Dogs and Pokes: Underrated vs. overrated?
In rating five teams that preseason estimations may have overrated and five that might prove to have been underrated, Rivals.com senior college football writer Olin Buchanan has put an interesting spin on the Sept. 5 season opener in Stillwater. Georgia is one of the teams he pegs as “possibly underrated” and Oklahoma State makes his list of “possibly overrated” programs.
His advice on the Bulldogs: “Don’t take them too lightly. Georgia has posted at least 10 wins in six of the past seven seasons and should have another strong year.” He thinks the offensive line “could be among the nation’s best with Trinton Sturdivant back in the lineup” and says wide receiver A.J. Green “could gain superstar status this season.”
Defensively, “tackle Jeff Owens is back from injury, and he, Geno Atkins and Kade Weston provide an outstanding rotation.” The linebackers are solid and while “the secondary needs to get better,” he says, “at least there are good athletes to work with in the defensive backfield.” The Dogs have a demanding early schedule, but “if the Bulldogs get through that, the Top 10 beckons — maybe even the top five.”
His capper goes into territory that even the most optimistic Dogs fan is probably hesitant to enter: “Three times in the BCS era, teams won national championships the season following an NFL draft in which their previous quarterback was the first player selected overall (Tennessee, LSU and USC). Could Georgia make it four?”
As for Okie State, Buchanan says, “No doubt, there are reasons to expect a big season in Stillwater. Dez Bryant is the best receiver in the country. Kendall Hunter is an explosive running back. Zac Robinson is a third-year starter at quarterback. Russell Okung could be the first offensive lineman taken in next year’s NFL draft.”
The problem, he says, is that all those players are on offense. “The defense could bring the Cowboys down like an anchor. Don’t forget that six opponents scored at least 28 points against the Cowboys last season, and that they were among the nation’s worst in pass rush and pass defense. Six starters return on the defense, but only one in the secondary.”
There are some questions about the offense, too, Buchanan says. “Remember, the Cowboys bogged down when Bryant was hurt in the fourth quarter of last year’s 42-31 Holiday Bowl loss to Oregon.”
Of course, Georgia allowed an opponent to score more than 35 points five times last season. And the bulk of the Dogs’ offensive production came from players no longer on the team.
And there’s no doubt Buchanan is swimming against the media stream here, as the Cowboys have been annointed as a preseason juggernaut by most national analysts.
But then the Dogs know how that can turn out.
Talking to UGA fans about the upcoming match, I haven’t been able to get a consensus yet. Quite a few are marking down the opener as one of the Dogs’ likely losses, feeling that Georgia just won’t be able to stop the Cowboys’ offense while our own rebuilding offense might not be ready to keep up that early in the season. Other Dogs fans are resistant to the hype surrounding the Pokes and smell another Boise State or Hawaii. Overrated, in other words.
What do you think?
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212 comments Add your comment
OrangeCowboy
July 16th, 2009
4:20 pm
You make some good points Erk, but Corso, Herbstreit & Co. almost always pick against OSU when they play against the bigger name schools like UGA, OU, Texas, etc. and with good reason. OSU usually loses to them. So, your point is well-taken. The Big 12 has not fared well against the SEC heads-up from top to bottom. OU has now lost to both LSU and UF in NC games and Ole Miss whipped TTech in a virtual home game in the Cotton Bowl.
Speaking of the ESPN crew, has anybody heard if Gameday is doing our game or is it going to be Alabama-VT?
FLDAWG
July 16th, 2009
4:32 pm
I already beat OK State last night on NCAA 2010 38-17
ghost dawg
July 16th, 2009
4:33 pm
do they teach spelling at trade schools junkie?
big dawg
July 16th, 2009
4:38 pm
i’ve got a friend in kansas who is a huge big 12 guru, former k-state’r, who admittingly says the sec is head and shoulders above the big 12, but he thinks we may have our hands full this year. 2 yrs ago, he thought all the hype about ok st was way over-rated, but this year, he’s actually picking them to win the north, not OU. with all that said, i still love flying under the radar, our D wanting to prove something, and do believe that we will hold them under 21 pts and win by 17 or more. but, that’s why we still have to play the game on the field. i’ve still got my 5k on the dawgs playing texas in jan
1eyedJack
July 16th, 2009
4:42 pm
It’s really very simple and has always held true. To win football games you must be able to run the ball and you must be able to stop the run.
It is a fact that the DAWGS WILL run the ball, always have, always will. We have a highly rated OL and Richt and Bobo WILL get the RB situation sorted out by Sept. 5th. In fact at that point of the season the running game should be ahead of the passing game. DAWGS control the clock keep OSU’s offense off the field.
The question is can OSU run the ball well enough to keep the DAWGS from sending the kitchen sink at their QB? Our DL and LBs should be formidable against the run. Will OSU’s passing game be synched up by the first game of the season? We’ll see.
I have a good feeling about this team. With 20+ would-be letterman back from injury and the addition of a few good freshmen this team could be way underrated.
FLDAWG
July 16th, 2009
4:42 pm
Orange Cowboy, I would hope ESPN picks Stillwater instead of the ATL. Why kick off the college football season at a neutral site and not a true college town? Plus I think they did Alabama vs. Clemson last year? Either way should be one good game.
Trade School Junkie
July 16th, 2009
4:43 pm
Orange Cowboy:
Any thougths on why TTU QB Harrell and WR Crabtree got “dissed” by the NFL?
Re: TTU vs Ole Miss: do you think the BCS screwed TTU by not offering them a BCS bid? Was TTU really that motivated to play in a non-BCS game? I dont. It didnt look like it in the Cotton Bowl. You could tell with both Crabtree & Harrell, neither really wanted to be…at the Cotton Bowl.
And, since we’re on the topic of Big 12 vs SEC, as someone that likely knows the Big 12 better than those in the South, how would you compare Harrell, McCoy or Bradford to GA QB Stafford?
jason
July 16th, 2009
4:47 pm
OrangeCowboy, I agree with your post on Okie ST’S offense. The Cowboy offense is probably more closer to a normal (if I can say that) pro set offense. I have seen then in an I on occasion even though the y work primarily out of the spread.
On the the DAWGS, losing Trenton, and Owens did more damage than alot of people realize. The whole OL was shuffled seemed like every week, due to more injuries and inexperience. We had a DT/DE move form there to TE, to OL. That’s how bad our OL was hurting.
With Owens hurt, Atkins was the only inteior pass rush we had. This allowed opposing OLs to double team our ends. The only good thing to come from this was that Weston showed his true talent and improved as the year went on. Now, we 4 DTs and can rotate and keep fresh. Owens, Atkins, Weston, and Tyson.
I see this game similar in score as to the last time we met. It will be a harder fought game. No disrespect to OSU. The key to this game is sustaining long time consuming drives to keep that potent O off the field. #14 Cox is the man for that. He is a smart and relentless competetor. He is our coach on the field. We will go RB by committie and i expect us to go 60/40 run/pass. Plenty of carries for our 3-4 RBs. TEs will play a huge role in providing outlets. I expect Green to be doubled so Marlon Brown has to have a coming out party. Also Moore needs to pick up where he left off after the bowl game. I am going to pick UGA 34-24. It will be a great game down to the wire.
On D we need a pass rush, not neccessarrily Qb sacks. We need to stay in the QB’s face and force early throws. Noone will shut Bryant down, so we need to eliminate YAC. This will be crucial. THeir run game will be a non factor. Our DTs are big and can run. They will take up blockers allowing Curran and LB crew to do some damage. This game will go into the 4QT with no apparent winner. CMR thrives in games like this.
Voice of Reason
July 16th, 2009
4:49 pm
So now you are saying that not being invited to a BCS bowl is the reason TTech could not beat Ole Miss??? You REALLY have some VERY flawed logic Trade School Junkie. Do you think that games are ever won or lost on the field, or do “circumstances” always determine the outcome in your opinion. College football players don’t need “circumstances” to want to win. Please go to another blog about something other than football.
Voice of Reason
July 16th, 2009
4:52 pm
You guys just remember that our RB in the last game vs. OKST had less game experience than our backs do this year. He seemed to do pretty well in that game. What was his name again?
jason
July 16th, 2009
4:58 pm
FLDAWG
I already beat OK State last night on NCAA 2010 38-17
Did you play Samuel? I did, and he was just like last year. Tough runner between the tackles, made some good gains, and then FUMBLES the ball. I was rotating him with King, and I had to pull him and go with Thomas. On a side note, Marlon Brown had a hell of a game. UGA won 34-14.
OrangeCowboy
July 16th, 2009
4:59 pm
“Why kick off the college football season at a neutral site and not a true college town?” Great point FLDAWG. I forgot that one is in ATL. One thing that might work against Stillwater is the fact Gameday covered our last home game against OU last year. Don’t know if they would want to come back that soon, but this is a whole new season so maybe that doesn’t matter. And speaking of overrated/underrated, I think VT is probably overrated this year.
Pinnochio
July 16th, 2009
5:01 pm
Pokes will look dandy on offense. But as usual, the defense will wear out. Will be very hot — but both teams should be ready for that. If Zac Robinson has learned to throw the deep ball over the summer, Dawgs better look out. But don’t think he has that kind of arm strength to keep secondary soft. Atmosphere electric, but UGA’s athletes will ruin it for the ‘Boys.
jason
July 16th, 2009
5:03 pm
OrangeCowboy, VT is overrated, but they had to stick an ACC team in there somewhere. Really VT gets theirs because of their D. Year in and year out they have one of the nation’s best. I just want to know where their Offense is going to come from.
Ed
July 16th, 2009
5:04 pm
Dawgs win a shootout 49-45 after the OSU quarterback misses a wide open receiver in the end zone on the last play. After the game, Mark Richt concedes that maybe, just maybe, there’s something wrong with the way his blue-chip defense is being coached. But then he quickly dismisses the idea and announces that the defense needs to tackle better and “stick to their assignments.”
jason
July 16th, 2009
5:05 pm
Pinnochio, That was an excellent post. That says alot of how UGA can keep OSU out of the endzone. If OSU cannot throw the deep ball, they will be introuble. With the speed UGA brings on D, I don’t think those WR screens are going to be effective. That speed will limit YAC. OSU will have stretch the field to keep UGA’s D honest.
OrangeCowboy
July 16th, 2009
5:11 pm
Can’t argue any of your points Jason. Since OSU usually runs out of the shotgun and have 3-4 WR’s split out, they are technically a spread. One thing they do a little differently is they really pass to try and set up the run instead of the opposite. If UGA is able to shut down one or the other, it will be trouble for the Pokes.
You also touched on depth. That could become a huge factor, especially if the temps here remain in the 100+ range like they have been. I know UGA is used to the heat just like we are and I think you have more depth across the board, so hot weather could be to your advantage.
It may be a similar game to last time, although I am confident that OSU has more talent across the board and more depth than in 2007. I don’t really have a good feel for what kind of team UGA is compared to 2007.
Not sure about our home field “advantage” either. I didn’t realize until recently that Coach Richt is 30-4 on the road. Very impressive in ANY conference, but especially the SEC.
jason
July 16th, 2009
5:18 pm
OrangeCowboy, I thought the last game was a hard fought game won by UGA in the second half with depth. I don’t see how OSU will run the ball out of the shotgun. I may be wrong but gives UGA’s DL a running start, and then the LBs will fill the gaps. OSU will have to run some misdirection to slow UGA’s front 7 down, and I don’t mean option. Iknow OSU has seen tape of the TEch game last year. Totaly different option attack.
It may be a similar game to last time, although I am confident that OSU has more talent across the board and more depth than in 2007. I don’t really have a good feel for what kind of team UGA is compared to 2007.
You said this above and I agree. OSU is more talented this year, and it will be an even better game. I think depth will be the deciding factor. It will be a blast from the 1 QT to thw 4 QT. I can’t wait.
Also, OSU was who I was rooting for last year. I wanted to see you guys win the Big 12.
OrangeCowboy
July 16th, 2009
5:22 pm
Pinnochio-You are right, ZR has only average arm strength. Mainly what he brings are smarts, athleticism, and he is a real running threat. He is a playmaker and is good at eluding the pass rush. This will also be his third year to start. He didn’t take over the job in 2007 until a couple of games after they played UGA.
Of bigger concern to me is who will be our #2 WR. Our #2 WR from last year got kicked off the team as did one of our better slot receivers. We have a lot of good young talent coming back, but just not much experience. You will have to double cover Bryant, but if nobody else can get open and make a play, it won’t matter.
jason
July 16th, 2009
5:27 pm
OrangeCowboy, You were talking about Robinson’s running ability, and I have to say you are right. That’s why I don’t care about QB sacks in this game. UGA just needs to get in his face and chase. Make him uncomfortable in the pocket.
Smashmouth
July 16th, 2009
5:29 pm
Keep their offense off the field. When we get a 3 and out… score. Don’t give them any breaks with penalties. Run the ball twice throw it once. As long as we have AJ, Marlon, and Orson on the field they are not going to be able to cheat up by anticipating the run. Easy. Don’t kick it out of bounds on kick offs and when we have to punt. Hopefully Washaun Ealey learns to block this summer. Cornelius Washington… the next Marcus Howard? Redshirted last year… was a beast in HS… pushed AJ Harmon around like a rag doll when they went head to head in HS. I was watching the only 2 scoring drives against Colorado the other day (both were led by Joe Cox)… Joe Cox has as better arm than most every QB in the SEC and that was like 3 years ago. Jevan Snead has a better arm… maybe, I said maybe Ryan Mallett…. but who else? If he gets into his rhythm like he did that day… a lot of people are going to be suprised across the nation. We’ll see very soon…
LifelongDawg
July 16th, 2009
5:52 pm
I didn’t read any other posts, so I’m sorry if I repeat others. There is NO way that Okie State should be favored by any more than a FG in this game, if that. I don’t know the line, but in my eyes the Dawgs SHOULD be favored. They more or less handled the same team last year, and the biggest change is where they are going to play. That’s not as tremendous a boost as usual for the Cowboys, as UGA is so good on the road.
chazzo
July 16th, 2009
5:54 pm
You left out the college x-factor, the reason that I love college football. Anyone can win. OK state will be up, up, up for this game, and UGA is traveling half way across the country. I have a feeling, UGA will win by two touchdowns, but I’m not willing to put money on it.
Skip Jacobs
July 16th, 2009
6:16 pm
If the team can stay away from the horrendous rash of injuries that happened last yr, the offense will be solid and will get better as the season progresses. The defense is going to be way better than people think. You don’t realize how much having Jeff Owens back will help.
The strength in the middle will help our ability on the ends-plus, I believe we will have good talent on the ends-especially with Rod Battle full speed. Look, this program has recuited top ten, top five talent since Mark Richt has been here-has OK State done that????
Yes, they are a good team, Georgia is better. On final thing-attitude-Georgia has the right
frame of mind this year,
SuperB
July 16th, 2009
6:16 pm
Oklahoma State will be very good, no doubt about it. But a team like Georgia is tough, year -end year- out— and they know how to win big games on the road. Cox, Samuel, and King are better than some people think!
Cautious Cowboy
July 16th, 2009
6:25 pm
Interesting blog and comments. Overrated and underrated: I believe UGA’s O-Line is overrated, while OSU’s is underrated. UGA has 8 players returning on the line that have started…unless the NCAA changes the rules only 5 will be on the field at one time, except maybe goal line situations. As well, a few of those players started because the actual starters were injured and thus by default their backups became starters! Make no mistake, I believe that UGA has a very good line, but is it any better than OSU’s? OSU has led the Big 12 in rushing 3 straight years, each year averaging over 200+ yards per game. Last year OSU ran for 217 yards vs a Texas defense that had 3 players drafted by the NFL. That number represented the most yards vs Texas in 2 years. Russell Okung is being mentioned as the first O-Lineman to be drafted next year.
In the end this game should be very competitive and should be close and it will come down to the team that makes the most plays. I visited Athens 2 years ago and was welcomed by all UGA fans, I had a great time, great atmosphere and WOW -great coeds!
Go Pokes! Beat Dawgs!
Trade School Junkie
July 16th, 2009
6:42 pm
VOR: Player MOTIVATION has AN IMPACT on game outcomes.
How does a 10-1 TxTech team, whose ONLY regular season loss was to OK, (including wins over Texas & OKSt)get passed over by the BCS for a 12-0 Utah team, that until the Sugar Bowl, had played mostly cupcakes like Weber State, Utah State, Wyoming, San Diego State, etc.
Granted, Utah beat Bama. But, how MOTIVATED do you suppose Bama players were to play Utah, after losing the SEC-CG to FL and ending their NC hopes? My guess, Bama players were not very motivated, because the Sugar Bowl meant NOTHING to them at that point.
So, lets see, a 10-1 TexTech team with (NFL draft potential seniors)
QB Harrell and WR Crabtree gets “shut-out” of a BCS bowl, and gets relegated to the Non-BCS Cotton Bowl, of no particular importance.
How MOTIVATED do you think Harrell, Crabtree and other TexTech players were to play in the Cotton Bowl? Not very motivated, because the Cotton Bowl meant NOTHING at that point, especailly to Harrell & Crabtree. What were Harrell & Crabtree going to PROVE OR GAIN by playing ALL-OUT in a second-tier bowl?
Ole Miss was surely more motivated than TxTech to play, after all it had been 5 years since Ole Miss had even been to ANY bowl game?
How MOTIVATED was GA when they almost lost to a ridiculously bad Auburn team (without a HC) 17-14? Was it because Auburn was AS GOOD, OR BETTER than GA? Or did GA player motivation have ANYTHING to do with it?
Z.Itchy
July 16th, 2009
6:58 pm
There’s absolutely no way to know what will happen. The variables in this scenario would drive a statistician mad trying to decipher it all. Practice injuries could possibly affect game performance but only the Lord knows about that. Highly rated guys that wow in practice all of a sudden become duds on the field. Then again, guys that no one expected to contribute much, all of a sudden become THE MAN on game day. All that really matters is what happens when cleats hit the game day turf. All the variables do make it exciting to anticipate however. I’ll be watching.
jason
July 16th, 2009
7:05 pm
Cautious Cowboy, You say our OL is overrated. We had injusries and had freshman filling in. Yoy are right. But at least if a OL gets hurt we won’t skip a beat with our back ups. As far as your line, I don’t know.
I hear alot about thisokung kid, might be a great one. He makes your line. I like the 200 yds per game rushing… You think you will get 200+ against UGA’s Defense. We gave that to Tech last year. That won’t be happening again anytime soon; not to a team who hands the ball off in Shotgun.
Dawg1
July 16th, 2009
7:11 pm
UGA 35 – OK ST. 21 (maybe).
dan
July 16th, 2009
8:27 pm
I think both teams are given a decent amount of respect. I mean it’s hard for UGA to not be underrated since there are so many unknowns. But here is how I see the game playing out:
I think the national media will talk up Oklahoma State( playing at home, big offense) and they will talk about the Dawgs will have a tough time matching up defensively. Because this is the first game of the year and since it’s a nationally televised game, I say the Dawgs defense will show up. They will give the Cowboys a tough out and hold them to 17-21 points. When the defense was motivated last year they played pretty hard, and after a whole offseason of being told how bad they suck, I think they’ll come out with a chip on their shoulders.
The question then becomes, will the offense be able to get it in gear? I think Joe Cox has the arm to get the job done but I do have my concerns about the pieces around him 1.) AJ Green will be THE guy which means he will be double teamed constantly. Someone else must step up. 2.) Tight end must become a factor again, the last 3 years the production has been awful from these guys. 3.)THE DROP BALLS MUST STOP. Seriously if makes me want to vomit! 4.) Caleb King/Richard Samuel/Carlton Thomas/whoever must step up.
The offense has potential, but they got to be able to put it all together. Oklahoma’s defense is mediocre, so I think the big plays are there. But if the Dawgs slop around and have 10 penalties on offense, they WILL lose this game because they don’t have the talent/experience from previous seasons to compensate for the mistakes. The Dawgs will have to earn every win this year.
OrangeCowboy
July 16th, 2009
8:47 pm
jason-You keep bringing up about handing it off from the shotgun. Here is a link to some highlights: http://www.collegefanz.com/docs/DOC-6338. You will see several plays in there where OSU does just that. Watch those and tell me it doesn’t work. Sometimes, they just pitch it out from the ‘gun. Other times, because of the way they have the field spread out, it is a delayed hand-off where the RB (usually Hunter) will wait for the lanes to develop, take the ball and go. Still other times, Robinson will fake handing it off to Hunter going one direction, keep the ball and take off in the opposite direction himself. It’s really kind of a zone-read option. Like you said, completely different from Ga. Tech. Not saying it will work successfully all the time against UGA, but 200+/game rushing speaks for itself.
jason
July 16th, 2009
9:00 pm
OrangeCowboy, I am just saying you have not seen a fast defense. Those plays are not going to be so easy against UGA. I am not saying that you want break on or two, but you ain’t going to do that consistently an expect to win. There is a reason as to why when you talk SEC, you talk about fast defenses. I say mis direction is you best bet, and you can do that from the gun, as you know.
jason
July 16th, 2009
9:02 pm
OrangeCowboy, You nailed it with the zone read and the QB keeper. That kind of misdirection will make UGA break it down to not over persue.
DOGGIE IN NC
July 16th, 2009
9:28 pm
Jason, did you flunk English? Who is mis direction? Is she hot? Cowpoke, should be one heck of a game if both teams show up to play. It could go down to the wire, but I really expect our defense to come out and shut you down early. GO DOGGIES!
FL DAWG
July 16th, 2009
9:35 pm
UGA’s offense is going to lull the Cowboy’s to sleep in the high noon showdown of the first week. UGA’s first drive will be: 1)King Run Left for 4, 2)Samuel Run up the middle for 3, 3)Play action White for 7 first down, 4)King Run Right for 3, 5)Thomas Pitch Left for 5, 6)Chapas Full Back Dive for 3 1st down. 7)Samuel Run Left for 2, 8)King run up the middle for 3, 9) Moore reception over the middle for 12. 10) White reception for 14 1st down on the Okie 24. 11)Thomas run Left for 7. 12)AJ Green on a fade route off a play action fake for 17 UGA TD.
Doug
July 16th, 2009
9:36 pm
OSU will be as surprised as BS. This team will be better than 08.
jason
July 16th, 2009
9:40 pm
mis direction… That’s funny. Look at the second post and you will see that I got it corrected. I don’t take time to edit for a blog.
yarddawg
July 16th, 2009
9:45 pm
we get crushed by the orange pokes
Big Dawg
July 16th, 2009
9:59 pm
Ok St. will not know what hit them!
billy
July 16th, 2009
10:06 pm
your question is overrated, my answer is always underrated
ghost dawg
July 16th, 2009
10:10 pm
the dawgs will stomp, then what will you say junkie? oops look out gnats!
cowboys rock
July 16th, 2009
10:11 pm
the cowboys have had this game on their minds since the season ended. Too much offense at home is way too much for a talented SEC mid-pack team to handle, plus first game on the schedule for new QB, on the road….. pokes will put the dawgs in the back yard,
teach’em to do it on the paper!!! I can’t wait to be in the stands with the “welcome to the big time” party happening for OSU football. OSU 38-17.
cowboys rock
July 16th, 2009
10:14 pm
dog fans need to stay on the porch, keep barking to someone who will listen, like tennessee.
Cuz
July 16th, 2009
10:57 pm
It it true that the entire stadium does the Hokie-Pokie at halftime. Well that is what I heard from a friend who has a girlfriend who knows a girl that once dated a guy that lived in Tulsa that had a roomate who claimed he once went to a OSU game. That’s what its all about.
Camden Mark
July 16th, 2009
11:04 pm
SEC brutality and speed vs a few pizzaz players with no support from the over rated bull-12?
We bust em up in the trenchs.
Dawgs 45 Okydokies 17
jason
July 17th, 2009
12:15 am
cowboys rock, You do realize who had their ARSE handed to them the last time. If UGA is midpack SEC, what does that make you? Let’s see….
OU, TEX, UK, Mizzu, OSU (tied with TT). Talk about mid pack….
Denver Dog
July 17th, 2009
12:46 am
Here is a flash for you Techies with nothing to do, it will be solved on the field. Let’s check back around the end of November. I think that OK state is rated right, and UGA is rated right. The dogs will win a tough one, but everyone will be amazed at the UGA Junkyard Dog Defense, and the balanced offense. Kickinig will be solid, and so will all the other aspects. THis team is sitting pretty. Tough Schedule, Tough Conference, Tough Coaching. UGA ROCKS in 09
Gator Mike
July 17th, 2009
1:08 am
Although I am a Gator, I am pulling for UGA because they are an SEC Team. I also believe that UGA will be better than most predict this year. Last year they suffered from injuries and far too much hype about Stafford and Moreno who were both exposed in Jax. UGA will be more of a “team” this year which will make them very dangerous. UGA will handily beat OK St.
Reality
July 17th, 2009
2:29 am
Enjoy reading the discussion. Here is another consideration-the field. Never seen any stadium like Boone Pickens. (Big 10, Pac-10, SEC, etc.) Not a large stadium, but the fans are right on you. More like a basketball arena. If Holder, OSU athletic director, opens this game to single ticket purchase or, better yet for OSU, only student participation (they have the money to do this), watch out. Noise level will surpass anything you have seen in the SEC. Know your stadiums are large and loud, (been to a lot of them) but you have to see this one to believe it. First game with the west end zone enclosed. Now a bowl. If Holder allows it to go capacity by not restricting it to season ticket holders, it will be pandemonium.