Savage makes impact on return
Savage makes impact on return

By Andrea Cohen

Published: September 23, 2007

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State running back Dantrell Savage pulled a groin during two-a-days, healed up, then pulled an abdominal muscle in the season opener at Georgia. He hadn't played since Georgia, and Oklahoma State's offense hadn't felt the same.

"We knew what we were missing,” OSU offensive coordinator Larry Fedora said.

Savage started on Saturday night.

"He obviously gave us a spark,” Fedora said.

The spark? — 130 yards rushing, two receptions and a touchdown, to be exact.

"Other guys have done a good job stepping in but you know I wouldn't trade him for anyone,” quarterback Zac Robinson said. "It's great to have him back because you know every time he touches the ball something is going to happen.”

Savage led an impressive rushing attack for OSU.

The Cowboys combined for 366 yards rushing, with three players – Savage, Robinson and freshman Kendall Hunter – gaining over 100 yards. Keith Toston, who fumbled twice last week and has struggled to hold onto the ball all season, did not play.

Hunter, who coaches and players say resembles Savage with the way he runs, had his second week in a row rushing for more than 100 yards. Two quick little backs proved better than one this week.

"They're like identical twins,” Robinson said. "They both got unbelievable moves in the open field and they break tackles. Having both those guys, it takes a lot of pressure of me for sure.”

Savage said that when he was injured he would occasionally see Hunter make the same move he would have made.

"Yeah, but he's a better runner,” Savage said. "He's a more elusive runner.”

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