OSU 24, Texas Tech 17: Thoughts and Observations

by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com

— A great win… but what will be remembered is this…

— Get down, Zac… Get down!

—    Anymore questions about Bill Young’s defense? They shut down Texas Tech’s offense. Great gameplan, great execution.

—    After being the focus of my pre-game story, Markelle Martin made me look good. The sophomore had six tackles and two passes broken up.

—    One of the most impressive things about the game was the Cowboys remaining committed to the run. That’s why I wrote about it in my insider. They had a plan for the full 60 minutes and didn’t waver from it, even when they weren’t having success.

—    Early on, it looked like the Cowboys were having another bad tackling game but they improved greatly in the final two-and-a half quarters.

—    Zac ran for 99 yards and looked like the Zac Robinson of his sophomore year. He is simply a great player.

—    While he should have gotten down and shown better awareness on the play he got knocked out of the game, he didn’t. And the reason why is the same reason he’s special. He’s extremely competitive and confident.

Zac Robinson has impressed NFL scouts.

—    The three-pronged attack of Robinson, Kendall Hunter and Keith Toston will create problems for any defense. Robinson keeps you honest, Hunter adds that little big of explosiveness and Toston is so physical and versatile. Tough to prepare and handle all of those options.

—    Patrick Lavine, Patrick Lavine, Patrick Lavine. I say it every week because the guy quietly makes key plays every game. Very consistent performer and he will be missed next season.

—    The Pokes have to do something about their special teams. They keep allowing big returns, largely because Quinn Sharp is so good on kickoffs, guys run don’t like they don’t expect to have to make a play.