JimBob
10-22-2008, 08:47 AM
'Horns to test OSU's tailbacks
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
10/22/2008
Last Modified: 10/22/2008 2:33 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.
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
10/22/2008
Last Modified: 10/22/2008 2:33 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.