Pokes’ defense puts pressure on the Cyclones

BY BRANDON CHATMON Comments 0
Published: November 8, 2009

AMES, Iowa — Crowd control has become the Oklahoma State defense’s forte in 2009.

The Cowboys defense proved it again on Saturday in the Pokes’ 34-8 win over Iowa State at Jack Trice Stadium.

Facing the Big 12’s leading rushing offense, OSU held the Cyclones to eight points, 13 first downs, 54 rushing yards and 242 total yards. The Cowboys dominated an ISU rushing offense that entered averaging 200 yards per game on the ground.

Oklahoma State attacked the Cyclones, forcing quarterback Austin Arnaud to make quick decisions and limiting the running avenues for the Big 12’s leading rusher, Alexander Robinson.

"We wanted to pressure them a lot,” defensive coordinator Bill Young said. "They’ve had some injuries on the offensive line so we wanted to do some things (to get pressure).”

It was the Cowboys’ second outstanding defensive performance in three road games and the second straight road outing in which the OSU defense held the opponent scoreless the first three quarters.

"We have everybody against us; it’s us against the world,” senior cornerback Terrance Anderson said of OSU’s mindset on the road. "And when we go on the road, that’s the mentality we have.”

Iowa State didn’t score until a 45-yard touchdown pass from Arnaud to Robinson with 11:50 left in the game. Through three quarters, the Cyclones had 145 total yards.

"On the road the atmosphere is against you,” Anderson said. "Everything is against you and it gets your adrenaline pumping. And we’re like ‘Hey, this is ya’ll’s house but we’re going to come out and make it ours.’ ”