Cowboys Ride For Free

Oklahoma State Basketball: Bedlam Part 2

2012-02-22T17:11:50Z

2004. The last time Oklahoma State won a basketball game in Norman. That was also the last time Oklahoma State went to the Final Four. My how things have changed. The Cowboys are now playing for a .500 record, and perhaps a long shot post season miracle.

The good news is, the Oklahoma Sooners are terrible. They've lost 6 straight and are about to endure a fairly brutal (especially if you're OU) road stretch to close out the season. So we could either see a team that is fighting for their last shot at a win, or a team that has thrown in the towel completely. There is no doubt that Oklahoma State is the better team here, but it's Bedlam so anything can happen.

A few things to watch when the Cowboys and Sooners tip off at 7:00 on the Big 12 Network after the jump...

Can Keiton Page continue his dominance?

He's leading the team in scoring at nearly 16 ppg and has scored 82 points in his last three outings. He's an Oklahoma kid and this will be his last trip to Norman. I wouldn't bet against him. Expect another big game.

Can LeBryan get Naashhty?

The Sooners don't have a great defender that can match up with Page and Nash on the perimeter so there will be plenty of open looks for Lebryan. Can he hit his shots? Can he be physical? Basically, can he get Nashty and take the game over?

Can the Cowboys stay out of foul trouble?

It's no secret that we aren't very deep. It's also no secret that the Big 12 officiating has been horrible this year. If the Zebras don't let Brown, Williams and Cobbins play physical defense - it's will be difficult. We just don't have the depth to compete with 1 or 2 of them on the bench in foul trouble.

It's not necessarily a marquee bedlam match up, but it should be a good game nonetheless. The Cowboys haven't quit and to me, that is amazing. They're obviously playing to get better and it appears that Page realizes the sun is setting on his collegiate career.

Give me the Pokes outright tonight. 81-72.

Keiton Page Upfakes, Rick Barnes And His Texas Team Jump

2012-02-20T13:51:00Z

After the OSU victory, Texas head coach, Rick Barnes, went straight to Keiton Page and had more than a few words to say with a handshake. It was obvious that Coach Barnes respects Page and everything he has become as a college basketball player. And after Keiton's forty point performance that respect was even further solidified.

Sidenote: I've always liked Coach Barnes. He's always been classy and extremely respectful towards the OSU basketball program, team, and fans. Also, he called Baylor's head coach, Scott Drew, a cheater. He earned a lot of points for that one.

Back to the game, Keiton Page had a career night with half of his scoring damage coming from the free throw line. I swear that kid could teach a clinic on how to upfake Stephen Hawking out of his chair. Meanwhile, the rest of the starters' performances should not be overlooked either.

Markel Brown got himself a double double with twelve points and eleven boards. He also had three assists.

Brian Williams defended the league's top scorer, J'Covan Brown,as well as anybody could ask and had six steals and three blocks to go along with the effort.

Mike Cobbins was a beast in the defensive paint. Four blocks to go with his seven rebounds and twelve points.

Finally, Le'Bryan Nash gave his usual solid performance with eighteen points and four rebounds. He also had a ridiculous ally oop dunk that reinforced the meaning of #LobStilly.

Some more thoughts after the jump.

It was good to see the students respond to the challenge of bringing back the luster of GIA. The stands could have been more full for sure but there was no doubt that the arena finally had some life pumped back into it. The only thing I ask now is that the students actually make noise! Hopefully it will be far more loud when A&M comes to town for the next home game. Still, it was a very good effort by the students to get out there and support their team. No doubt they got their money's worth with the performance the players, especially Keiton, put on.

To see Coach Ford slap hands with Page and give him a hug was pretty amazing. There's no doubt the two respect each other very much and have shared the same ups and downs during the last four years. To see such an open and appreciative moment between the coach and player really brought everything full circle. It wasn't Senior night but you could have fooled me with how it all went down.

This team continues to play with a ton of heart and effort. I think by now everyone has gotten over the fact that the season has been a disappointment. Fans, players, everyone. And to see them continue to want to get better each night on the court is pretty fulfilling even if the win/loss record isn't. There are two home games left and I hope the crowds in GIA grow even more for each of them. The players deserve it.

Possible Scenarios for the 2012 Oklahoma State Football Team

2012-02-16T12:00:22Z

The 2012 Oklahoma State Football schedule was released yesterday so in my mind, it’s time to start speculating. We’ll see some key changes on offense so the question that will be on everyone’s mind is: What will this team look like? I’ve come up with a few scenarios that could play out.

Scenario #1 – The System Works

Yes, we lost Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon but the system that made those guys doesn’t fail. The O-Line continues to dominate, we continue to run the ball with authority and Chelf steps in and develops a quick rapport with Tracy Moore. The defense continues to improve and "C2M" shirts are created. Anything less than 9 wins under this scenario would be a step back.

Scenario #2 – Who’s the QB?

Remember when Gundy had Weeden behind Alex Cate? Could it happen again? Right now, we’ve got a few QB’s competing for the starting job. Clint Chelf seems to be the frontrunner but JW Walsh is highly touted and incoming freshman Wes Lunt has enrolled early to participate in spring camp. But the reality is we don’t know who our QB is going to be when we take on Savannah State. I think I have faith in Gundy, but he did play Alex Cate over Weeden. This scenario would be brutal. See Texas.

Scenario #3 – Lack of Identity

Who is the leader of this team? We’ve had the good fortune of great leadership over the last 2 seasons. The coaching staff couldn’t say enough about the effect of Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon’s leadership on this team. The defense will miss Markelle Martin and Richetti Jones. So who will assume these roles? Is it a QB that we don’t know? Is it the defense? I understand that the Cowboys will look to answer this in the spring but what if it still isn’t clear?

Overall, 2012 will be a big year for the state of Oklahoma State Football. The talent level is higher than it’s ever been, and the coaching staff had done a good job developing superstars. After all, there was a time when we were asking ourselves, "who will replace Robinson and Dez?" I have faith in the coaching staff, and the system – but it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

What am I missing? Feel free to leave your scenarios in the comments.

TCU Mascot Change

2012-02-16T02:33:05Z

I've received an email from a friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, of a draft of a news release TCU pans on giving out in a few days. There is a little bit of text, but first you need to see the new mascot changes:

The text reads:

"Dear Students, Faculty, Alumni, and Friends,

In light of recent events involving several students and athletes, we have decided it is in the University's best interest to modify our beloved mascot, Superfrog. We feel this change reflects the true identity of the University, and our wonderful students. In considering these changes, we reached out to our friends at Clemson University. The suggested the subtle, yet significant change that would help maintain our traditional values, yet show the world what we stand for. I know many of you are worried about the recent legal troubles facing several of our students and athletes, but rest assured, the University takes these charges very seriously, and will do everything necessary to restore your faith in TCU. Thank you, and

Go Frogs"

Well there you go, TCU is already working on damage control. Just hope they have enough players left to field a team next year.

Go Pokes

Image FanShot

2012-02-15T20:45:55Z

2012 Cowboy Football Preview (Stupid Early Edition)

2012-02-15T11:00:44Z

As I'm sure everyone knows by know, the 2012 Big 12 football schedule has been released (finally, dicks).Along with that comes speculation as to how the season will shape up. I'm here to answer that. Sure, we don't know who our quarterback will be and we don't know who "the guy" at wide receiver will be, but who cares? In Gundy I Trust (but fuck Bill Young). Along with being stupid early, this will also be stupid short. It's late, I'm tired, and my boss is an ass making me work 12 hour days (like I give a shit the future of the company rides on the project.) Oh wait, damn, now I do.

Savannah State: Win, next.

at Arizona: Win. They will get better, but as we saw at Michigan, it takes RichRod a while to get his players to fit his scheme, and in the meantime he can't adapt to what he has.

Louisiana: Win. As Todd Monken so eloquently put it, they only had one NFL type player last year, but we had Blackmon so fuck them. Also, that player is now gone, and it's at home, and well, they're still ULL to me.

Texas: Win. I know, they're the longhorns, they have the best players ~~money can buy~~ that can be recruited. Talent so deep 5 stars have to suck dick to get on the practice squad. But they have no quarterback, poor receivers, and no good shot at fixing those next year. Their defense will be stout, but I think we'll still win (3 in a row baby), especially considering we have a bye week before them.

at Kansas: Win. The new fat ass jerk has proved he can't coach college. Enjoy your 3 million dollar mistake Jayhawks.

Iowa State: Win. We better fucking win, and we need to hurt as many of their players as we can. And then riot and lynch their fans. And then steal their buses and drive back to Ames and burn that shit hole to the ground. And then we'll be even.

TCU: Win. Yeah, that's partially a homer pick, but I also think the wear and tear of the Big 12 will show up on the Frogs, and we should have our qb situation sorted out by then. (This one is about 50/50 though, and I wouldn't be shocked if we lost. Pissed, but not shocked)

at Kansas State: Loss. Yeah, gay, I know. But nobody should realistically be expecting to go 12-0 this season (except the players). And really, this could be winnable, but that all depends on our defense. If we can slow down Klien and the Wildcat run game at all, we will have a shot. But until I see that, I'm going loss.

West Virginia: Win. Same reason as TCU, schedule grind and all that. Also, we know all Dana's plays, they have no defense (Syracuse beat them by 26 and Louisville put up 38 i their win), and Red Bull is for people with AIDS. Real men drink NOS.

Texas Tech: Win. Did they show you anything last year that leads you to believe they will be better this year on the road? Didn't think so.

at Oklahoma: Probably Loss (but fuck those guys, you know). I think most likely blOU will probably win, but with Landry Jones at the helm, no Ryan Broyles, and Whaley probably injured by this time, we will have a shot. Hell, if Tech can do it...

at Baylor: Win. No RG3, no bowl game.

So if ma math is right that's 10-2, and considering this is a rebuilding year, is fucking awesome. After the spring game I can try and revisit this, but I probably won't. I think, at worst, we win 8 games, and for OSU on a "down" year, that's badass. And who knows, if we find us a QB we can be dangerous.

Fuck the haters,

Go Pokes

Oklahoma State Football Schedule 2012

2012-02-14T16:45:45Z

Sept. 1 Savannah State First series meeting

Sept. 8 at Arizona Teams meeting for third straight year

Sept. 15 Louisiana UL coming off bowl victory

Sept. 29 Texas The Longhorns play at OSU for first time since 2009

Oct. 13 at Kansas OSU looks for fifth straight win in Lawrence

Oct. 20 Iowa State OSU leads series, 25-18-3

Oct. 27 TCU Schools have played just four times since 1971

Nov. 3 at Kansas State OSU won a thriller in 2011

Nov. 10 West Virginia First regular season meeting since 1929

Nov. 17 Texas Tech Cowboys have won last three meetings

Nov. 24 at Oklahoma OSU in Norman after two straight Stillwater meetings

Dec. 1 at Baylor OSU has won 15 of last 16 meetings

Harrison Dismissed, #occupyGIA, Wrestling Domination, Bob Simmons resurfaces

2012-02-13T16:08:08Z

A few good links to get the week going, and a couple of thoughts.

Can't really be too upset with the effort the guys gave in Lawrence. That's a tough place to play when you're a top 5 team so the guts shown in the second half is impressive. I was a little hard on Ford early in the season but I'm back to giving him another year. He's got the team playing better defense and they haven't quit. I fully expect this team to get another win over a top 5 team this year.

Tough loss with Michael Harrison being "dismissed" from the program. I guess that explains the rash of receivers signed in the new class though. We'll be fairly young at the position with starters being Tracy Moore, Isaiah Anderson and Josh Stewart. I've always like Moore. The rookies are gonna have a real chance here.

#occupyGIA

Oklahoma State sweeps National Duals - Sports - The Daily O'Collegian - Oklahoma State University
Domination

OSU basketball: Cowboys gave a flash of the future in second half vs. Kansas | NewsOK.com
The first and second halves inside Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday provided a stark contrast for the Cowboys.

OSU football: Jeremiah Tshimanga's extended Richland family helped get him to where he is | NewsOK.com
Jeremiah Tshimanga stood proudly before a packed classroom at Richland High School on National Signing Day wearing an orange jacket with the Oklahoma State logo on the chest.

West Virginia football: Bob Simmons to join the staff? | Berry Tramel's Blog
Could Bob Simmons be back in the Big 12 soon?