Tulsa World: Cowboys must put up big points

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Cowboys must put up big points

Quarterback Zac Robinson (right) and the OSU offense have had their struggles this season inside their opponents' 10-yard line. DARYL WILSON/Tulsa World

By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer
Published: 11/24/2008 2:25 AM
Last Modified: 11/24/2008 3:20 AM

Oklahoma State's offense has scored 55 touchdowns this season. That averages out to five trips to the end zone per game.

Keep that figure in mind.

The Cowboys very well could need to score at least five touchdowns to win the Bedlam game this week against Oklahoma. The fewest points the Sooners have scored in the Big 12 this season is 35 in their lone loss to Texas.

So, in a game of many challenges, one is huge for the Cowboys. OSU must reach the end zone at least a handful of times.

Even so, would that be enough against an OU team averaging just under 63 points in its past four games?

The Cowboys are certainly capable of scoring points. However, for all the fireworks they have produced this season, the Cowboys have struggled at times when they have moved the ball inside the opponents' 10-yard line.

Last week at Colorado, the Cowboys settled for three short field goals by Dan Bailey in the 30-17 win. Ten of Bailey's 12 field goals this season have been shorter than 29 yards.

Short field goals will not beat the Sooners, unless it's a kick to win the game in the final seconds.

Goal-line stands by the Sooners in each of the past two Bedlam games have swung momentum.

Two years ago, trailing 27-14 at the start of the fourth quarter, OSU quarterback Zac Robinson had the football jarred free by OU linebacker Zach Latimer as he approached the goal line on a fourth-down play from the OU 1-yard line.

The loose ball was covered by Demarrio Pleasant in the end zone. OU hung on for a 27-21 win.

Last year, with OSU trailing 21-7 midway through the second quarter, Robinson tried to get outside on fourth-and-goal from the OU 1. OU's Lewis Baker forced Robinson back inside, where DeMarcus Granger popped him and Curtis Lofton jarred the ball loose. D.J. Wolfe recovered the fumble. OU went on to win 49-17.

"You've got to get the ball in, and you've got to get seven points," OSU co-offensive coordinator Gunter Brewer said. "Our mind-set has got to be different than the Colorado game. We'll have to be more aggressive. You may see us go for it on fourth-and-1 some. It's almost like poker in that final match when you have to go all in."

In Bedlam, the stakes are high. In this showdown, OSU will need to cash in on every touchdown opportunity.

Matt Doyle 581-8316
matt.doyle@tulsaworld.com By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer

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	Report Comment Dr. Strangelove, Tulsa (11/24/2008 9:52:12 AM) And the award for the most obvious headline of the day goes to..........
	Report Comment tulsaGuy, (11/24/2008 2:24:50 PM) I'm an OU fan... but OSU beat OU in football player graduation rates last year... in previous years OSU had the nation's worst, I believe. Anybody got the latest stats.

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