JimBob
11-01-2008, 08:25 AM
OSU: 3 Storylines
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
11/1/2008
Last Modified: 11/1/2008 2:19 AM
A look at three things to watch in today's Iowa State-OSU contest.
Hunter's yards
As was the case against Texas A&M, this is a game Oklahoma State probably could win without attempting a forward pass. The Cowboys are sixth nationally in rushing offense (274.9-yard average). Iowa State is 87th against the run. It would benefit the Cowboy program for Kendall Hunter to get big yardage totals and enhance his All-Big 12 and All-American candidacy. Saturday's game is televised by ABC. With as many as 18 carries, Hunter could have a 200-yard afternoon.
Continued progress
Over the past month, the OSU defense has made great strides. Granted, the Cowboys forced Texas to punt only once, but OSU stayed in the game because its defense forced two Colt McCoy turnovers. Over their past five games, the Cowboys have forced 14 turnovers. OSU's defense cannot afford to falter against an outclassed Iowa State team. Much tougher challenges (Texas Tech and Oklahoma) are on the immediate horizon.
Rest the starters
After Saturday, the Cowboys face consecutive road games (at Texas Tech next week, at Colorado on Nov. 15). The best situation for OSU would be to bury Iowa State early, and by the third quarter have its starters on the sideline. Backups could get valuable experience in a Big 12 game, and starters wouldn't run the risk of getting injured during a meaningless fourth quarter.
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
11/1/2008
Last Modified: 11/1/2008 2:19 AM
A look at three things to watch in today's Iowa State-OSU contest.
Hunter's yards
As was the case against Texas A&M, this is a game Oklahoma State probably could win without attempting a forward pass. The Cowboys are sixth nationally in rushing offense (274.9-yard average). Iowa State is 87th against the run. It would benefit the Cowboy program for Kendall Hunter to get big yardage totals and enhance his All-Big 12 and All-American candidacy. Saturday's game is televised by ABC. With as many as 18 carries, Hunter could have a 200-yard afternoon.
Continued progress
Over the past month, the OSU defense has made great strides. Granted, the Cowboys forced Texas to punt only once, but OSU stayed in the game because its defense forced two Colt McCoy turnovers. Over their past five games, the Cowboys have forced 14 turnovers. OSU's defense cannot afford to falter against an outclassed Iowa State team. Much tougher challenges (Texas Tech and Oklahoma) are on the immediate horizon.
Rest the starters
After Saturday, the Cowboys face consecutive road games (at Texas Tech next week, at Colorado on Nov. 15). The best situation for OSU would be to bury Iowa State early, and by the third quarter have its starters on the sideline. Backups could get valuable experience in a Big 12 game, and starters wouldn't run the risk of getting injured during a meaningless fourth quarter.