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OSU's offense finds the perfect balance
For four years, the Cowboys have kept a 50-50 run-pass split.

OSU's Mike Gundy prepares for the Colorado game last week. STEPHEN HOLMAN / Tulsa World
 
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Published: 11/25/2009  2:24 AM
Last Modified: 11/25/2009  3:47 PM

 On page 6 of the Oklahoma State football press release is a small headline that reads "You Can't Make This Stuff Up."

Beneath the headline is a detailed account of OSU's remarkable offensive balance.

In 2006, the Cowboys got 49.2 percent of their total offense from their ground game and 50.8 percent from their passing game.

In 2007, OSU achieved perfect balance — 243.15 rushing yards and 243.15 passing yards per game.

Last year, 50.3 percent of OSU's total yardage was gained on the ground and 49.7 percent through air.

This season, the balancing act continues.

Entering Saturday's Bedlam contest at Oklahoma, 11th-ranked Oklahoma State averages 400.5 total yards per game. The breakdown — 49.2 percent comes from the ground game (197.0 average) and 50.8 from the passing game (203.5).

"It's quite odd for the numbers to be that close," said Gunter Brewer, OSU's co-offensive coordinator. "Everything we do is based on what it takes to win the game, but we never go into a game thinking that we have to be 50-50.

"If we have to run it 50 times, we will. If we have to throw it 30 times, we will."

OU was shredded in last week's 41-13 loss at Texas Tech, allowing 549 total yards (161 on the ground). Those numbers appear to be an anomaly, however, as OU is 11th nationally in total defense and eighth against the run.

"Oklahoma knows that we're going to try to be balanced," said Mike Gundy, OSU's head coach and offensive play-caller. "They're going to blitz and try to stop the run. We're going to run our system and move forward and try to get into a rhythm."

The Sooners, Gundy added, "really haven't changed athletically, from a speed and tackling standpoint, for a number of years. For me to sit up and say that all of a sudden they can't play defense would be crazy. They're very good on defense."

For the third consecutive season, OSU has a 1,000-yard rusher.

In 2007, Dantrell Savage ran for 1,272 yards. Last year, Kendall Hunter ran for 1,555. Through 11 games this season, Keith Toston's total stands at 1,130. In conference play, Toston leads the Big 12 with a 121.4-yard average.

OSU is on course to record its fourth consecutive Big 12 rushing title.

"That's what the (offensive line) takes credit for — rushing," Cowboy center Andrew Lewis said. "Leading the Big 12 in rushing for four years and going to four consecutive bowls — that's something our class could take pride in."

All-American wide receiver Dez Bryant played in only three games this season.

After he was suspended, Cowboy fans might have feared for the viability of OSU's passing game.

While none of the remaining receivers can match Bryant's penchant for big plays, OSU has continued to get significant yardage through the air. Other Cowboys have been responsible for 29 receptions that covered at least 20 yards.

"To me, you have to do whatever your personnel allows you to do and whatever the defense gives you," said Joe Wickline, OSU's offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator. "It might be a lot of passing yards, it might be a lot of rush yards or it might be some of each. Basically, statistically, it just ends up wherever it ends up.

"You want your game plan to be balanced. If you can't be great at passing or great at running, then you'd better be balanced. Being balanced is more than just run-pass. It's the types of runs — inside, outside, counters, quarterback runs, option runs. Passing is the same way — dropback, rollout, play-action. It's not just about the yards you get, but how you get them. You want to be balanced schematically."

The use of the quarterback run game has become a staple of Gundy's no-huddle spread offense.

In 2006, Bobby Reid rushed for 500 yards and five touchdowns. With 1,855 yards and 22 touchdowns, Zac Robinson is the most prolific running QB in school history.

Robinson sustained a shoulder bruise in the Nov. 14 victory over Texas Tech. Robinson did not play against Colorado last week, but has returned to the practice field and, Gundy says, is expected to play against the Sooners.



Run-pass production

A review of Oklahoma State’s run-pass balance:

2009

Total offense: 400.5 yards/game
Rushing: 197.0. Passing: 203.5

2008

Total offense: 487.7 yards/game
Rushing: 245.5. Passing: 242.2.

2007

Total offense: 486.3 yards/game
Rushing: 243.15. Passing: 243.15.

2006

Total offense: 409.8 yards/game
Rushing: 208.0. Passing: 201.8.

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

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4 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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PIRANA, Tulsa (11/25/2009 10:03:17 AM)
Go Pokes!!! Beat OU!!!
ORANGE!!!...
...POWER!!!
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CowboyBobDog, Neamh (11/25/2009 1:21:31 PM)
Walk the walk.

(Bobdog will wear his orange and black sweater and cheer the Pokes on.)
Report Comment
Merked, (11/25/2009 9:49:25 PM)
To ensure your offense doesn't become anemic around bowl season!

Go Pokes! Run it up in norman!
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FUTURE WORLD, Tulsa (11/26/2009 4:02:54 PM)
The Pokes moment of truth is finally at hand.
 

 
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