JimBob
09-01-2008, 07:22 AM
Can Cowboys cruise to 5-0?
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
9/1/2008
Last Modified: 9/1/2008 3:58 AM
SEATTLE — First, it should be strongly emphasized that Washington State isn't very good.
In beating the Cougars 39-13 in Saturday's opener at Qwest Field, Oklahoma State simply made a routine par. The Cowboys were favored, and if their offense had not been so inconsistent, this would have been a 56-13 outcome.
Washington State has been picked to finish last in the Pac-10. That distinction seems appropriate.
The updated reasonable expectation for OSU fans? At the very least, they should expect a 5-0 record before the Cowboys play at Missouri on Oct. 11.
OSU now can look ahead to consecutive home dates with Houston (this Saturday), Missouri State (Sept. 13) and Troy (Sept. 27). The Big 12 schedule opens with yet another home game as Texas A&M visits Stillwater on Oct. 4.
Did you see what happened to Texas A&M on Saturday? The Aggies lost 18-14. At home. To Arkansas State.
After consecutive one-point losses to A&M, the Cowboys should be plenty motivated to pummel the Aggies at Boone Pickens Stadium.
The Cowboys have not been 5-0 since 2004 (Les Miles' final season as coach), but this OSU squad seems to have the wherewithal to match that start.
At that point, the Oklahoma State season becomes really interesting and challenging. There are trips to Mizzou, Texas, Texas Tech and Colorado. There is Bedlam on Nov. 29 in Stillwater.
Against Washington State, there were signs that October-November could be compelling for Cowboy fans. The OSU offense had an off-day against the Cougars and still managed three field goals and three touchdowns. The OSU defense was surprisingly effective, limiting WSU to only 196 total yards (a paltry 3.3 per snap). Perrish Cox scored on a 90-yard kickoff return TD, while Dez Bryant and Ricky Price had big punt returns.
So, yes, OSU mashed Washington State. The trick now is to avoid stumbles against the likes of Houston and Troy. If the Cowboy defense really is substantially improved, and if the special-teams units can be exceptional on a weekly basis, it ultimately could mean the difference between, say, an Independence Bowl berth and a flight to the Holiday Bowl.
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
9/1/2008
Last Modified: 9/1/2008 3:58 AM
SEATTLE — First, it should be strongly emphasized that Washington State isn't very good.
In beating the Cougars 39-13 in Saturday's opener at Qwest Field, Oklahoma State simply made a routine par. The Cowboys were favored, and if their offense had not been so inconsistent, this would have been a 56-13 outcome.
Washington State has been picked to finish last in the Pac-10. That distinction seems appropriate.
The updated reasonable expectation for OSU fans? At the very least, they should expect a 5-0 record before the Cowboys play at Missouri on Oct. 11.
OSU now can look ahead to consecutive home dates with Houston (this Saturday), Missouri State (Sept. 13) and Troy (Sept. 27). The Big 12 schedule opens with yet another home game as Texas A&M visits Stillwater on Oct. 4.
Did you see what happened to Texas A&M on Saturday? The Aggies lost 18-14. At home. To Arkansas State.
After consecutive one-point losses to A&M, the Cowboys should be plenty motivated to pummel the Aggies at Boone Pickens Stadium.
The Cowboys have not been 5-0 since 2004 (Les Miles' final season as coach), but this OSU squad seems to have the wherewithal to match that start.
At that point, the Oklahoma State season becomes really interesting and challenging. There are trips to Mizzou, Texas, Texas Tech and Colorado. There is Bedlam on Nov. 29 in Stillwater.
Against Washington State, there were signs that October-November could be compelling for Cowboy fans. The OSU offense had an off-day against the Cougars and still managed three field goals and three touchdowns. The OSU defense was surprisingly effective, limiting WSU to only 196 total yards (a paltry 3.3 per snap). Perrish Cox scored on a 90-yard kickoff return TD, while Dez Bryant and Ricky Price had big punt returns.
So, yes, OSU mashed Washington State. The trick now is to avoid stumbles against the likes of Houston and Troy. If the Cowboy defense really is substantially improved, and if the special-teams units can be exceptional on a weekly basis, it ultimately could mean the difference between, say, an Independence Bowl berth and a flight to the Holiday Bowl.