Quick Takes by Roach: Oklahoma State

[HornSports Staff]

By Mike Roach

Who: #22 Texas Longhorns (2-1, 0-0) vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-2, 0-1)
When: Saturday October 1st at 11AM Central
Where: Boone Pickens Stadium – Stillwater, OK (ABC)
Odds: Oklahoma State -2.5

The Good: The Cowboys still know how to play offense. Mike Gundy’s unit is averaging nearly 40 points per game, and 475 total yards per game. Quarterback Mason Rudolph has been strong for the most part driven by 61% completion and 324 yards per game. The Junior passer is also taking care of the ball for the most part, though his turnovers have come at the most crucial moments. Cowboy wide receiver James Washington is the big play threat on the field, and he’s been sensational on the year. His banner moment was a 296 yard game against Pittsburgh in which he totaled 2 touchdowns. The running game got going last week against Baylor, and Justice Hill appears to have some big play potential. The Cowboys defense has been able to slow down some high powered offenses. While they’ve had to replace some guys on the front line due to the NFL draft, they haven’t experienced much drop off. The names to know on the defensive side of the ball include linebacker Jordan Burton, defensive back Jordan Sterns, and defensive tackle Vincent Taylor.

The Bad: The Cowboys came into the season with great expectations, and thus far they’ve experienced disappointment. Lost in the controversial upset at the hands of Central Michigan was the fact that the Cowboys had trouble on the defensive side of the ball. The Cowboys also dropped the conference opener to Baylor in a game where they showed a real inability to slow down the same offense they will see on Saturday. It’s well known that Mike Gundy and Boone Pickens don’t have the best relationship, and a 2-3 start could start the wheels in motion on replacing him now that Les Miles is available.

The Uncertain: This game has been one of the more bizarre matchups in recent years. The home team has not won this game since 2008, and a few of them ended in controversy. In 2012, Texas running back Joe Bergeron appeared to fumble the ball on the winning score though it wasn’t called. Who can forget last year’s matchup when the referees were heavily involved in the Oklahoma State victory. This is not quite a “throw the records out” matchup, but it’s starting to develop into one.

What’s at Stake: Both teams are looking to get their season back on track following disappointing losses. If Texas can pull out a victory in Stillwater, they should have some positive momentum rolling into Dallas for the Red River Rivalry. Oklahoma State cannot afford to enter conference play 0-2 if they hope to accomplish their goal of winning the Big 12 this season. A win over Texas could point them in the right direction as they head into a softer spot in the schedule. 

 

[utb040713]

Good stuff. Should be an interesting matchup; looks like I'll be making the trek up I-35 early Saturday morning for this one.

 

[dillohorn]

I am looking at the Horns giving up another 40 to 50 points. They'll just have to outscore osu.

 

[okiehorn]

Can't wait till Saturday morn. Get to watch my horns live! I think the winner will be the first team to hold the offense to a punt. Both secondary's are rough and both QB's can throw with percesion. Hope for a blow out but doubting this.

 

[Royal 60]

I think that If Texas loses the next two games CS is gone ---- I really hope that doesn't happen But if CS doesn't make adjustments w/his defense I guess he should go ! However I believe Herman is Already committed to LSU .

 

[tejasrulz]

I think that If Texas loses the next two games CS is gone ---- I really hope that doesn't happen But if CS doesn't make adjustments w/his defense I guess he should go ! However I believe Herman is Already committed to LSU .

I agree except that if Texas goes after Herman, he'll come to Austin.

 

[Bear19]

I have maintained all along that Charlie comes back with a six and six record. He should not but I still believe that.

 

[83Dee]

If Charlie were held to the same standard of every other Texas coach in my lifetime, he would already be gone.  So... the bets are off with regard to whether or not he will be back no matter what happens. 

If he were to lose to OSU and OU, I think it is fairly obvious that he is just not a good fit here.  But as I said, we seem to be playing by a new set of standards so I'm not sure what will actually happen. 

I'm going to stab in the dark here.... CS is a brilliant defensive coach, and he will finally act as co-coordinator on that side of the ball.  Impact is immediate as we dramatically improve and only allow 30 points to a pretty good OSU offense.  Improvement is further noticed as it takes them 9 plays to score a touchdown on their first drive. 

Final Score:  Texas 45  OSU 30

 

[MBHORNSFAN]

I have maintained all along that Charlie comes back with a six and six record. He should not but I still believe that.

I don't think so. Too many decision makers want Herman already 6 & 6 will give them all the reason they need to make that happen. 

 

[dillohorn]

I want Strong to succeed but so far I'm undecided that he can/will. I told myself I'd give him 3 seasons before I make up my own mind. The Cal fiasco didn't sit well with me and makes me think it's 2015 all over.

 

[TexExSpur]

If Charlie were held to the same standard of every other Texas coach in my lifetime, he would already be gone.  So... the bets are off with regard to whether or not he will be back no matter what happens. 

Really?  How many in your lifetime had less than four years?

In my lifetime, Royal to Strong...Nobody has had less than 4 years.

McWilliams 87-91

7-5, 4-7, 5-6, 10-2, 5-6 in five seasons.

 

[TexExSpur]

I don't think so. Too many decision makers want Herman already 6 & 6 will give them all the reason they need to make that happen. 

Anything less than 8 gives the poker players reason to push the chips all in.  Doesn't mean it will happen.

 

[Embrey]

I have to believe that the defensive players are going to rally for Bedford this week. I do not perceive these players as the type that are looking for the easy way out (blaming Bedford) because even if he is removed they will still have to prove that they can perform. Charlie's influence with his recruits (taking personal responsibility and ownership for their actions) tell me the defense is going to show up. It will be tough because OSU can score with the best of them if they get rolling but that is the task in front of them. Although a bit reckless I would like to see Bedford call a very aggressive game Saturday. Hitting the opposing QB (legally) early and often is the key to defensive success in the BIG XII. That and tackling in the open field are the keys. Teams are going to score on the defense in this conference. If Texas' defense can achieve these two elements I believe they will have done their job. Conversely, protecting Beuchele will most probably be the determining factor of Texas' success this weekend.

 

[Bear19]

Excellent post Embrey.

 

[Embrey]

Thank you sir

 

[Embrey]

Really? How many in your lifetime had less than four years?

In my lifetime, Royal to Strong...Nobody has had less than 4 years.

McWilliams 87-91

7-5, 4-7, 5-6, 10-2, 5-6 in five seasons.

For all the crap people talk about McWilliams I have an opposing view. After my final game my senior year of high school I received a letter from David. It said something like he liked the way I played, hustled, whatever. I was 5'7" and 150 pounds. David was a friend of my uncle. I understood even then that my dream of playing for Texas would never come true. I knew then why he wrote the letter. What struck me then and remains with me today is that he took a few minutes of his time to write a kid he knew could never make his team because my uncle told him I had lived and breathed Texas football since childhood. That was the pinnacle of my football life.

 

[Mike Roach]

I think the pressure ratchets up on charlie with Herman possibly up for several big jobs

 

[Embrey]

I think the pressure ratchets up on charlie with Herman possibly up for several big jobs

I have already read LSU & USC are looking at Herman. Notre Dame and OU would not surprise me either IF their seasons go to hell.

Mike, have you been hearing much about Kiffin? My sneaky mind makes me wonder if that explosion that Saban unleashed on him a couple of weeks ago was to insure he kept his mind on the task at hand and not on hiring politics.

 

[83Dee]

For all the crap people talk about McWilliams I have an opposing view. After my final game my senior year of high school I received a letter from David. It said something like he liked the way I played, hustled, whatever. I was 5'7" and 150 pounds. David was a friend of my uncle. I understood even then that my dream of playing for Texas would never come true. I knew then why he wrote the letter. What struck me then and remains with me today is that he took a few minutes of his time to write a kid he knew could never make his team because my uncle told him I had lived and breathed Texas football since childhood. That was the pinnacle of my football life.

I love David McWilliams.... He was one of the best Defensive Coordinators to ever walk the 40 acres.  He was the DC in 1983 which was easily the greatest college defense I have ever seen.... teams averaged 9 points per game that year.  As you stated, he was a class act and very loyal to the University of Texas as a player who won a national championship... a coach and even after he was fired. 

That being said, he was the worst Head Coach in the modern era.  His teams seemed unprepared in every aspect of the game at times.  I'm not sure what you have heard said about Coach McWilliams; but I can't imagine a Longhorn straying from the template above too much?