From: merklin@rtsg.mot.com (Teresa B. Merklin)
Subject: Re: Big8 Review(9-8-92)
Organization: Motorola Inc., Cellular Infrastructure Group
Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1992 14:14:29 GMT

Scott D. Davis writes:
>****
>OKLAHOMA STATE 35   INDIANA STATE 3
>
>Small report on the OkSt game.  Denson rushed for 110yds and
>2TDs.  OSU had 4 rushing TDs(one more than all of '91).

Expanded report on this game:

1) There were about 35,000 fans present for this home game, more than I 
remember being present at any home game in 1991, and the atmosphere was 
absolutely electric.

2) Indiana State took the opening kickoff and drove 70 yards for a FG and the
games first score, without so much as a third and long. To say the least the
OkState defense looked porous against the run. The defensive line was 
getting good penetration into the Sycamore backfield, but the backs were
blowing right by them for big gains.

3) How the Denfense will fare against the pass is unknown, as the Sycamore's
(get a real mascot!) didn't seem to have much of a passing attack. The two
OkState interceptions were on extremely poor passes.

4) The offense will definately move the ball better than last year. (That, of
course, is not saying much). Rafeal Denson has put on about 20 pounds (he's
so small that it's proportionately a lot of weight) and is obviously a lot
stronger and is running more agressively. He was bouncing off arm tackles,
something that he did not do last year.

5) QB's: what a bright spot! Both Andy Loveland (juco xfer) and Gary Porter
(true freshman) showed strong arms, good touch, reasonable mobility,
excellent judgement, poise, and leadership. In short, the QB's this year 
are everything the QB's last year were not.

6) Punting: OkState recruited a good one! His first punt went 50+ yards 
against the wind with good hang time. His second shanked off the side of 
his foot, but still went 30 yards, which is better than Vincent's average
last year. 

7) When Oklahoma State scored their first TD to take the lead, there were
oranges thrown on the field. (No, it wasn't me...)

Oklahoma State outlook: The team is improved on both sides of the ball, but
the defense, despite returning 7 starters (plus 2 former starters returning
after injuries and academic problems) remains somewhat suspect. The improved
offense and kicking game should take some pressure off the Defense, however.
The offense, while not being what I would call potent, is at least competent,
and will be able to put some points on the board.

To expect the pokes to win 4 more games this year is not at all unreasonable.

Next Week: Off, then Michigan. I expect Michigan to win by about 35, as the
pokes simply are not the same calliber team as them. The true test of this
team will come 9/26 when the Cowboys take on Tulsa at home. (I think OkState
will win a tight one)

/* Note: All mail sent to me from 9/4 to 9/8 went strait to the bit bucket */

Teresa
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