|
QB
Josh Fields (PHOTO CREDIT: Oklahoma State Media
Relations) |
|
2002
Statistics
|
Coach:
Les Miles
12-12,
2 years |
2002
Record: 8-5
|
|
at
Louisiana Tech |
LOST
36-39 |
NORTHERN
IOWA |
WON
45-10 |
UCLA |
LOST
24-38 |
SMU |
WON
52-16 |
at
Texas |
LOST
15-17 |
at
Kansas State |
LOST
9-44 |
NEBRASKA |
WON
24-21 |
TEXAS
A&M |
WON
28-23 |
at
Texas Tech |
LOST
24-49 |
at
Kansas |
WON
55-20 |
BAYLOR |
WON
63-28 |
OKLAHOMA |
WON
38-28 |
HOUSTON
BOWL
|
Southern
Miss |
WON
33-23 |
|
2002 Final Rankings
AP-UR, Coaches-UR, BCS-UR
|
2003
Outlook
|
Lets
be frank- this squad is going to be very
good! Eight starters back on offense, six
on defense, plus both kickers and one of
the hottest coaches in the Big XII means
these Cowboys will be riding high in '03.
There still looms the BIG question at the
other receiver spot. Even with Woods, this
group having dimension(s) is imperative
to the success of OSU in '03. Josh Fields
needs to stay healthy and not get frustrated
early when the kinks are still being worked
out and latticed. Two-TE sets should help
this offense segue seamlessly between running
and/or passing downs.
Tatum
Bell will have a monster year if he gets
the blocking necessary and Burroughs stays
healthy. Offensively, this is potentially
one of the strongest groups in all of college
football. Keeping the TO-margin in their
favor is a great start to elevated accomplishment.
The 'Pokes had a (-2) TO-margin, which kept
them just out of games that could have handed
them the Big 12 South division championship.
Along those lines, they need to finish ballgames
as well. They had a few close games slip
away which could have meant a bigger bowl,
possibly the BCS.
Defensively,
Paul Duren needs help, specifically the
secondary. Giving up 398 yards of total
offense per game - much as YAC - will not
get them any further this season. They need
to take advantage of given opportunities
and get a little hungrier. The talent is
there, it is these psychological intangibles
that are their proverbial hump to overcome.
An opportunistic defense seems to be the
most feared, and the Cowboys are not that
way, yet. Sure, you can score 35 points
a game, but if you can't stop anybody, then
it don't mean nuthin'!
The
Pokes get tested right off the bat by traveling
to Lincoln to play the hated Cornhuskers-
a team they beat in 2002 for the first time
since 1961. They can coast in following
games against four weak non-conference teams,
and then to the heart of the Big 12 schedule.
OSU hosts Kansas State, Texas Tech and Texas
in Stillwater, but must play at Oklahoma
and resurgent Texas A&M in back-to-back
games. This easy early slate could be a
formula for disaster with the buzz-saw they
then hit. It seems like an annual shame
when we see a three-loss State team beat
the second half of their Big XII opponents,
often Top 10ers to boot, to finish disappointingly
low when you know they are better. 2004's
non-cons need to be plucked from higher
up on the rankings tree.
The
Cowboys are striding in just the right direction,
though, and landed a top-class group of
recruits this season to show for it. However,
the heights they seek will not be attained
this year, as we see them (again, aargh!)
reaching a 9-3 or 8-4 season but a valid
bowl game. They'll be close, but no Big
12 cigar just yet. Still, the (off-the-charts
high) overall competition level of this
conference will mean three or four losses
gets you up to five spots higher in the
2003 polls.
Projected
2003 record: 8-4
|
|
|
OFFENSIVE
MVP
WR Rashaun Woods
|
DEFENSIVE
MVP
LB Paul Duren
|
TOP
NEWCOMER
CB Robert Jones
|
|
|
|
OKLAHOMA
STATE
*POWER RATINGS
|
Offense
|
Defense
|
QB
- 4 |
DL
- 3 |
RB
- 3.5 |
LB
- 3.5 |
WR
- 4 |
DB
- 2.5 |
OL
- 3.5 |
.. |
|
RETURNING
LEADERS
|
Passing:
Josh Fields, 408-226-10, 3145 yds., 31 TD's
Rushing: Tatum Bell, 175 att., 1096
yds., 11 TD's
Receiving: Rashaun Woods, 107 rec.,
1695 yds., 17 TD's
Scoring: Rashaun Woods, 17 TD's,
102 pts.
Punting: Cole Farden, 57 punts, 41.4
avg.
Kicking: Luke Phillips, 11-16 FG,
55-56 PAT, 88 pts.
Tackles: Paul Duren, 84 tot., 56
solo
Sacks: Greg Richmond, 7 sacks
Interceptions: Darrent Williams,
3 for 47 yds.
Kickoff returns: Daniel McLemore,
4 ret., 10.8 avg.
Punt returns: Fath' Carter, 1 ret.,
10.0 avg.
|
|
|
OG
Sam Mayes (PHOTO CREDIT: Oklahoma State Media
Relations)
|
|
|
|
OKLAHOMA
STATE
|
|
|
OFFENSE
- 7
|
----RETURNING
STARTERS----
|
DEFENSE
- 6
|
|
KEY
LOSSES
|
OFFENSE:
Tim Burrough-FB, Mike Denard-FB, Terrance
Davis-Bryant-WR, John Lewis-WR, Willie Young-WR,
Kyle Eaton-OT, Jason Russell-OT |
DEFENSE:
Kevin
Williams-DT, LaWaylon Brown-NG, Terrence Robinson-LB,
Ricklan Holmes-Miller-CB, Kirk Milligan-SS,
Chris Massey-WS, Kobina Amoo-CB |
|
|
|
2003
OFFENSE
|
written
by Tim Chapman
The
Oklahoma State offense cut through the Big XII
in 2002, averaging 411 yards per game in total
offense to rank 3rd in Big 12, 21st in NCAA. What
makes them more dangerous is the fact that eight
players return for the '03 campaign.
Leading the way will be junior QB Josh Fields.
Fields, a hometown hero, has etched his way into
the hearts of Cowboy fans with his astounding
numbers but probably more important has been two
straight victories over Oklahoma and a 2002 bowl
win. His greatest asset is those unteachables
- he makes the right choices in crunch-time when
needed. He ranked 15th in the nation with a 140.3
efficiency rating and only threw ten INTs all
season. He has two good seasons under his belt
and is reminiscent of what Jonathan Smith brought
to Oregon State - not flashy, but gets the job
done and then some. His teammates love to follow
him too, which is always a plus. He is the team's
shortcut to the next level.
What makes the 'Pokes extra dangerous is a really
explosive group of running backs. Returning are
their top four rushers, headlined by nationally
recognized senior RB Tatum Bell. Bell (11 TDs,
6.3 per carry) brings one of the quickest first
steps there is. Behind him are junior Seymore
Shaw (5.6 per carry) and soph Vernand Morency-
OSU won't miss a step when Bell needs a breather.
Another key part of that backfield is senior FB
Tim Burrough, whose job is mainly to isolate on
a linebacker. Not only doing his part as a blocker,
he provides a great leak outlet when Fields needs
to dump off. He is big at 255lbs.and extremely
strong, but the concern lies in the fact that,
due to injury, he only played seven games. His
health is necessary to the success of the running
game.
The offensive line brings back three starters
from a group who held their own in '02. Headlined
by junior guards Sam Mayes (also plays tackle)
and Chris Akin, along with steady center junior
Ben Buie, this squad is vital. Filling the two
open gaps look to be a pair of redshirt sophomores
who have three years of playbooks, but little
game experience. It all starts up front. All the
talent positions don't mean squat without a cohesive
line. A 4.4 yards-per-rush average and 19 sack
total make this line's promise easily kept.
With
a receiver like All-American senior Rashaun Woods,
it is hard to see how the receivers could be the
main concern on offense. Take a look behind him.
Keep looking
see anybody? Neither do we.
The Cowboys graduated four of their next five
top 2002 yankers, and duly have gaps in the depth
chart. Looking to team with Woods will be either
junior WR John Wohlgemuth, or Woods' brother,
soph WR D'Juan Woods. Don't be surprised to see
true frosh Phillip Jones or Chijuan Mack thrust
into the scene to see whose real-game performances
merit the most play. This unit has the comfort
of a steady running game to help break them in.
But there is no way Rashaun Woods can do this
alone. He will draw double teams and robber coverage
in the secondary to force Fields to check down
to these younger pass-catchers.
Making things a little easier for the Cowboys
are possibly the best group of tight ends in the
nation. Junior Billy Bajema (16.9 per catch) is
a nimble guy who has a good set of hands to take
to the middle of the field or leak out into the
flats. Behind him is soph Charlie Johnson who
might be even better, something we are sure to
see. Look for two-TE sets and a clock-chewing
approach until the passing game learns to apply
its dimensions.
|
|
WR
Rashaun Woods (PHOTO CREDIT: Oklahoma State Media
Relations)
|
OKLAHOMA
STATE 2003 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters in bold
|
OFFENSE
|
QB |
Josh
Fields-Jr |
Jamie
Beeghley-So |
FB |
Tim
Burrough-Sr |
Chet
Ackerman-So |
TB |
Tatum
Bell-Sr |
Seymore
Shaw-Jr / Vernand Morency-So |
WR |
Rashaun
Woods-Sr |
John
Wohlgemuth-Jr |
WR |
D'Juan
Woods-So |
Kenneth
Williams-So |
TE |
Billy
Bajema-Jr |
Charlie
Johnson-So |
OT |
Kellen
Davis-So |
Jonathan
Cruz-Fr |
OG |
Corey
Curtis-So |
Chris
Akin-Jr |
C |
Ben
Buie-Jr |
Bryon
Machado-So |
OG |
Sam
Mayes-Jr |
Doug
Bond-Fr |
OT |
Matt
Wakefield-So |
Jon
Hayhurst-Sr |
K |
Luke
Phillips-Sr |
.. |
|
|
2003
DEFENSE
|
written
by Tim Chapman
The
defense loses two of their front four linemen,
but the two they return can still bring the required
heat. Senior Greg Richmond and junior Antonio
Smith, the 2002 DEs, get a good rush to the outside,
which will help the interior have similar success.
Richmond is the playmaker coming and a very strong,
sure tackler. Joining them up the middle are junior
DT Clay Coe and most likely soph Kyle Hix. This
unit was responsible for 20 (of 28) sacks and
mass chaos among the offensive line with various
looks to go with great speed and strength. This
will have to be the group that dictates success
for this defense.
The linebackers are sitting nice with the emergence
of soph Paul Duren. Duren gave offenses problems
in blocking with his sideline-to-sideline speed
while keenly defending the pass. The Pokes will
rely on his intelligence and toughness for the
leadership to carry the bulk of the defense. Lining
up beside him, sophomore LB Lawrence Pinson gives
Duren a solid partner in halting opposing offenses.
The
Cowboys like to play regularly with five DBs.
They'll line up two corners, a weak and strong
safety, and then a middle (free) safety. They
achieved minimal success with this scheme, finishing
100th in the country against the pass in allowing
252 yards-per-game through the air. The good part
is that 3/5 of that unit returns. Lead by senior
FS Elbert Craig, this unit's maturation needs
to be evident early and often. Craig was a busy
man last season, accounting for too much of OSU's
defense. He is flanked down on the corners by
junior Darrent Williams and soph Vernon Grant.
The Pokes do have a good amount of experience
coming back. But be on the look for some talented
freshmen to step in - getting ready for 2004 is
a hedge of 2003's gamblings.
|
|
S
Elbert Craig (PHOTO CREDIT: Oklahoma State Media
Relations)
|
OKLAHOMA
STATE 2003 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters in bold
|
DEFENSE
|
DE |
Greg
Richmond-Sr |
Brad
Girtman-Fr |
DT |
Clay
Coe-Jr |
Effe
Mowarin-Jr |
NG |
Xavier
Lawson-Kennedy-Fr |
Kyle
Hix-So |
DE |
Antonio
Smith-Jr |
Trumain
Carroll-So |
LB |
Paul
Duren-So |
Glenn
Jackson-Fr |
LB |
Lawrence
Pinson-So |
Padgett
McGee-So |
CB |
Darrent
Williams-Jr |
Daniel
McLemore-So |
CB |
Robert
Jones-Jr |
Ricky
Coxeff-Fr |
SS |
Vernon
Grant-So |
Fath'
Carter-Sr |
WS |
Charlie
Ward-So |
Thomas
Wright-So |
S |
Elbert
Craig-Sr |
Jamar
Ransom-So / Chase Holland-So |
P |
Cole
Farden-Jr |
Sky
Rylant-Sr |
|
|
|
2003
SPECIAL TEAMS
|
The
Cowboys will return a stable body of kickers to help
provide some insurance points, both between the goal
posts and in the field position game. Senior Luke Phillips
hit on 11-of -16 FGs, including four in the Houston
Bowl. Punting is handy junior Cole Farden, who also
boots kickoffs. The return game takes a hit as their
top kick and punt return men left, opening the job to
the fastest, most secure applicant. We will update this
area when developments warrant. Their net punting average
of 34.8 yards when Farden averaged nearly 42 yards-per-attempt
has to be improved. Field-position battles, if lost,
could cost dearly in the defensive chess matches Big
XII games so often become.
|
|
The Woods brothers lit up the spring game,
catching a combined 9 passes for 236 yards.
These two can play, and will, starting together
for the Cowboys' offense this fall. By the
way, Rashaun's injury should be fine- he'll
be ready for Nebraska
Josh Fields' absence
to baseball this spring may have been a hidden
blessing. Soph backup Jamie Beeghley was able
to take most of the snaps against the top
defensive unit and, though he struggled at
times, his skills were certainly sharpened,
giving the Pokes that all-important depth
at QB
RB Tatum Bell had some problems
hanging on to the football this spring, causing
some leaks of doubt to infiltrate his starting
position. With so much depth at that position,
his job is anything but safe. A player most
people have been overlooking is redshirt frosh
Greg Gold. He may be a small back, but he
has great vision and runs north and south.
He'll certainly contribute
Les Miles
feels a little more comfortable about his
O-line now, but still feels they need to develop
chemistry and cohesion to be a solid group.
CB Vernon Grant's abilities were stroked,
going against Rashaun Woods all spring.
Coaches also recognized Grant's maturity
and ability to handle greater responsibility
this season, accentuated by his emergence
as a vocal leader. With the arrival of talent
in CB Robert Jones, Grant will likely move
to SS. Miles spoke highly of the efforts
displayed by the secondary this spring.
With a group already good enough to start
Big 12 play, the addition of some key JUCO
transfers (namely Paul Francis, Jon Holland
and Jamie Thompson) only makes this group
better
Two youngsters who will get
an early shot at Cowboys' stardom are Brad
Girtman and Xavier Lawson-Kennedy. Lawson-Kennedy
(XLK as he is labeled in Stillwater) is
the one to speak of, standing 6'3",
320 lbs. with a 400-plus bench press- he
is a specimen. He should win the starting
NG spot by early to midseason and you will
find his name on freshman AA teams this
year.
Robert Jones and Daniel McLemore had some
outstanding kick returns throughout spring
practice and look to have headway at those
spots. The punt returns should go to D'Juan
Woods, Errick McCown, or Gabe Lindsay.
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