Oklahoma State Cowboys
Big 12
Oklahoma State had a shot at making a lot of noise this season. They were able to string ten wins together to start the season. But just as talks of the BCS Championship game got serious, they lost a double overtime game to Iowa State in what could be the upset of the year. The Cowboys left their hopes in Ames that night, but they are still one of the best football teams in the country. Any team that they take the field against should be scared of their talent.
2011 Record: 11-1, 8-1
Last Bowl Appearance: 2010 Valero Alamo Bowl vs. Arizona (W 36-10)
Big Wins: 10/29 Baylor (59-24), 12/3 Oklahoma (44-10)
Bad Losses: 11/18 at Iowa State (31-37)
Coach: Mike Gundy (58-30 at Oklahoma State, 58-30 overall)
Bowl Record: 3-2 at Oklahoma State, 3-2 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Todd Monken
Defensive Coordinator: Bill Young
Strengths:
Oklahoma State hangs their hat on their ability to throw the ball and light up the scoreboard. Everything starts with quarterback Brandon Weeden. Weeden has thrown for well over 4000 yards this season and has nearly a 3 to 1 touchdown to interception ratio. But keep in mind that these stats are a bit skewed. A quarterback that throws the ball well over 30 times per game is going to throw more interceptions than one in a more balanced offense. The receiving core for the Cowboys is led by 2010 Biletnikoff winner Justin Blackmon. Blackmon caught over 100 passes this season for 15 touchdowns and over 1,300 yards. He will definitely be an NFL player in the near future. Josh Cooper and Tracy Moore added three and four touchdowns respectively and both totaled over 600 yards. But perhaps the most impressive statistic about the Cowboys’ air attack is that eight players caught at least two touchdowns this season. But despite having an excellent passing offense, Oklahoma State’s running back Joseph Randle still tallied nearly 1,200 yards on the ground and reached the end zone 23 times.
Weakness:
While the offense has carried Oklahoma State, it is their defense that has been their downfall this year. They are giving up over 27 points per game. They rank 6th in the Big 12 in pass defense and rush defense, giving up over 186 yards on the ground and another 267 through the air. The final area of concern is on special teams. Oklahoma State has a very tough time returning punts. While this aspect of the game may not seem very important, it may come back to haunt them if they are caught in a defensive struggle with a good team. If the offense is having trouble moving the ball, they will want to rely on good starting field position. But with the average punt only being returned for just over three yards, it doesn’t look like they can rely on their return game for help. Inability to step up to a big game could be listed as a concern. This was evident in the Iowa State loss. While I won’t totally dismiss these concerns, I would say that the argument could be countered by pointing out the Cowboys’ comeback in College Station and their win against a good Kansas State team.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Joseph Randle, RB, 1,193 yards
Passing: Brandon Weeden, QB, 4,328 yards
Receiving: Justin Blackmon, WR, 1,336 yards
Tackles: Daytawion Lowe, S, 88
Sacks: Jamie Blatnick, DE, 7.0
Interceptions: Broderick Brown, CB, 5
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 161.00 (57, 8)
Passing Offense: 401.64 (2, 1)
Total Offense: 562.64 (3, 2)
Scoring Offense: 49.82 (2, 1)
Rushing Defense: 186.64 (93, 6)
Pass Defense: 267.00 (102, 6)
Total Defense: 453.64 (107, 7)
Scoring Defense: 27.27 (64, 4)
Turnover Margin: 1.45 (2, 1)
Sacks: 2.27 (30, 3)
Sacks Allowed: 1.00 (15, 3)
