Offense fuels Cowboys’ success

By John Hillman  |   Wednesday, October 01, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Oklahoma State Cowboys
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T. Boone Pickens needs to market Oklahoma State’s offensive fuel formula. The Cowboys’ blend of running and passing has vaulted them into the Top 25.

Commentary: Last Saturday, Oklahoma State blitzed through Troy, 55-24, the third straight week the team had scored more than 50 points. he win not only gave the Cowboys a perfect 4-0 nonconference mark, it also avenged a 41-23 upset loss to the Trojans last season.

A record crowd of 52,463 fans witnessed the blowout at Boone Pickens Stadium. On Sunday, pollsters rewarded the Cowboys’ performance with a No. 21 ranking.

Against Troy, OSU rolled up 612 offensive yards, the eighth-highest total in school history. The Trojans entered the contest as the nation’s 11th-best defensive team, allowing an average of only 238 yards per game.

Oklahoma State kept the numbers relatively even, totaling 254 yards on the ground and 358 through the air. Kendall Hunter and Keith Toston both rushed for over 100 yards in the game as Hunter gained 169 yards on 24 carries, and Toston carried 17 times for 114 yards. Both runners scored two touchdowns, and for the 15th consecutive game, the Cowboys produced a 100-yard rusher.

Zac Robinson, who made first career start last season against Troy, completed 16 of 21 passes, including three for touchdowns. Dez Bryant remained Robinson’s favorite target, grabbing six catches for 118 yards while taking three of those into the end zone.

Nationally, the Cowboys rank fourth in total offense, averaging 562 yards per game. When it comes to running, no one can match OSU's 340 yards per game.

Oklahoma State enjoys a great opportunity to start Big XII play with a victory. Coach Mike Gundy and company travel to College Station next Saturday and face a struggling Texas A&M (2-2) squad.

Fan Pulse: Cowboys partisans relish their team's national notoriety. For some of their comments, check out this thread: http://www.orangepower.com/showthread.php?t=57705

Injury Report: Minor injuries have slowed three Cowboys. Questionable status for the Aggie game hangs over wide receiver Artrell Woods (sprained knee), defensive tackle Jeray Chatham (foot), and tight end Brandon Pettigrew (ankle).
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About John Hillman

John Hillman graduated from Baylor University in 1974 with a BBA in accounting and earned an MBA from Baylor in 1987. He worked for accounting firms until 1982 when he became the chief financial officer for an independent insurance claims adjusting service, a position he still holds today. ...
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