OSU Football: A Whole Lot Of Shakin’ Goin On

Big news day for OSU football.

Bill Young, embattled defensive coordinator, apparently out.

Joseph Randle, beloved running back and an oft-overlooked key to the Cowboys offense, out — declaring himself ready for the NFL.

So, what to make of this latest movement?

Remember, Mike Gundy was already looking for an offensive coordinator and another offensive assistant, following the departures of Todd Monken and Doug Meacham for job promotions. Now Gundy finds himself involved in an unplanned makeover when it seemed the Cowboys were positioned to open 2013 as the Big 12 favorite.

Reason for concern?

Somewhat, although each issue begs a closer look for clarity.

The DC Decision.

Young had become a popular – or unpopular – target of Cowboys fans, with the Cowboys defense at the crux of four of OSU’s five losses this season. Too many points and too many third- and fourth-down breakdowns and, fans screamed, too much cushion for enemy receivers. Young’s fault? Well, the buck stops with him, at least on defense. But there were personnel issues as well, with cornerbacks Justin Gilbert and Brod Brown curiously taking a major step backward, a killer development in an offensive assault league like the Big 12. So in some respect, Young’s hands were tied. And when the takeaway train that has marked Young’s successful defenses stalled on the tracks, well, the unit revealed no teeth.

Even Gundy seemed to grow frustrated with the soft coverage approach late in the season, which hinted at the possibility of a change. And when pressed on Young’s future in the days surrounding the bowl game, Gundy never halted talk of a change, instead deferring to Young’s recent health scare as a potential factor in his future.

So here we are, although nothing official has been announced by OSU, yet. The natural move – and the likely move – will be a promotion for co-defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer, who has been a valued assistant and a stud recruiter in Georgia and Mississippi. And if that’s the course, it maintains continuity, although Spencer would implement a more aggressive style.