OSU mailbag, part II: Are defenses catching up to the spread?
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Part II of the OSU mailbag. Thanks again for all the great response.
I’m pretty excited about the offensive changes but I have some reservations. I’ve heard for the last couple of years that defenses starting to catch up with or solve the spread offense. I know OSU has stated they plan to run more but my question is does the spread lend itself to being able to effectively run the ball inside the 20? I think Gundy is a great coach, but I wonder have they brought in an offense whose time has passed? On the defensive side, which DT’s we have not seen much of do you expect to excel this year? — Shawn
Shawn,
If you look at the top 10 scoring offenses last year, the majority run the spread so I wouldn’t say the defenses are starting to solve it. I don’t think its time has passed, and more importantly, I think it’s an offense you don’t have to have NFL caliber talent across the board to run at a high level.
But your concern about running the ball inside the 20 is a legitimate concern and something that worries the coaching staff also. They may struggle to run the ball inside the 20 but remember they struggled doing it at times last season also (think of the Cotton Bowl).
I’d say Cooper Bassett may end up being a guy who makes an impact at defensive tackle this season.
How do Dexter Pratt and Jeremy Smith look this Spring? Do you think that the new OSU offense will sputter the first year under Dana H. like it did under Larry F. a few years ago? — Bob Bridges
Bob,
I’ve heard both Smith and Pratt have been impressive at times. I think both players have the ability to make plays for the Pokes in the near future.
I don’t expect this offense to sputter. It will have its down times like any other offense but I don’t anticipate consistent, year-long struggles because I think it’s the ideal offense for Weeden and his talents.
I had heard rumors that Kye Staley was not recovering well, and probably never will. What is his health status and will he ever play football again? — Chad Lowe
Chad,
I’ve heard Kye is doing everything to get back, he has a strong passion for football and being a Cowboy. But he suffered a serious, serious injury which, I was told at the time, could be a full year to year and a half recovery time. So that would set any hope of him returning to the beginning of the fall camp (best case scenario) or sometime next season. Regardless it will be a while before Kye Staley returns to the Kye Staley of old if he ever does. He has worked extremely hard and has a lot of work ahead of him still.
Football and Basketball Question: Do you feel that OSU is doing the right things today to compete for the Big 12 championship in 2 – 3 years? If not, what is missing? Gavan
In football, I think so. OSU makes recruiting a top priority and that’s how they will get to the point of competing for a Big 12 championship. It’s a long process however because you have to win consistently before you start seeing that recruiting success. But the Pokes are heading in the right direction.
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