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University of Oklahoma Athletics
'09 Opponent Preview: OSU
July 31, 2009 | Football
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NORMAN, Okla. -- SoonerSports.com concludes its 2009 football opponent preview series with an in-depth look at OU's regular season finale against Oklahoma State.
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Game Buildup |
It's a rivalry that is described in just one word -- Bedlam -- and perhaps it has never been more appropriate than it will be in 2009.
With both teams ranked in the preseason top 10, this year's intrastate showdown will be one of the most highly anticipated in years. Both teams have their sights set on the Big 12 title game, and if all the pieces fall into place, the South's representative could be determined in this contest.
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Season Outlook |
Expectations are high in Stillwater entering the season, and the Cowboys have the talent to deliver. The offense returns three of the most dangerous skill position players in the country in Dez Bryant, Kendall Hunter and Zac Robinson. Add All-Big 12 tackle Russell Okung to the mix and this has the makings of one of the most potent offenses in the country.
OSU has plenty of talent on the other side of the ball as well, and new defensive coordinator Bill Young looks to put it all together in 2009. With all three starting linebackers returning and Perrish Cox roaming the secondary, the Cowboys have the playmakers to wreak havoc on defense.
Oklahoma State has steadily improved each year under head coach Mike Gundy, and after posting nine wins last season, the Cowboys are poised to take the next step in becoming one of the conference's elite teams.
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Player to Watch |
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Dez Bryant | WR | No. 1 | Junior
While Michael Crabtree attracted most of the headlines last season, Dez Bryant was equally as impressive.
All he did was catch 19 TDs while racking up 1,480 yards receiving, totals that ranked second and third nationally respectively.
What makes Bryant so hard to defend is his combination of size and speed. At 6-2 and 215 pounds, he can go up top, but he is known more for his explosiveness. If defenses try to cover him one-on-one, Bryant has the ability to take it to the house on any play.
Other Key Players
Kendall Hunter | LB Orie Lemon, Sr.
Jeremiah Price
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Scouting OSU's Offense |
When people think of Oklahoma State, they think of offense. This team returns a 3,000-yard passer (Robinson), a 1,500-yard rusher (Hunter), and a 1,400-yard receiver (Bryant). In other words, the potential for 2009 is limitless.
Robinson returns for his final season under center as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the position in Stillwater. While he has a very live arm, it is his feet that seem to give defenses the most trouble. When a play breaks down, Robinson can use his deceiving quickness to move around and make something happen with his feet. With playmakers surrounding him on all sides, defenses can't afford to blink because the Cowboys will already be by them.
Along the offensive line, Okung is sure to be a first-round NFL Draft choice next year, while fellow seniors Andrew Lewis and Brady Bond have also been rocks up front the last couple of seasons.
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Scouting OSU's Defense |
With five seniors and one junior returning to the starting lineup on defense, OSU has an abundance of leadership and experience in 2009.
The strength of this unit will once again be the linebackers. All three starters are back, and they are all seniors. Andre Sexton and Orie Lemon were the team's top two tacklers last season, while Patrick Lavine finished fourth. These guys make a living stopping the run, but they also have the ability to go sideline to sideline in coverage.
Along the defensive line, the Cowboys look to generate more pressure than they did a year ago. Derek Burton has been moved from end to tackle in an effort to give the front four more athleticism. Ugo Chinasa, OSU's most productive lineman last season with 24 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss, is the other returning starter up front.
The Cowboys have only one starter back in the secondary, but he is a good one. Perrish Cox, known more for his gamebreaking ability as a kick returner, has developed into one of the top cornerbacks in the Big 12.
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Game Implications |
While there is a lot of football to be played between now and then, conference and national title hopes could be on the line come November 24. If that's the case, this has the makings of a Bedlam to remember.
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This concludes our 2009 football opponent preview series. The Sooners open preseason camp on Thursday, Aug. 6. Stay tuned to SoonerSports.com for complete coverage.
Thursday, June 25
Monday, June 22
Monday, May 18
Thursday, April 30
