Daily Bullets (August 2)

The Good and the Bad

Athlon’s preview succinctly depicts the season ahead with accurate reasons for optimism and insecurity.

The Cowboys left a good final impression last season by lambasting a solid Colorado squad in the Alamo Bowl. They also have a highly touted signal-caller with plenty of weapons around him. Factor in the coaching changes in Austin and Norman and OSU looks like the picture of stability in the Big 12.

Defensive deficiencies will most likely hold this team back when all is said and done, though. The D was shaky enough last season, and the evidence suggesting it will improve is hard to find. [Athlon Sports]

Count me out on betting against the linebacking position: athletes abound on the edges. Corners and Ramon’s safety transition are obviously the concerns to be eased.

Earning His Keep

The tale of how Green Bay Packer and former Brandon Weeden-protector Lane Taylor earned his starting spot is so Gundy-era player.

Once an undrafted free agent who fought his way onto the 53-man roster, Taylor will now enter his second season as one of the team’s undisputed starting offensive linemen.

He became a surprise starter before the 2016 season when the Packers cut All-Pro Josh Sitton in early September of last year, in part because the team saw Taylor’s work on a day-to-day basis and trusted him to fill the void. He more than held his own last season, starting all 16 games and rarely looking overmatched on the interior. [USA Today]

Taylor’s work ethic and promising talent was enough to cut a pro bowler. But Taylor worked his way from unheralded recruit to All Big 12 performer. Why would this be any different?

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy with some high praise for former #OKstate OL Lane Taylor https://t.co/3gXEnZSawX pic.twitter.com/yodRdbTXhs

— Kyle Fredrickson (@kylefredrickson) June 21, 2017

OSU and NCAA Notes

Jeff Carroll made another top 50 players list….Solid state of the defensive tackle update in Stillwater….Catch up with Cowgirl great Andrea Riley….Atlanta Braves’ old stadium -> Georgia State’s football field

Benge is still hot apparently.

#RedSox infield prospect Garrett Benge goes 5-for-5 with five RBIs to power @LowellSpinners. https://t.co/sYlfjMe1jG pic.twitter.com/xSgToQhGNb

— MiLB.com (@MiLB) August 1, 2017

All 14 pounds in his arms!

Asked Justice Hill (@jhill21_) about having a year of experience, the #OKState offense & the team's attitude. He's gained 14 lbs too. pic.twitter.com/Ws41QFeMcN

— Nate Feken (@TheGreat_Nate) July 31, 2017

Poor K-State fans.

Kansas State announces a two-year contract extension for basketball coach Bruce Weber.

— Kellis Robinett (@KellisRobinett) August 1, 2017

What You Missed on PFB

• All the details for the fan appreciation day this weekend
• By the numbers: comparing James Washington to Justin Blackmon
• A perplexing commitment from a defensive tackle prospect
• Cowboys are the favorite to land this recent de-commit
• Glenn Spencer on the cornerback situation

Other Stuff I’m Reading

Interesting piece on rereading a book around the Third Reich….Communication skills are a precursor for top performers?

Extrovert dad goals.

Two-year-old Guy boards an airplane in style, fist-bumping every passenger on his way down the plane's aisle. https://t.co/n2X2VFVOu9 pic.twitter.com/vnTAfXi8PQ

— ABC News (@ABC) July 31, 2017