Originally published at: https://pistolsfiringblog.com/what-we-learned-from-oklahoma-states-season-opening-win-over-central-arkansas/
On the running game, the QBs and what to make of OSU’s defense after Week 1.
A part of me thinks we still have blocking issues, we didn’t really get up under center, and we actually have a tightend blocking on the line and doing a block/delay then running a route. Could be part of the game plan but we definitely have extra blocking on the shotgun formations on the flank. I saw definitely some old school shotgun formations. Biggest disappointment for me is, I wish the run game was better. Rangel is definitely much improved and the guy I wanted to see start. He is definitely more mobile and can move. Some question marks still, but feel we should improve.
1 Like
I really don’t care about a QB who can run. So what. We ain’t running the wish-bone!!! I want a QB who can move the ball down field and score TDS. Gundy can run, big deal. What you failed to mention about The Gundy Kid is his ability to drop dimes all over the field. The Kid can throw beautiful passes that are caught by the receivers. That is the news from last night. You guys are stuck in the past with the running QB crap. The Gundy Kid can pass and that is what we should be talking about.
1 Like
What I’ve learned. First, we shouldn’t panic. Gundy didn’t - he stuck with the game plan, as is evident from Gunnar coming in to play the 3rd quarter.
Remember that 2 years ago we squeaked out three non-conference wins, including a 7-point win over FCS team (Missouri State) to start the reason. Went on to play in the Big 12 championship and come within 6 inches of potentially making the playoffs. Last year we opened against Arkansas Pine-Bluff with a 63-7 win, and then tanked mid-season.
Defense had good and bad moments last night, but overall did better actually than I had hoped. Running game got going late.
Most disappointing thing was Bowman - yeah, he had some receivers drop balls but he also had some throws that were way, way off. A veteran guy with his experience should have performed better, IMO. Gunnar benefitted from a running game that finally got untracked.
2 Likes
Were they bad passes or we they not on the same page, him and the recievers.
Biggest disappointment to me was run game. I think if we can effectively run the ball I think we’ll be ok at QB. I’m hoping the running game being slow to start had to do with possibly a lack of physicality in practice in an effort to try and avoid injury? If that’s the case the run game should get better as the line actually gets to go full speed and see what their assignments look like at game speed. If not we’re going to be in trouble.
2 Likes
Could be they weren’t on the same page for some of them, they were passes to nobody (fortunately no defenders either)
1 Like
“But the thing I think I learned the most was his ability to tuck it in and battle through a few defenders with his legs.”
I told you guys at the end of last season how much Spencer Sanders ability to run and extend the play made a difference for the 2022 offense. It was evident at how much of a stand-still our offense was when he wasn’t in the game. You can hammer him all you want for interceptions and that’s fine. However, it was evident last year his ability to run masked deficiencies on the OL (even before injuries) and it required the defense to pay closer attention to his ability to use his feet. Which in turn would open up receiving lanes.
When Bowman was in the game the UCA defense wasn’t worried about that at all. In fact, the UCA defense would line up in a four man front, rush one, and drop six into coverage. UCA only had to even the numbers on the front and were still able to get pressure on Bowman. Bowman also has a tendency to move backwards and rarely moved up into the pocket to make a throw. A lot of his throws were deep in the pocket and he’s throwing off his back foot. That’s why the guy was third string at Michigan.
Rangel (I feel) is being punished even though he was fairly consistent and rarely played. He was able to avoid pressure for the most part, and he was smart about taking what the defense would give him. His lone interception happened as a result of him getting creamed on the throw by a UCA defender. He even knew when to run for it. Maybe he’s not as good at running as Gunnar, but he looked to be sufficient enough in being a guy that can run for a first down if you need him to.
I could care less honestly who the QB is as long as they’re getting the job done. My biggest issue (and it’s been for a while) is the line’s inability to establish some kind of decent run blocking and pass protection. I’m tired of listening to excuses for such poor execution and there being absolutely no physicality by this OL.
1 Like
Kinda does to me if the blocking scheme isn’t working or breaks down, Bowman was pressured a bit and had some stiff foot work. I think the blocking will be a bit better. Being quick footed as a QB definitely helps not just being able to run the ball down the field. Bowman has arm strength but he’s s statue, little Gundy can run but lacks arm strength, and Rangel can throw but needs a little better decision making. Imagine if we could combine the 3 together lol. ASU is going to really bring things to light. If we can block consistently should be able to win regardless who ever is quarterback especially with the stack running back group.
Here’s what I’ve learned overall. Our rival to the south had Arkansas State beat by the end of the first quarter, and their backups outscored ARK ST 28-0 in the second half.
Our team went into the fourth quarter against UCA just hoping they could close the game out and avoid losing at home to an FCS school.
I think Dunn and Dickey are the main issues here. They’re both lost and the HC seems to ignore a problem that’s there, or convincing himself of a false reality that everything is fine and can be fixed.
Maybe that’s the issue and it can be. I don’t know. I would figure that a guy making 7.5 mil+ would be more prepared for an FCS school though. What I can tell you that this team has A LONG WAYS TO GO.
3 Likes
Do you know where Joe Wickline’s current whereabouts is? I heard his name during the Colorado Game.
Last known whereabouts from what I had seen was Baylor in 2020.
He got fired from baylor. Never seem a guy get fired so much but he is good in your eyes
1 Like
I think left, I thought I seen in an article after last season.
Good offensive line coach, I don’t think he’s a great play caller.
1 Like
I would trust him to put out a more competent product than what I’ve seen Dickey put out there so far. The good thing going for Dickey is Gundy is a man of low expectations. If that weren’t the case, then both Dunn and Dickey would’ve been looking for new jobs last season.
1 Like
Blah blah. Dude talk about something new. We had 4.8 even with bowmans minus 2 yards on 2 carries.
That’s not a very big deal. Especially when it’s against UCA.
1 Like
Your always going on about stats. Its the only one we got this year
There’ll be more to come I’m sure.