3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
2004 Alamo Bowl - Oklahoma State Cowboys Game Preview - Part I
written by
FKAGobucks877, daddyphatsacs, Bucklion, osugrad21, vrbryant, and 3yardsandacloud
written by
FKAGobucks877, daddyphatsacs, Bucklion, osugrad21, vrbryant, and 3yardsandacloud
Let's go bowling. Let's go bowling. It seems as though every where you turn there is an odd multiplication at work. OSU versus OSU. Both teams are sporting a 7-4 overall record and a 4-4 conference record. Both teams utilize first years starters at quarterback, and both teams played a portion of the season without a star defensive back. Both coaches are in their 4th season at the helm and were born in Ohio. The Buckeyes must now deal with the loss of starting quarterback Troy Smith, who was suspended for the bowl game for breaking team and NCAA rules. The Cowboys (if rumors prove to be true) might need to deal with the loss of Darrent Williams, there star defensive back and return man, who recently recovered from injuries, has apparently quit the team and will not travel to San Antonio. Are you hearing spooky music playing in the background? Well disregard the music because the similarities end here. While the Cowboys rode a strong offense and inconsistent defense to the Alamo Bowl, the Buckeyes defense needed to support a sputtering offense for much of the year. The multitude of similarities and differences between these teams should provide us with a most interesting bowl game. Let the fun begin.
Date and Time
MasterCard Alamo Bowl - Official Bowl Site
Game time: Wednesday, December 29th, 2004
7:00 p.m. CST (8:00 p.m. EST) Kick-off at the Alamodome (San Antonio, TX)
the Ohio State University (Big Ten-Home Team) vs. Oklahoma State University (Big 12-Visiting Team)
The game will broadcast on ESPN as well as on radio through the Westwood One NCAA Football network. In San Antonio, the game will be heard on 1200 WOAI-AM. ESPN will rebroadcast a 2-hour replay of this game at 2:00 a.m. CST (3:00 a.m. EST).
Game time: Wednesday, December 29th, 2004
7:00 p.m. CST (8:00 p.m. EST) Kick-off at the Alamodome (San Antonio, TX)
the Ohio State University (Big Ten-Home Team) vs. Oklahoma State University (Big 12-Visiting Team)
The game will broadcast on ESPN as well as on radio through the Westwood One NCAA Football network. In San Antonio, the game will be heard on 1200 WOAI-AM. ESPN will rebroadcast a 2-hour replay of this game at 2:00 a.m. CST (3:00 a.m. EST).
2004 Oklahoma State Cowboys Defensive Preview
Returning starters: 9
Oklahoma St. will bring a defense into the Alamo bowl that has struggled this season. They finished the season 10th in the Big Twelve conference in total defense, surrendering 395 yards per game. They were ranked 9th in the conference against the run (170 YPG), and 8th against the pass (225 YPG). The Cowboys were 7th in the conference in total scoring defense, giving up 24 points per contest.
The Cowboy defense was very ineffective with their pass rush only managing 18 sacks on the entire season (T-10th in conference). Oklahoma St. was the worst team in the conference defending their opponent on third down allowing a 47% conversion rate. There is one bright spot statistically for the Cowboys, and that is their ability to stop their opponent in the red zone. They gave up points 42% (4th in conference) of the time that their opponents got inside the 20 yard line.
As you can see, Oklahoma St. is not a team that can rely on their defense to win games for them. They have had a few good performances by their defense against lesser opponents. For instance, against SMU and Iowa St. they surrendered 7 total points for the game. The third best total that they came up with was against Colorado, where they gave up 14 points in the contest. That was the good side of it all. Some of the bad games that the Cowboys had saw them give up 36, 56, and 38 points. That goes to show that this defense has been very inconsistent. One point that should give the Buckeye faithful some sense of confidence is the fact that Oklahoma St. has given up an average of 36 points per contest over their last 4 games.
Defensive Line
DE: #50 Darnell Smith (6-0 260 SO.)
DT: #96 Clay Coe (6-2 295 SR.)
DT: #95 Efe Mowarin (6-1 310 SR.)
DE: #97 Marque Fountain (6-1 260 SO.)
The Oklahoma State defensive line was dealt a huge blow in the Texas A&M game when they lost Nathan Peterson for the season. Peterson was leading the team in sacks with 4 when he tore his ACL, in fact that number still is best on the team even though he missed several games. The end of the defensive line will feature two sophomores. Darnell Smith will get the start at one of the defensive end spots for the Cowboys. Smith, a San Antonio native, will look to benefit from some home cooking against the Buckeyes. He had a pretty productive season filling in for Peterson when he went down. On the season Smith notched 22 tackles, including 4.5 for a loss and 3 sacks. Marque Fountain will get the call on the other end. Fountain managed 34 tackles on the season, including a team high 7 for loss. He also led the team with 4 quarterback hurries. In addition, Fountain was able to force 2 fumbles this season.
The interior of the defensive line will feature a pair of big seniors. Veteran Clay Coe gets the start at one of the tackle positions for the Cowboys. On the season he came up with 23 tackles, including 2 for a los and 1 sack. The other tackle spot will be occupied by the Efe Mowarin. Mowarin was credited with 15 tackles on the season, including 2 for a loss and 1 sack.
As a whole this Cowboy defensive line does not do anything to get an offensive coordinator all worked up, but they will have their pesky moments for the Buckeyes. They have good size on the interior, and are a tad bit inexperienced on the ends. The loss of Peterson was a huge blow for the Cowboys, he was on pace to have a monster season. The good thing for the Cowboys is that Ohio State has not solidified a running attack all season, so this will take some of the pressure off this unit. The good news for the Buckeyes is that the Cowboys pass rush has been as effective as using a pellet gun to take out a bear.
DL Rating: D+
Linebackers
LB: #12 Paul Duren (6-1 240 JR.)
LB: #99 Lawrence Pinson (6-1 240 JR.)
The Cowboys linebacker unit consists of a pair of 6-1 240 pound juniors. Paul Duren will get the nod at one of the spots. Duren, who was selected as an honorable mention All-Big 12 performer, had the better season of the two. On the season Duren had 63 tackles, including 2 for a loss, and one sack. Duren also had 2 interceptions on the season, both of which occurred in the game against Colorado, including one of which he took to the house (TD). Lawrence Pinson will hold down the other linebacker spot for the Cowboys. Pinson had a total of 61 tackles on the season, including 2 for a loss and a sack.
This linebacker unit does not really jump out at you as one that could be considered as a top notch group. Duren brings with him an ability to make plays, but he is pretty much alone in that category, Pinson has been pretty quiet for the most part this season.
LB Rating: C-
Secondary
C: #6 Robert Jones (5-11 190 SR.)
SS: #20 Vernon Grant (5-9 180 JR.)
WS: #23 Jamie Thompson (6-0 190 JR.)
FS: #17 Jon Holland (5-11 185 SR.)
C: #9 Darrent Williams (5-9 175 SR.)
The Oklahoma State secondary is led by 2nd team All Big-12 pick Jamie Thompson. Thompson has had a huge junior season, and is the best player on the Oklahoma State defense, on paper. On the season Thompson led the Cowboys with 81 tackles (7th in conference), including 3 tackles for loss. He was tied for the team high with 2 interceptions one of which he returned for a touchdown this season. He also led the team with 3 forced fumbles (T-3rd in conference) on the year. In addition, Thompson also managed to muster up 3 sacks on the season. Against Iowa State he had 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. As you can see, Thompson is a very versatile safety and has a nose for making big plays. Ohio State will have to know where Thompson is at all times, because he certainly is a good one. Vernon Grant will get the nod at the SS spot. Grant had 59 tackles on the season, including 2 for a loss. He was also able to manage 2 interceptions and 6 pass breakups, both of which tied him for the team lead. In addition, Grant forced forced and recovered 2 fumbles. The final safety spot will be held down by Jon Holland who was 2nd on the team with 64 tackles, 2 of which were for a loss.
One of the corner positions will be held down by the ever dangerous, honorable mention All-Big 12 performer Darren Williams, who will return from an injury. Williams was an All-American candidate before breaking his forearm on October 2nd against Iowa State. In the short amount of time that he was able to play this season he managed 21 tackles, including 1 for a loss, and broke up 3 passes. In addition he also forced 2 fumbles, one of which he recovered and returned over 50 yards. Williams is a very dangerous DB when thrown at, in fact he has returned 5 interceptions for touchdowns in his career, which is a Big Twelve record, and ties him for the NCAA career high. He is also a very dangerous special teams player, Williams was named Big 12 special teams player of the week twice this season in the short time he played. Williams, who is projected as a first day pick in the draft this year, returned a punt for a score against Tulsa earlier this season, to add to his career total of 3. Robert Jones will get the nod at the other corner spot for the Cowboys. Jones had a solid season, amassing 45 tackles, 1.5 of which were for a loss. He also was tied for the team lead in pass breakups with 6, and lead the team with 3 fumble recoveries (2nd in conference).
The Oklahoma State secondary is packed with potential if they can put it together. They are a very fast unit, and the return of Darrent Williams will be a huge boost for the Cowboys. Look for Ohio State to run the ball at Williams early on and see if he is nursing his tender forearm. If he plays healthy it will be wise for Ohio State to throw the ball away from him, because the kid simply knows how to make plays. Jamie Thompson is also an impressive member of the 5 man Oklahoma State secondary. He always finds his way to the ball, and seems to be around big plays in the same fashion that Mike Doss was in the past for Ohio State.
DB Rating: B
Analysis
What can be said about a team that is ranked near the bottom statistically in almost every defensive category in their conference? Oklahoma State has lived and died relying on their offense this season, and at times it has been effective, and sometimes it has not. Their defense has shown signs of life, at times even mirroring a very effective bunch. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, most of this was early on in the season, and a few key injuries have really propelled the downward spiral as the season continued. The return of Williams will be a huge (did I mention that before?) boost for the Cowboys. He instantly brings big play potential back to a defense that has lacked it all season. Oklahoma State is still trying to prove that they belong with the big boys and have often struggled against the top tier teams in their conference. This game would go a long way towards proving that they do belong. On the other end, you have an Ohio State team that is fresh off a pretty good beating of a top-10 Michigan team, so their confidence should be riding high. You have a QB in Troy Smith who has grown in every game that he has started this season for the Buckeyes. Yet he will not play due to a 1 game suspension for violating team and NCAA rules. Ted Ginn has emerged alongside Santonio Holmes as a very lethal receiver tandem. The offensive line has shown signs of progress late this season, but there is still one Achilles heel for the Buckeyes, and that is their run game. If Ohio State can establish the run against Oklahoma State, this one could get ugly for the Cowboys. If they are not able to run the ball on the Cowboys, Buckeye fans had better stock the fridge with an extra case of tall frosties, or perhaps save some of uncle Charlie's “special” egg nog for this one. In the end I think Ohio State will be too much for Oklahoma State, though I could be wrong, I have been before and will be again.
Overall Defensive Rating: C
Oklahoma St. will bring a defense into the Alamo bowl that has struggled this season. They finished the season 10th in the Big Twelve conference in total defense, surrendering 395 yards per game. They were ranked 9th in the conference against the run (170 YPG), and 8th against the pass (225 YPG). The Cowboys were 7th in the conference in total scoring defense, giving up 24 points per contest.
The Cowboy defense was very ineffective with their pass rush only managing 18 sacks on the entire season (T-10th in conference). Oklahoma St. was the worst team in the conference defending their opponent on third down allowing a 47% conversion rate. There is one bright spot statistically for the Cowboys, and that is their ability to stop their opponent in the red zone. They gave up points 42% (4th in conference) of the time that their opponents got inside the 20 yard line.
As you can see, Oklahoma St. is not a team that can rely on their defense to win games for them. They have had a few good performances by their defense against lesser opponents. For instance, against SMU and Iowa St. they surrendered 7 total points for the game. The third best total that they came up with was against Colorado, where they gave up 14 points in the contest. That was the good side of it all. Some of the bad games that the Cowboys had saw them give up 36, 56, and 38 points. That goes to show that this defense has been very inconsistent. One point that should give the Buckeye faithful some sense of confidence is the fact that Oklahoma St. has given up an average of 36 points per contest over their last 4 games.
Defensive Line
DE: #50 Darnell Smith (6-0 260 SO.)
DT: #96 Clay Coe (6-2 295 SR.)
DT: #95 Efe Mowarin (6-1 310 SR.)
DE: #97 Marque Fountain (6-1 260 SO.)
The Oklahoma State defensive line was dealt a huge blow in the Texas A&M game when they lost Nathan Peterson for the season. Peterson was leading the team in sacks with 4 when he tore his ACL, in fact that number still is best on the team even though he missed several games. The end of the defensive line will feature two sophomores. Darnell Smith will get the start at one of the defensive end spots for the Cowboys. Smith, a San Antonio native, will look to benefit from some home cooking against the Buckeyes. He had a pretty productive season filling in for Peterson when he went down. On the season Smith notched 22 tackles, including 4.5 for a loss and 3 sacks. Marque Fountain will get the call on the other end. Fountain managed 34 tackles on the season, including a team high 7 for loss. He also led the team with 4 quarterback hurries. In addition, Fountain was able to force 2 fumbles this season.
The interior of the defensive line will feature a pair of big seniors. Veteran Clay Coe gets the start at one of the tackle positions for the Cowboys. On the season he came up with 23 tackles, including 2 for a los and 1 sack. The other tackle spot will be occupied by the Efe Mowarin. Mowarin was credited with 15 tackles on the season, including 2 for a loss and 1 sack.
As a whole this Cowboy defensive line does not do anything to get an offensive coordinator all worked up, but they will have their pesky moments for the Buckeyes. They have good size on the interior, and are a tad bit inexperienced on the ends. The loss of Peterson was a huge blow for the Cowboys, he was on pace to have a monster season. The good thing for the Cowboys is that Ohio State has not solidified a running attack all season, so this will take some of the pressure off this unit. The good news for the Buckeyes is that the Cowboys pass rush has been as effective as using a pellet gun to take out a bear.
DL Rating: D+
Linebackers
LB: #12 Paul Duren (6-1 240 JR.)
LB: #99 Lawrence Pinson (6-1 240 JR.)
The Cowboys linebacker unit consists of a pair of 6-1 240 pound juniors. Paul Duren will get the nod at one of the spots. Duren, who was selected as an honorable mention All-Big 12 performer, had the better season of the two. On the season Duren had 63 tackles, including 2 for a loss, and one sack. Duren also had 2 interceptions on the season, both of which occurred in the game against Colorado, including one of which he took to the house (TD). Lawrence Pinson will hold down the other linebacker spot for the Cowboys. Pinson had a total of 61 tackles on the season, including 2 for a loss and a sack.
This linebacker unit does not really jump out at you as one that could be considered as a top notch group. Duren brings with him an ability to make plays, but he is pretty much alone in that category, Pinson has been pretty quiet for the most part this season.
LB Rating: C-
Secondary
C: #6 Robert Jones (5-11 190 SR.)
SS: #20 Vernon Grant (5-9 180 JR.)
WS: #23 Jamie Thompson (6-0 190 JR.)
FS: #17 Jon Holland (5-11 185 SR.)
C: #9 Darrent Williams (5-9 175 SR.)
The Oklahoma State secondary is led by 2nd team All Big-12 pick Jamie Thompson. Thompson has had a huge junior season, and is the best player on the Oklahoma State defense, on paper. On the season Thompson led the Cowboys with 81 tackles (7th in conference), including 3 tackles for loss. He was tied for the team high with 2 interceptions one of which he returned for a touchdown this season. He also led the team with 3 forced fumbles (T-3rd in conference) on the year. In addition, Thompson also managed to muster up 3 sacks on the season. Against Iowa State he had 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. As you can see, Thompson is a very versatile safety and has a nose for making big plays. Ohio State will have to know where Thompson is at all times, because he certainly is a good one. Vernon Grant will get the nod at the SS spot. Grant had 59 tackles on the season, including 2 for a loss. He was also able to manage 2 interceptions and 6 pass breakups, both of which tied him for the team lead. In addition, Grant forced forced and recovered 2 fumbles. The final safety spot will be held down by Jon Holland who was 2nd on the team with 64 tackles, 2 of which were for a loss.
One of the corner positions will be held down by the ever dangerous, honorable mention All-Big 12 performer Darren Williams, who will return from an injury. Williams was an All-American candidate before breaking his forearm on October 2nd against Iowa State. In the short amount of time that he was able to play this season he managed 21 tackles, including 1 for a loss, and broke up 3 passes. In addition he also forced 2 fumbles, one of which he recovered and returned over 50 yards. Williams is a very dangerous DB when thrown at, in fact he has returned 5 interceptions for touchdowns in his career, which is a Big Twelve record, and ties him for the NCAA career high. He is also a very dangerous special teams player, Williams was named Big 12 special teams player of the week twice this season in the short time he played. Williams, who is projected as a first day pick in the draft this year, returned a punt for a score against Tulsa earlier this season, to add to his career total of 3. Robert Jones will get the nod at the other corner spot for the Cowboys. Jones had a solid season, amassing 45 tackles, 1.5 of which were for a loss. He also was tied for the team lead in pass breakups with 6, and lead the team with 3 fumble recoveries (2nd in conference).
The Oklahoma State secondary is packed with potential if they can put it together. They are a very fast unit, and the return of Darrent Williams will be a huge boost for the Cowboys. Look for Ohio State to run the ball at Williams early on and see if he is nursing his tender forearm. If he plays healthy it will be wise for Ohio State to throw the ball away from him, because the kid simply knows how to make plays. Jamie Thompson is also an impressive member of the 5 man Oklahoma State secondary. He always finds his way to the ball, and seems to be around big plays in the same fashion that Mike Doss was in the past for Ohio State.
DB Rating: B
Analysis
What can be said about a team that is ranked near the bottom statistically in almost every defensive category in their conference? Oklahoma State has lived and died relying on their offense this season, and at times it has been effective, and sometimes it has not. Their defense has shown signs of life, at times even mirroring a very effective bunch. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, most of this was early on in the season, and a few key injuries have really propelled the downward spiral as the season continued. The return of Williams will be a huge (did I mention that before?) boost for the Cowboys. He instantly brings big play potential back to a defense that has lacked it all season. Oklahoma State is still trying to prove that they belong with the big boys and have often struggled against the top tier teams in their conference. This game would go a long way towards proving that they do belong. On the other end, you have an Ohio State team that is fresh off a pretty good beating of a top-10 Michigan team, so their confidence should be riding high. You have a QB in Troy Smith who has grown in every game that he has started this season for the Buckeyes. Yet he will not play due to a 1 game suspension for violating team and NCAA rules. Ted Ginn has emerged alongside Santonio Holmes as a very lethal receiver tandem. The offensive line has shown signs of progress late this season, but there is still one Achilles heel for the Buckeyes, and that is their run game. If Ohio State can establish the run against Oklahoma State, this one could get ugly for the Cowboys. If they are not able to run the ball on the Cowboys, Buckeye fans had better stock the fridge with an extra case of tall frosties, or perhaps save some of uncle Charlie's “special” egg nog for this one. In the end I think Ohio State will be too much for Oklahoma State, though I could be wrong, I have been before and will be again.
Overall Defensive Rating: C
2004 Oklahoma State Cowboys Offensive Preview
Returning Starters: 7
Anyone who appreciates the old school Big 10 philosophy espoused by Woody Hayes (“3 yards and a cloud of dust”) will enjoy watching the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who ran the ball 564 times, and threw it only 166 times. In this day and age of gimmick offenses and “west coast” shootouts, the Cowboys enjoy their success with some good old-fashioned smash-mouth football from the I formation. Gone this season was all-everything receiver Rashaun Woods and rifle-armed QB Josh Fields. In their place stepped freshman QB Donovan Woods, a versatile threat to throw or run, and a punishing running game led by junior Vernand Morency. The Cowboys were 8th in the nation, 2nd in the Big XII in rushing yards at 245/game, and on the flip side, were dead last in the conference (111/117 overall) in passing yards at 144.1 yards/game. They were 4th in the conference in scoring at 34.5 points per game, a very impressive total and good for 15th nationally. Coach Les Miles and coordinator Mike Gundy have generated a very good offensive scheme this season, given the shift in personnel and the increased importance of the run. Buckeye fans can look for some possible option and roll-out and sprint-out passing plays, in addition to the good old fashioned I formation blast and the occasional over-the-top pass.
Quarterbacks
QB #8 Donovan Woods (6-2, 215, FR)
Woods has been the man this year for the transitioning Cowboys, who lost last year’s gunslinger Josh Fields, who threw for 2494 yards and 21 TDs last year. Woods is a different type of player, creating space to throw on the run and utilizing his feet to become a multi-dimensional weapon. Woods has thrown for 1491 yards this season, and though his completion percentage is a tad on the low side (53.6%), he has a very nice ratio of 13 TDs to just 4 INTs, which is very impressive for a freshman. In addition, Woods is third on the team in rushing, amassing 364 yards on 111 carries with an astonishing 10 TDs, considering the strength of the Cowboy running backs. Fields ran for -54 yards last year, indicating an entirely new dimension to the offense that the Cowboys lacked a season ago. The passing numbers for Woods were highest in the 3 of the team’s losses (A&M 15/26 for 202 yards, OU 8/20 for 207, Texas 12/18 for 224), indicating the desire to keep the ball on the ground and control the game…something Woods has done a surprisingly good job of as a freshman this year. His biggest asset is his versatility…he has thrown for and run for touchdowns in 9 games each, and his best passing performance (8/11 for 193 yards and 3 TDs) led to a blowout of bowl-bound Colorado and his best rushing performance (11 carries, 70 yards, TD) led to a blowout of Baylor, so when he’s on…look out.
Fellow freshman Al Pena (#4) is the backup. He has gotten a few garbage-time snaps, and threw a TD against SMU, but otherwise is unproven.
QB Rating: B
Running Backs
RB #33 Vernand Morency (5-10, 215, JR.)
FB #37 Shawn Willis (6-1, 260, JR.)
Oklahoma State has an outstanding tradition of tailbacks (Thomas, Sanders, Bell), and it’s safe to say Oklahoma State likes to grind it out on the ground again this season. And Vernand Morency is just the guy you want if that’s what you want to do. As a backup to superstar Tatum Bell (now with the Denver Broncos) last season, Morency rushed for 918 yards on 135 carries and scored 8 TDs. By comparison, Lydell Ross led the Buckeyes this season with 105 carries. It was apparent last season that Morency was destined for stardom, and he has not disappointed. This year, he carried the ball an astonishing 250 times in 10 games (25 carries/game) for 1454 yards and 12 TDs, averaging an impressive 5.8 yards/carry. He opened the season gaining 261 yards and scoring twice against UCLA…out gaining Reggie Bush’s total against the Bruins (204 yards, 2 TDs). He did not rush for 200 yards in a game again, but he did score 2 touchdowns in a game 3 more times…all against Bowl teams (Iowa State, Colorado, Oklahoma). He failed to gain 100 yards only once…when he gained 93 against rival Oklahoma, but as mentioned he did score 2 TDs in that game. He caught just 5 passes, but made the most of them, gaining 101 yards and scored a TD. He is a durable, dependable runner who can give any defense fits trying to bring him down. Willis is a battering ram in the backfield, opening holes for Morency and still carrying 37 times for 168 yards and 3 scores himself. His size makes him an imposing figure and poses challenges to linebackers.
Senior backup Seymore Shaw (#2) had a decent season, gaining 371 yards and scoring twice. His best game came against Baylor, when Morency did not play. He carried 30 times for 172 yards and a TD, a nice reward for a dependable backup who has paid his dues in the program. As one can imagine, a team that relies this heavily on the run has a bevy of backs on the depth chart. Greg Jones (10), Julius Crosslin (#32), and Prentiss Elliott (#11) all get spot duty from time to time.
RB Rating: A-
Wide Receivers
WR #84 D’Juan Woods (6-1, 195, SO.)
WR #11 Prentiss Elliott (6-0, 1175, FR.)
Perhaps a drastic understatement would be that there was a slight drop-off in production with the departure of Rashaun Woods from last season, who caught 77 passes for 1367 yards and 15 TDs ... numbers that nearly exceed the entire passing output of the Cowboys this season. D’Juan Woods caught 31 passes for 479 yards a year ago as the second guy. This season in a primary role, he caught 29 passes for 650 yards, and 6 TDs, while averaging 22.4 yards/reception. Certainly those aren’t All-American numbers, but they are good for a player on a predominantly running team, considering the coverages he faced. He caught 5 passes against A&M, and gained 128 yards against Oklahoma, and those were his season highs for each. Converted running back Prentiss Elliott was second on the team with 295 yards and 4 TDs on only 17 catches. Tight end Billy Bajema was third, and running back Morency was fourth with just 5 catches. No other player caught more than 4 passes.
WR Rating: C
Tight Ends
TE #86 Billy Bajema (6-5, 265 SR.)
TE #80 Charlie Johnson (6-4 285 JR.)
These guys can play. Both are exceptional, with Bajema playing the primary pass-catching role, while Johnson is the blocker. This is somewhat misleading, as Bajema is an excellent blocker in his own right. Bajema has so far caught 18 passes for 264 yards and one TD. On the surface, this doesn't seem to be all that great, but keep in mind that Oklahoma State passes the ball only about one out of four plays from scrimmage. It should also be noted that he was named to ESPN The Magazine's (which sucks - the magazine, not Bajema) Academic All-American 1st team, and both Bajema and Johnson have garnered all-conference attention in the Big XII.
TE Rating: A
Offensive Line
#75 LT Corey Hilliard (6-5 300 SO.)
#61 LG David Koening (6-4 260 FR.)
#69 C Chris Akin (6-2 300 SR.)
#76 RG Sam Mayes (6-3 330 SR.)
#78 RT Kellen Davis (6-5 290 JR.)
This is a talented and experienced group of linemen. Of the group, it appears that guard Sam Mayes (who hails from Austintown, Ohio) is the best of the bunch. He is a third year starter, and was recently named to the All-Big XII first team. To give you an idea of how good this line is, three of the four other starters - tackle Corey Hilliard, center Chris Akin, and tackle Kellen Davis all garnered honorable mention in the conference. This unit excels at run blocking, as the Cowboys so far have run the ball in 77% of their plays from scrimmage, and are among the nation's elite in rushing statistics. It should be noted that center Chris Akin is a natural guard, but has been forced to play center due to the frequent injuries of Ben Buie (6-2, 315). Keep in mind that in only 10 games, TB Vernand Morency has put up 1454 yards, and as a team, the Cowboys have rushed for 2695 yards on 564 carries (good for almost 4.8 ypc). This unit can flat out get it done up front, and they rarely fail to get a tremendous push off the line.
OL Rating: A
Offensive Analysis
The Cowboys have an elite rushing attack, and a solid group overall. They are strong in the trenches, utilize the talents of their fullback and tight ends, and can generate some timely passing numbers as well. One could make the argument that the Cowboys are somewhat one-dimensional, or at the very least are heavily reliant on the rushing attack to make the passing game anything better than average. If the Buckeyes can stop the run early, or turn the game into a shoot-out, the Cowboys could be in trouble. However, if they can dictate the play up front and establish their own pace to the game and control the clock, the Cowboys will run wild all over San Antonio.
Overall Offensive Rating: A-
Anyone who appreciates the old school Big 10 philosophy espoused by Woody Hayes (“3 yards and a cloud of dust”) will enjoy watching the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who ran the ball 564 times, and threw it only 166 times. In this day and age of gimmick offenses and “west coast” shootouts, the Cowboys enjoy their success with some good old-fashioned smash-mouth football from the I formation. Gone this season was all-everything receiver Rashaun Woods and rifle-armed QB Josh Fields. In their place stepped freshman QB Donovan Woods, a versatile threat to throw or run, and a punishing running game led by junior Vernand Morency. The Cowboys were 8th in the nation, 2nd in the Big XII in rushing yards at 245/game, and on the flip side, were dead last in the conference (111/117 overall) in passing yards at 144.1 yards/game. They were 4th in the conference in scoring at 34.5 points per game, a very impressive total and good for 15th nationally. Coach Les Miles and coordinator Mike Gundy have generated a very good offensive scheme this season, given the shift in personnel and the increased importance of the run. Buckeye fans can look for some possible option and roll-out and sprint-out passing plays, in addition to the good old fashioned I formation blast and the occasional over-the-top pass.
Quarterbacks
QB #8 Donovan Woods (6-2, 215, FR)
Woods has been the man this year for the transitioning Cowboys, who lost last year’s gunslinger Josh Fields, who threw for 2494 yards and 21 TDs last year. Woods is a different type of player, creating space to throw on the run and utilizing his feet to become a multi-dimensional weapon. Woods has thrown for 1491 yards this season, and though his completion percentage is a tad on the low side (53.6%), he has a very nice ratio of 13 TDs to just 4 INTs, which is very impressive for a freshman. In addition, Woods is third on the team in rushing, amassing 364 yards on 111 carries with an astonishing 10 TDs, considering the strength of the Cowboy running backs. Fields ran for -54 yards last year, indicating an entirely new dimension to the offense that the Cowboys lacked a season ago. The passing numbers for Woods were highest in the 3 of the team’s losses (A&M 15/26 for 202 yards, OU 8/20 for 207, Texas 12/18 for 224), indicating the desire to keep the ball on the ground and control the game…something Woods has done a surprisingly good job of as a freshman this year. His biggest asset is his versatility…he has thrown for and run for touchdowns in 9 games each, and his best passing performance (8/11 for 193 yards and 3 TDs) led to a blowout of bowl-bound Colorado and his best rushing performance (11 carries, 70 yards, TD) led to a blowout of Baylor, so when he’s on…look out.
Fellow freshman Al Pena (#4) is the backup. He has gotten a few garbage-time snaps, and threw a TD against SMU, but otherwise is unproven.
QB Rating: B
Head-to-head: Donovan Woods versus Justin Zwick
#12 Justin Zwick (6-4, 225, SO.)
Woods played fairly well down the stretch ... the team was 2-4 in their last 6 against some very high-quality competition. Woods acquitted himself well, with the worst team performance being the collapse against Texas. He was effective at leading the attack throughout the season. Justin Zwick started the first half of the season for the Buckeyes, but it was Troy Smith's team leading in to the bowl game, following an injury to Zwick in the Iowa game. Unfortunate circumstances have dictated that Smith will not be available, and Zwick will again lead the Buckeyes in the Alamo Bowl. Zwick was adequate during his starts early in the season, throwing for 1020 yards and 5 TDs, with 6 INTs in 5 1/2 games, but certainly unspectacular, completing only 50.6% of his passes. He showed flashes of greatness against Marshall, when he threw for 324 yards and 3 scores, but struggled against NC State, and once conference play began, particularly in the Wisconsin and Iowa games before he was injured. Smith also struggled, but was explosive in the Michigan game. Zwick is a prototypical pocket quarterback, who has a strong arm and is of relatively little threat to run, making his style in sharp contrast to that of Smith and Woods. The bottom line is that either player could have a very good game and make their team hard to beat, or a very bad game and make it hard to win. Woods has an entire season at the helm, and has faced quality competition down the stretch. Zwick hasn't played in a game since mid-October.
Edge: Donovan Woods, Cowboys
#12 Justin Zwick (6-4, 225, SO.)
Woods played fairly well down the stretch ... the team was 2-4 in their last 6 against some very high-quality competition. Woods acquitted himself well, with the worst team performance being the collapse against Texas. He was effective at leading the attack throughout the season. Justin Zwick started the first half of the season for the Buckeyes, but it was Troy Smith's team leading in to the bowl game, following an injury to Zwick in the Iowa game. Unfortunate circumstances have dictated that Smith will not be available, and Zwick will again lead the Buckeyes in the Alamo Bowl. Zwick was adequate during his starts early in the season, throwing for 1020 yards and 5 TDs, with 6 INTs in 5 1/2 games, but certainly unspectacular, completing only 50.6% of his passes. He showed flashes of greatness against Marshall, when he threw for 324 yards and 3 scores, but struggled against NC State, and once conference play began, particularly in the Wisconsin and Iowa games before he was injured. Smith also struggled, but was explosive in the Michigan game. Zwick is a prototypical pocket quarterback, who has a strong arm and is of relatively little threat to run, making his style in sharp contrast to that of Smith and Woods. The bottom line is that either player could have a very good game and make their team hard to beat, or a very bad game and make it hard to win. Woods has an entire season at the helm, and has faced quality competition down the stretch. Zwick hasn't played in a game since mid-October.
Edge: Donovan Woods, Cowboys
Running Backs
RB #33 Vernand Morency (5-10, 215, JR.)
FB #37 Shawn Willis (6-1, 260, JR.)
Oklahoma State has an outstanding tradition of tailbacks (Thomas, Sanders, Bell), and it’s safe to say Oklahoma State likes to grind it out on the ground again this season. And Vernand Morency is just the guy you want if that’s what you want to do. As a backup to superstar Tatum Bell (now with the Denver Broncos) last season, Morency rushed for 918 yards on 135 carries and scored 8 TDs. By comparison, Lydell Ross led the Buckeyes this season with 105 carries. It was apparent last season that Morency was destined for stardom, and he has not disappointed. This year, he carried the ball an astonishing 250 times in 10 games (25 carries/game) for 1454 yards and 12 TDs, averaging an impressive 5.8 yards/carry. He opened the season gaining 261 yards and scoring twice against UCLA…out gaining Reggie Bush’s total against the Bruins (204 yards, 2 TDs). He did not rush for 200 yards in a game again, but he did score 2 touchdowns in a game 3 more times…all against Bowl teams (Iowa State, Colorado, Oklahoma). He failed to gain 100 yards only once…when he gained 93 against rival Oklahoma, but as mentioned he did score 2 TDs in that game. He caught just 5 passes, but made the most of them, gaining 101 yards and scored a TD. He is a durable, dependable runner who can give any defense fits trying to bring him down. Willis is a battering ram in the backfield, opening holes for Morency and still carrying 37 times for 168 yards and 3 scores himself. His size makes him an imposing figure and poses challenges to linebackers.
Senior backup Seymore Shaw (#2) had a decent season, gaining 371 yards and scoring twice. His best game came against Baylor, when Morency did not play. He carried 30 times for 172 yards and a TD, a nice reward for a dependable backup who has paid his dues in the program. As one can imagine, a team that relies this heavily on the run has a bevy of backs on the depth chart. Greg Jones (10), Julius Crosslin (#32), and Prentiss Elliott (#11) all get spot duty from time to time.
RB Rating: A-
Head-to-head: Morency/Shaw/Willis versus Ross/Pittman/Joe
#30 Lydell Ross (6-0, 225, SR.)
#25 Antonio Pittman (5-11, 190, FR.)
#38 Brandon Joe (6-0, 235, SR.)
At first glance, this one isn’t even close. The Cowboys live and die by the run, and no Buckeye running back gained more than 378 yards (Pittman) or scored more than 3 TDs (Ross). Pittman did have a nice 5.4 yards/carry average over his 70 carries, but Morency’s 5.8 over a 250 carry season is flat ridiculous. Certainly, one couldn’t and wouldn’t argue that the Cowboys don’t have the more impressive statistics. Still, to make the Buckeye offense function, they don’t need huge numbers ... they just need to keep defenses honest so they can’t drop 8 or 9 into coverage. Pittman gained 144 yards and scored against Indiana, and Ross gained 141 yards and scored against Cincinnati, indicating the potential to do just that. Time will tell if the backs for the Buckeyes can be functional against the Cowboys ... and if the Cowboys can run all over the Buckeyes. The loss of Smith also really hurts the Buckeye rushing attack. Bottom line: though the goals are different, the edge here is obvious.
Edge: Morency/Shaw/Willis, Cowboys
#30 Lydell Ross (6-0, 225, SR.)
#25 Antonio Pittman (5-11, 190, FR.)
#38 Brandon Joe (6-0, 235, SR.)
At first glance, this one isn’t even close. The Cowboys live and die by the run, and no Buckeye running back gained more than 378 yards (Pittman) or scored more than 3 TDs (Ross). Pittman did have a nice 5.4 yards/carry average over his 70 carries, but Morency’s 5.8 over a 250 carry season is flat ridiculous. Certainly, one couldn’t and wouldn’t argue that the Cowboys don’t have the more impressive statistics. Still, to make the Buckeye offense function, they don’t need huge numbers ... they just need to keep defenses honest so they can’t drop 8 or 9 into coverage. Pittman gained 144 yards and scored against Indiana, and Ross gained 141 yards and scored against Cincinnati, indicating the potential to do just that. Time will tell if the backs for the Buckeyes can be functional against the Cowboys ... and if the Cowboys can run all over the Buckeyes. The loss of Smith also really hurts the Buckeye rushing attack. Bottom line: though the goals are different, the edge here is obvious.
Edge: Morency/Shaw/Willis, Cowboys
Wide Receivers
WR #84 D’Juan Woods (6-1, 195, SO.)
WR #11 Prentiss Elliott (6-0, 1175, FR.)
Perhaps a drastic understatement would be that there was a slight drop-off in production with the departure of Rashaun Woods from last season, who caught 77 passes for 1367 yards and 15 TDs ... numbers that nearly exceed the entire passing output of the Cowboys this season. D’Juan Woods caught 31 passes for 479 yards a year ago as the second guy. This season in a primary role, he caught 29 passes for 650 yards, and 6 TDs, while averaging 22.4 yards/reception. Certainly those aren’t All-American numbers, but they are good for a player on a predominantly running team, considering the coverages he faced. He caught 5 passes against A&M, and gained 128 yards against Oklahoma, and those were his season highs for each. Converted running back Prentiss Elliott was second on the team with 295 yards and 4 TDs on only 17 catches. Tight end Billy Bajema was third, and running back Morency was fourth with just 5 catches. No other player caught more than 4 passes.
WR Rating: C
Head-to-head: Woods/Elliott versus Holmes/Ginn
#4 Santonio Holmes (5-11, 185, SO.)
#7 Ted Ginn Jr. (6-1, 170, FR)
Again, at first glance, this one isn’t even close. Holmes caught 50 passes for 722 yards and 7 TDs, all of which surpassed Woods. Ginn has world class speed, and added 19 catches for 281 yards and 2 TDs, in addition to being lethal on punt returns. Roy Hall and Bam Childress chipped in 17 and 16 receptions, respectively. One must again consider the goals, with Oklahoma State trying to control the game, grind it out, and occasionally burn the defense with a timely pass, and Ohio State trying to make up for a moribund rushing attack with a passing game featuring two very dangerous options and an emerging QB threat. Again this is an easy call, but the Cowboys don’t have to out-gain the Buckeyes through the air to win ... they just need to complete a high percentage and get a big play or two. Bottom line: Ohio State is the obvious choice.
Edge: Holmes/Ginn, Buckeyes
#4 Santonio Holmes (5-11, 185, SO.)
#7 Ted Ginn Jr. (6-1, 170, FR)
Again, at first glance, this one isn’t even close. Holmes caught 50 passes for 722 yards and 7 TDs, all of which surpassed Woods. Ginn has world class speed, and added 19 catches for 281 yards and 2 TDs, in addition to being lethal on punt returns. Roy Hall and Bam Childress chipped in 17 and 16 receptions, respectively. One must again consider the goals, with Oklahoma State trying to control the game, grind it out, and occasionally burn the defense with a timely pass, and Ohio State trying to make up for a moribund rushing attack with a passing game featuring two very dangerous options and an emerging QB threat. Again this is an easy call, but the Cowboys don’t have to out-gain the Buckeyes through the air to win ... they just need to complete a high percentage and get a big play or two. Bottom line: Ohio State is the obvious choice.
Edge: Holmes/Ginn, Buckeyes
Tight Ends
TE #86 Billy Bajema (6-5, 265 SR.)
TE #80 Charlie Johnson (6-4 285 JR.)
These guys can play. Both are exceptional, with Bajema playing the primary pass-catching role, while Johnson is the blocker. This is somewhat misleading, as Bajema is an excellent blocker in his own right. Bajema has so far caught 18 passes for 264 yards and one TD. On the surface, this doesn't seem to be all that great, but keep in mind that Oklahoma State passes the ball only about one out of four plays from scrimmage. It should also be noted that he was named to ESPN The Magazine's (which sucks - the magazine, not Bajema) Academic All-American 1st team, and both Bajema and Johnson have garnered all-conference attention in the Big XII.
TE Rating: A
Head-to-head: Bajema/Johnson versus Hamby
# 86 TE Ryan Hamby (6-5 250 JR.)
Hamby is good, but once again Oklahoma State has the edge. Oklahoma State runs a lot of plays out of a double-tight end set, successfully freezing the safeties and linebackers, as they are never sure whether a pass or rush is coming. Additionally, both of Oklahoma State's tight ends are better blockers than Hamby. Hamby may well be a better receiver than either Bajema or Johnson, but he has yet to prove it on the field, while Bajema has.
Edge: Bajema/Jonson, Cowboys
# 86 TE Ryan Hamby (6-5 250 JR.)
Hamby is good, but once again Oklahoma State has the edge. Oklahoma State runs a lot of plays out of a double-tight end set, successfully freezing the safeties and linebackers, as they are never sure whether a pass or rush is coming. Additionally, both of Oklahoma State's tight ends are better blockers than Hamby. Hamby may well be a better receiver than either Bajema or Johnson, but he has yet to prove it on the field, while Bajema has.
Edge: Bajema/Jonson, Cowboys
Offensive Line
#75 LT Corey Hilliard (6-5 300 SO.)
#61 LG David Koening (6-4 260 FR.)
#69 C Chris Akin (6-2 300 SR.)
#76 RG Sam Mayes (6-3 330 SR.)
#78 RT Kellen Davis (6-5 290 JR.)
This is a talented and experienced group of linemen. Of the group, it appears that guard Sam Mayes (who hails from Austintown, Ohio) is the best of the bunch. He is a third year starter, and was recently named to the All-Big XII first team. To give you an idea of how good this line is, three of the four other starters - tackle Corey Hilliard, center Chris Akin, and tackle Kellen Davis all garnered honorable mention in the conference. This unit excels at run blocking, as the Cowboys so far have run the ball in 77% of their plays from scrimmage, and are among the nation's elite in rushing statistics. It should be noted that center Chris Akin is a natural guard, but has been forced to play center due to the frequent injuries of Ben Buie (6-2, 315). Keep in mind that in only 10 games, TB Vernand Morency has put up 1454 yards, and as a team, the Cowboys have rushed for 2695 yards on 564 carries (good for almost 4.8 ypc). This unit can flat out get it done up front, and they rarely fail to get a tremendous push off the line.
OL Rating: A
Head-to-head: Cowboys versus Buckeyes
#77 LT Rob Sims (6-4 310 JR.)
#50 LG Doug Datish (6-5 295 SO.)
#55 C Nick Mangold (6-4 290 JR.)
#52 RG Mike Kne (6-4 303 SR.)
#72 RT T.J. Downing (6-5 305 SO.)
While Ohio State's offensive line has improved in recent weeks, it remains to be seen whether they have reached simply "average" or "exceptional". Anyone that saw the scUM game would argue for "exceptional", however, to really attain "exceptional" status, this group must put together a similiar effort in more than one game. The starters listed above may not in truth be the starters against Oklahoma State. Kyle Mitchum (6-6 275 FR.) may see time, as well as R.J. Coleman (6-5 295 SO.) and Kirk Barton (6-6 305 FR.). While these players add talent and depth, they do not add experience, and experience is what will give the Cowboys the edge, at least as far as the Offensive Line goes. One positive for The Ohio State University is that Bollman has either changed his scheme, or is no longer responsible for the offensive line. Regardless, the scheme has improved, and we all know the talent has always been there. I expect this to be a closer match-up with Oklahoma State's OL than many would think ... but again, the Cowboy's OL is very experienced and very polished.
Edge: Cowboys Offensive Line
#77 LT Rob Sims (6-4 310 JR.)
#50 LG Doug Datish (6-5 295 SO.)
#55 C Nick Mangold (6-4 290 JR.)
#52 RG Mike Kne (6-4 303 SR.)
#72 RT T.J. Downing (6-5 305 SO.)
While Ohio State's offensive line has improved in recent weeks, it remains to be seen whether they have reached simply "average" or "exceptional". Anyone that saw the scUM game would argue for "exceptional", however, to really attain "exceptional" status, this group must put together a similiar effort in more than one game. The starters listed above may not in truth be the starters against Oklahoma State. Kyle Mitchum (6-6 275 FR.) may see time, as well as R.J. Coleman (6-5 295 SO.) and Kirk Barton (6-6 305 FR.). While these players add talent and depth, they do not add experience, and experience is what will give the Cowboys the edge, at least as far as the Offensive Line goes. One positive for The Ohio State University is that Bollman has either changed his scheme, or is no longer responsible for the offensive line. Regardless, the scheme has improved, and we all know the talent has always been there. I expect this to be a closer match-up with Oklahoma State's OL than many would think ... but again, the Cowboy's OL is very experienced and very polished.
Edge: Cowboys Offensive Line
Offensive Analysis
The Cowboys have an elite rushing attack, and a solid group overall. They are strong in the trenches, utilize the talents of their fullback and tight ends, and can generate some timely passing numbers as well. One could make the argument that the Cowboys are somewhat one-dimensional, or at the very least are heavily reliant on the rushing attack to make the passing game anything better than average. If the Buckeyes can stop the run early, or turn the game into a shoot-out, the Cowboys could be in trouble. However, if they can dictate the play up front and establish their own pace to the game and control the clock, the Cowboys will run wild all over San Antonio.
Overall Offensive Rating: A-
Head-to-head: Buckeyes versus Cowboys
National rankings:
Buckeyes: total yards: #100 (313.4); rushing: #73 (139.2); passing: #96 (174.2); scoring: #80 (23.4)
Cowboys: total yards: #45 (389.1); rushing: #8 (245.0); passing: #111 (144.1) scoring: #15 (34.5)
One can say what they want about statistics, but in this case the numbers don't lie. Oklahoma State is an elite rushing team, and the more effective their rushing game is, the more effective the passing game is. They poured the points on in stretches, and put large numbers up against quality opposition. Ohio State lives on a more balanced attack, and goes downfield through the air quite a bit more, but neither the passing game nor the rushing game were either elite or consistent this season. The Buckeyes probably played their best game against Michigan, which may bode well for their chances in the bowl match up. Still, the Cowboys appear to have the clear advantage, and the absence of Smith is particularly devastating. This game will be won and lost in the trenches, where the better offensive performance will be generated by the team that can establish the running game early, provide protection for the quarterback, and whose quarterback can make the best decisions and complete the timely passes. Given the strength of the Cowboy line, it appears the Buckeyes will have their work cut out for them, but don't underestimate the ability of the Buckeyes to rise to the occasion ... for the second game in a row. Bottom line: the Buckeyes must prove they can hang with the Cowboys offensively.
Edge: Cowboys
National rankings:
Buckeyes: total yards: #100 (313.4); rushing: #73 (139.2); passing: #96 (174.2); scoring: #80 (23.4)
Cowboys: total yards: #45 (389.1); rushing: #8 (245.0); passing: #111 (144.1) scoring: #15 (34.5)
One can say what they want about statistics, but in this case the numbers don't lie. Oklahoma State is an elite rushing team, and the more effective their rushing game is, the more effective the passing game is. They poured the points on in stretches, and put large numbers up against quality opposition. Ohio State lives on a more balanced attack, and goes downfield through the air quite a bit more, but neither the passing game nor the rushing game were either elite or consistent this season. The Buckeyes probably played their best game against Michigan, which may bode well for their chances in the bowl match up. Still, the Cowboys appear to have the clear advantage, and the absence of Smith is particularly devastating. This game will be won and lost in the trenches, where the better offensive performance will be generated by the team that can establish the running game early, provide protection for the quarterback, and whose quarterback can make the best decisions and complete the timely passes. Given the strength of the Cowboy line, it appears the Buckeyes will have their work cut out for them, but don't underestimate the ability of the Buckeyes to rise to the occasion ... for the second game in a row. Bottom line: the Buckeyes must prove they can hang with the Cowboys offensively.
Edge: Cowboys
Link to Part II of the 2004 Alamo Bowl - Oklahoma State Cowboys Game Preview Special Teams and Additional Information
