else loses this weekend, they would likely fall no more than 3-5 spots and the remaining schedule sets up pretty nice. Even with a loss to Texas, I could still see an end of season Bedlam game for the Big XII's second BCS slot up for grabs.

Anyone that says they expected that this summer is a liar.

GO POKES!!! Castrate those Horns!!!
 

 
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