Possible Scenarios for the 2012 Oklahoma State Football Team
by CincyJoe on Feb 16, 2012 6:00 AM CST
in Oklahoma State Cowboys Football
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The 2012 Oklahoma State Football schedule was released yesterday so in my mind, it’s time to start speculating. We’ll see some key changes on offense so the question that will be on everyone’s mind is: What will this team look like? I’ve come up with a few scenarios that could play out.
Scenario #1 – The System Works
Yes, we lost Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon but the system that made those guys doesn’t fail. The O-Line continues to dominate, we continue to run the ball with authority and Chelf steps in and develops a quick rapport with Tracy Moore. The defense continues to improve and "C2M" shirts are created. Anything less than 9 wins under this scenario would be a step back.
Scenario #2 – Who’s the QB?
Remember when Gundy had Weeden behind Alex Cate? Could it happen again? Right now, we’ve got a few QB’s competing for the starting job. Clint Chelf seems to be the frontrunner but JW Walsh is highly touted and incoming freshman Wes Lunt has enrolled early to participate in spring camp. But the reality is we don’t know who our QB is going to be when we take on Savannah State. I think I have faith in Gundy, but he did play Alex Cate over Weeden. This scenario would be brutal. See Texas.
Scenario #3 – Lack of Identity
Who is the leader of this team? We’ve had the good fortune of great leadership over the last 2 seasons. The coaching staff couldn’t say enough about the effect of Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon’s leadership on this team. The defense will miss Markelle Martin and Richetti Jones. So who will assume these roles? Is it a QB that we don’t know? Is it the defense? I understand that the Cowboys will look to answer this in the spring but what if it still isn’t clear?
Overall, 2012 will be a big year for the state of Oklahoma State Football. The talent level is higher than it’s ever been, and the coaching staff had done a good job developing superstars. After all, there was a time when we were asking ourselves, "who will replace Robinson and Dez?" I have faith in the coaching staff, and the system – but it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
What am I missing? Feel free to leave your scenarios in the comments.
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Reality Check Time: 2-deep is the Moneyball edition of returning starters
Defense returning on the 2-deep: Grade A+
8 of 9 DB’s
5 of 6 LB’s
4 of 4 DT’s
2 of 5 DE’s
Offense returning on 2-deep: Grade A-
2 of 2 RB’s
4 of 8 WR’s
7 of 11 OL’s
QB – up for grabs
I like the grading system.
I’d give the defense an A- since we do lose our best player in the secondary and have to replace both starting DEs.
As for the offense, I’d say a solid B. It’ll be tough replacing the best WR and best QB in the Big 12. Also, the losses of Cooper and Harrison will sting a bit. With that said, I like the depth on the O-line and in the backfield and I love the potential at WR. The biggest question mark is obviously the QB position.
Cowboys Ride For Free
RJ - What if we thought like Sooner Fans?
No, I’m not talking about being asses all the time: forgetting that Chili Britches “Heisman” level stats are overshadowed by his fudge-in-the-pants performances, still touting a monster D than couldn’t slow the forward pass, or yapping about incoming freshman being super heros. Ok, to the point now…
We aren’t a 1-deep team anymore. Where the hell did Alex Elkins come from? Zack who sacked Chili Britches to ice the Bedlam game? When did OState’s entire backfield start running 4.4’s? What, we have the fastest guy on the field? Sooners DB (Hurst) that was poached from OState might make our rotation, but no way would he start?
Now let’s look at the gaps – and if isn’t a gap the guys will be that much better this season:
DE – that’s a gap – Young will get it filled. He has loads on staff.
S – zero issue w/ 8 returning DB’s. Brown, Gilbert, Hedgepeth and Lowe/Lewis enabled Markelle to be a headhunter.
WR – JB will be tough to “replace”, but no one saw him coming. Can you say talent pool?
OL – Wickline has a M1 Battle tank factory cranking these guys out – year after year
QB – now that sucks right? Chelf who’s very good – good arm, great wheels – and he might be beat out by Walsh. Lunt will redshirt.
Pragmatically, our squads are likely to be #2 in the conference. D will be #2 behind the Horns. O will be 2nd behind WVU.
I personally like this line of thinking KS
It’s the first time ever where, IMO, we don’t have to freak out about losing star players and how they will get filled. This all hinges on the Gundy System but based on what the output has been the last few years I think I have bought into it. Can’t wait to see what the surprises will be this year.
by htownpoke on Feb 17, 2012 8:23 AM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Might not be many surprises, other than little if any drop off.
It gets better. Pull the stats on Gundy’s recruits. Every skill player runs a 4.4 or 4.5. Most of the incoming WR’s had +1,000 yard +10 TD HS Sr. seasons. Our 2* RB pick had a +1,500 yard and + 20 TD Sr season – 2 stars, really? And the D/O linemen are mostly right at 300#‘s. The DE’s and LB’s recruits are monsters.
Expect a different O with Chelf/Walsh at the helm. Both QB’s run legit 4.4 or 4.5’s and throw well – all from behind the WickLine.
Damn it. I really didn't want to write a football article so soon.
But I may have to. A lot of interesting points have been made and need to be addressed.
Maybe a Spring preview? I’ll hammer it out this weekend.
(wear condoms while reading…just in case)
Cowboys Ride For Free
by Royal John on Feb 17, 2012 10:35 AM CST via Android app reply actions
