Daily Bullets (February 26)

Zoned Out

The game in Austin from Saturday swung on a chess move made by Horns head man Shaka Smart.

And the Cowboys were close, so close, not only at the end, but leading by eight, 52-44, with 9:15 remaining after Tavarius Shine drilled a 3-pointer.

But Texas’ shift to a zone on the defensive end eventually impacted the Pokes, who turned stagnant and settled for too many long-range shots and forced shots, leading to a fade that ultimately ended in a crippling loss.

“We want into a lull when they went zone,” OSU coach Mike Boynton said. “We settled for a lot of jump shots, and that’s on me.” [GoPoke$]

It was the long-range gunning that seemed to quell every attempt for the Horns to stampede back in but it was also what opened the door for a triumphant return.

And can we collectively enjoy how much better Mike Boynton has been at X’s-and-O’s than a previous head coach in Stillwater? (rhymes with Flavis Schnord)

Pick a Number, Any Number

The best part about the 2018 Cowboy quarterback race is the plethora of good options.

(Spencer) Sanders is the most talented quarterback on the roster. He proved that during his standout high school career. As a senior, Sanders completed 66.5 percent of his passes to high school teammates while playing in a tough division. He has plenty to learn, but the talent is there.

That said, (Dru) Brown has 25 times more collegiate passing yards in two seasons than every other quarterback on the roster combined. (Taylor “Corndog”) Cornelius provides the most familiarity with the system. (Keondre) Wudtee is a wild card.

Luckily, any quarterback won’t be completely alone. Wide receivers Jalen McCleskey, Dillon Stoner and Tyron Johnson are all back in 2018. Running back Justice Hill might be the best running back in the conference next season, and J.D. King is a nice counterpart.

Gundy has plenty of options to choose from heading into 2018. After losing one of the best players in program history, that’s all he can ask for. [AJC]

Experience – in the system and other systems, upside with lots of eligibility and wild cards who could be gamers, options galore.

Mike Gundy doesn’t have a great track record of picking the right guy from day one but has been fantastic about getting him on the roster.

OSU and NCAA Notes

Insights on Mason Rudolph’s path to the draft….Boone brings us the weekend’s winners and losers in college basketball…Dez Bryant tells young players to not play injured….Recapping game 16 in Big 12 Basketball….George Schroeder says Kansas always finds a way

Very slick – Chris’ University Spirit needs to hop on this bandwagon.

Got this awesome hand painted @Rudolph2Mason figure as a gift from @HarrySneedIV. Started as Aaron Rodgers.
?? #GoPokes @SRMandeville pic.twitter.com/S4jbAdgurX

— Seth Dow (@SethLDow) February 24, 2018

None better in the biz’ than Tram.

Outstanding news: Cousin @BerryTramel of @TheOklahoman has been selected for the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. Gifted dude.

— Jimmie Tramel (@JimmieTramel) February 24, 2018

Big 12 champ in the 3,000.

CHAMPION.@hassaningz with another ferocious kick to take GOLD in the men's 3,000m! ???#okstate #Big12TF pic.twitter.com/jOzXZ5NR9z

— OKState XC/T&F (@run4okstate) February 24, 2018

Pokes had themselves a good weekend – rumor has it they’ve been outhit every game but are still 4-1.

Final from Allie P.:#OKState 3, Marist 2.

Cowboys sweep the weekend series to improve to 4-1 overall.

Next up, OSU hosts Little Rock Tuesday afternoon at 4 at Allie P.

— Jeremy Kolok (@JeremyKolok) February 25, 2018

Mason Rudolph will throw this week – his draft stock will substantiate itself one way or the other.

Many — if not all — of the top QB prospects are going to throw during Combine drills next Saturday, I’m told. #UCLA’s Josh Rosen, #Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield, #Wyoming’s Josh Allen, and #OKState’s Mason Rudolph are among those planning to show off their arms in Indy.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 23, 2018

Big league.

Can confirm @TommyBirch report that Iowa State offensive coordinator/OL coach Tom Manning is leaving to become Indianapolis Colts tight ends coach. Expect Matt Campbell to stay within the program for a replacement. Jim Hofher one possibility.

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) February 24, 2018

What You Missed on PFB

• Reeves, Solomon finish Academic All-Big 12
• Recapping the weekend in Cowgirl Softball

Other Stuff I’m Reading

• The case against Google – does the government need to step in?
• Bill Simmons looks at how LeBron can finish better than MJ