Top Biletnikoff candidates battle

By John Hillman  |   Tuesday, November 04, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

Oklahoma State Cowboys
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!

The nation’s two best receivers, Michael Crabtree and Dez Bryant, tangle this Saturday. Whoever emerges on top when the high-octane offenses of Texas Tech and Oklahoma State collide should get top consideration for the Biletnikoff Award.

Commentary: Crabtree, the 2007 award winner, received a huge boost to repeat with his performance last Saturday against Texas. The sophomore receiver not only caught 10 passes for 127 yards, but he also snared a winning 28-yard scoring pass with one second remaining, propelling the Red Raiders to a 39-33 upset of the top-ranked Longhorns.

For the season, Crabtree ranks among the nation’s leaders, hauling in 70 passes for 921 yards and 15 touchdowns. The former high school quarterback from Dallas Carter averages almost eight catches per game and over 100 yards per contest.

Bryant’s numbers parallel Crabtree’s. Like his Texas Tech counterpart, the Cowboy wideout has reached the end zone 15 times, catching 60 passes for 1,054 yards. He ranks second nationally in yards per game at 117.11, trailing BYU’s Austin Collie by less than a yard.

Last Saturday in Oklahoma State’s 59-17 rout over Iowa State, Bryant enjoyed a career day with nine catches for 171 yards and four touchdowns. He needs just two more scores to tie Rashaun Woods for the most in school history with 17.

Bryant also shines as a punt returner, averaging 19.2 yards per kick this season on 15 returns. Two, both in excess of 70 yards, have been returned for touchdowns.

Offensively, Texas Tech prefers to spread the catches among its receivers whereas Oklahoma State looks primarily to Bryant in the passing game. In addition to Crabtree, five other Red Raiders have caught more than 20 receptions this season. For the Cowboys, Brandon Pettigrew trails Bryant by a wide margin with 21 catches to his credit.

Fan Pulse: Cowboy fans believe Saturday’s battle between Crabtree and Bryant could result in another “instant classic.” Check out this link:
http://www.orangepower.com/showthread.php?t=60567.

Injury Report: Oklahoma State reports no injuries for the Texas Tech game.

Got something to say?

Log In and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (1)

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. ...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report