Coach Mike Gundy's Oklahoma State defense is trying to increase its totals in two obscure statistics: quarterback hurries and batted-down passes. BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN
STILLWATER — With more teams switching to spread offenses that feature mobile quarterbacks, it's more difficult to record a sack.
That's why a couple of obscure stats this afternoon during the annual Orange-White spring game could be relevant for Oklahoma State's much maligned pass defense.
"Quarterback hurries” and "batted down passes” aren't as hyped as interceptions or a big hit but can be just as effective.
"It's good to have a 6-foot-5, or 6-foot-6 defensive end who can stick his hands up and get in the throwing lane,” said defensive coordinator Tim Beckman. "That definitely helps. To improve the pass defense, that's one of the things we've been stressing.”
OSU's defense has improved this spring. One noticeable improvement has been the play of the defensive line. In last week's scrimmage the defense batted down three passes, recorded three sacks and four quarterback hurries.
"That's huge,” said defensive line coach Glenn Spencer. "With a lot of spread teams the ball gets out so quick, lane integrity on the pass rush is just as important as a sack. You need that to restrict big scramble lanes.”
OSU's two starting defensive ends, Ugo Chinasa (6-foot-6) and Derek Burton (6-foot-5), can clog passing lanes. Backups Richetti Jones (6-foot-4) and Jamie Blatnick (6-foot-3) also have made progress this spring.
The Cowboys also have some height up the middle with juco transfer Swanson Miller (6-foot-4), Shane Jarka (6-foot-4) and Jeray Chatham (6-foot-3).
OSU will face several teams this season that have a quick-release mentality, including Texas Tech (Graham Harrell), Missouri (Chase Daniel), Texas (Colt McCoy), Oklahoma (Sam Bradford) and Houston.
"In the (quick) three-step quick game, which a lot of people use, you need to get your hands up and get your eyes and hands in those throwing lanes,” Spencer said. "The sacks might not be there but the front (four) has to give the pass defense a big, big advantage.”
The No. 1 objective is to record a sack. Last year the Cowboys compiled just 21 — which included five against Baylor.
"I hope we're better than last year because we didn't get to the quarterback very much,” said coach Mike Gundy. "I think that's an area we'll be improved.
"With the development of Richetti and Jamie, Burton and Jeremiah (Price), those ends will help us a bunch. And I think Junior Tea is better inside at the pass rush, using his body style. Jeray has been more active this spring. And obviously Swanson (will help).”
Unlike last season, the defensive line should have enough depth to rotate at all four positions. Spencer said that's critical.
"It's hard to mentally keep your assignments when you're banging against 300-pounders every snap, somebody screaming at you to sprint to the football every play,” Spencer said. "But the only way for us to become a championship defense is it starts up front in the trenches.”
