JimBob
10-13-2008, 07:35 AM
Under pressure, Cowboys thrived
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
10/13/2008
Last Modified: 10/13/2008 3:19 AM
Saturday's conquest of Missouri might be remembered as a turning point for the Oklahoma State program.
Against a quality opponent — an opponent that was unbeaten and ranked No. 3 nationally — OSU had a slim fourth-quarter lead. Mindful that the Tiger offense had been so prolific in previous games, Missouri's crowd of 68,000-plus was ready to celebrate a late touchdown and a come-from-behind victory.
In 2006 and 2007, the Cowboys melted down in similar situations.
On Saturday, OSU made the decisive play — Patrick Lavine intercepted a Chase Daniel pass with 1:41 remaining. The Cowboys secured a 28-23 triumph, and now they are among the hotter stories in college football.
In a span of three weeks, OSU has gone from being unranked to being 21st in the AP poll, and then 17th, and now No. 8.
With a win over Baylor this week, OSU would be 7-0 for only the second time in school history — and for the first time in 63 years.
College football is crazy. OSU may lose three or four times. Then again, does any remaining opponent really seem unbeatable? Texas Tech nearly lost at home to Nebraska. Oklahoma's defense and kickoff-coverage unit were thrashed by Texas. The Longhorns are No. 1, but are they an intimidating, sensationally talented No. 1? No.
Before the season, it seemed difficult for the Cowboys to reach the eight-win mark. Now, with OSU surging to a 6-0 start, and with the defense improving so much since a year ago, an 8-4 regular-season finish would qualify as a disappointment.
The Missouri upset could wind up being a highlight date in a very special season. There will be comparable challenges. There will be more pressurized fourth quarters and the Missouri experience might have been immeasurably beneficial for the Cowboys.
Recalling the postgame locker-room scene at Mizzou, OSU coach Mike Gundy said, "The players were very excited. I think they believed in themselves. But I'm not sure they were really surprised. They had a lot of respect for Missouri, but they had faith in the plan."
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FOURTH-QUARTER PRESSURE
Before Saturday's 28-23 upset win at Missouri, the Mike Gundy-coached Cowboys had been haunted by fourth-quarter collapses:
Kansas State 31, OSU 27 (Oct. 7, 2006, at Manhattan): During the final four minutes, the Cowboys squandered a 10-point lead.
Texas A&M 34, OSU 33 (Oct. 21, 2006 at Stillwater): The Aggies converted on a fourth-and-13 play, scored a tying TD with three seconds left and won in overtime by blocking OSU's extra-point kick.
Texas A&M 24, OSU 23 (Oct. 6, 2007 at College Station): Cowboys lost after blowing a 17-point, third-quarter cushion.
Texas 38, OSU 35 (Nov. 3, 2007): The Longhorns rallied from a 21-point, fourth-quarter deficit.
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
10/13/2008
Last Modified: 10/13/2008 3:19 AM
Saturday's conquest of Missouri might be remembered as a turning point for the Oklahoma State program.
Against a quality opponent — an opponent that was unbeaten and ranked No. 3 nationally — OSU had a slim fourth-quarter lead. Mindful that the Tiger offense had been so prolific in previous games, Missouri's crowd of 68,000-plus was ready to celebrate a late touchdown and a come-from-behind victory.
In 2006 and 2007, the Cowboys melted down in similar situations.
On Saturday, OSU made the decisive play — Patrick Lavine intercepted a Chase Daniel pass with 1:41 remaining. The Cowboys secured a 28-23 triumph, and now they are among the hotter stories in college football.
In a span of three weeks, OSU has gone from being unranked to being 21st in the AP poll, and then 17th, and now No. 8.
With a win over Baylor this week, OSU would be 7-0 for only the second time in school history — and for the first time in 63 years.
College football is crazy. OSU may lose three or four times. Then again, does any remaining opponent really seem unbeatable? Texas Tech nearly lost at home to Nebraska. Oklahoma's defense and kickoff-coverage unit were thrashed by Texas. The Longhorns are No. 1, but are they an intimidating, sensationally talented No. 1? No.
Before the season, it seemed difficult for the Cowboys to reach the eight-win mark. Now, with OSU surging to a 6-0 start, and with the defense improving so much since a year ago, an 8-4 regular-season finish would qualify as a disappointment.
The Missouri upset could wind up being a highlight date in a very special season. There will be comparable challenges. There will be more pressurized fourth quarters and the Missouri experience might have been immeasurably beneficial for the Cowboys.
Recalling the postgame locker-room scene at Mizzou, OSU coach Mike Gundy said, "The players were very excited. I think they believed in themselves. But I'm not sure they were really surprised. They had a lot of respect for Missouri, but they had faith in the plan."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOURTH-QUARTER PRESSURE
Before Saturday's 28-23 upset win at Missouri, the Mike Gundy-coached Cowboys had been haunted by fourth-quarter collapses:
Kansas State 31, OSU 27 (Oct. 7, 2006, at Manhattan): During the final four minutes, the Cowboys squandered a 10-point lead.
Texas A&M 34, OSU 33 (Oct. 21, 2006 at Stillwater): The Aggies converted on a fourth-and-13 play, scored a tying TD with three seconds left and won in overtime by blocking OSU's extra-point kick.
Texas A&M 24, OSU 23 (Oct. 6, 2007 at College Station): Cowboys lost after blowing a 17-point, third-quarter cushion.
Texas 38, OSU 35 (Nov. 3, 2007): The Longhorns rallied from a 21-point, fourth-quarter deficit.