Oklahoma State football: Running the ball paramount

Rarely have I approached a football game so sure of the key element as I am of the OSU-Texas game. If the Cowboys run the ball effectively, they will win. If Texas stunts the OSU run game, the Longhorns win.

It’s not that complicated. Texas’ offense, and quarterback David Ash, appear to be much better than the anemic Longhorn offenses of the last two seasons. OSU’s defense was grilled by Arizona. So the Longhorns are capable of scoring a good number of points.

OSU celebrates Oklahoma State's Jeremy Smith (31) touchdown during first half of a college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) and the University of Texas Longhorns (UT) at Darrell K Royal- Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

But if OSU can run the ball, it’s hard to see how the Cowboys wouldn’t outscore Texas. If OSU can run the ball, then J.W. Walsh’s passing lanes become open. Walsh can’t fire a 25-yard out pattern like the injured Wes Lunt can, but Walsh won’t have to fire lasers if the Longhorns’ back seven on defense has to move up a step or two to guard against the run. Walsh can fake a handoff, then find a receiver who could be running free behind the run-conscious defense.