Daily Bullets (March 21)

Defense Wins (NIT) Championships

The Pokes have seen a nice stretch of success on the defensive end since entering post-season play.

The Cowboys have stepped up their defense considerably in the NIT. After forcing FGCU to turn the ball over 18 times in their NIT opener, the Cowboys forced Stanford into 19 turnovers — and scored 23 points off those turnovers — to aid their second-round win over the Cardinal. If the Cowboys keep playing defense like that, they may have an opportunity to go to New York City next week.

Due to Western Kentucky’s win over USC, the Cowboys get one additional home game in the quarterfinals, and with the quick turnaround between Round 2 and Round 3 (just 48 hours), that could be a considerable advantage. [Heartland College Sports]

A rowdy arena, resurgent defense, and a less-rested opponent will definitely be advantages for the Pokes tonight.

Tackle the Problem

Zach Crabtree and Aaron Cochran leave massive holes in the wake of their graduations – who will bookend both sides of the Cowboy offensive line next fall?

(Offensive line coach Josh) Henson has a few options at his two offensive tackle positions, but spring will be important for determining a couple of things.

For one, who is most comfortable on the left and who fits best on the right.

And second, will any of them establish themselves as sure-fire starters?

(Shane) Richards, (Teven) Jenkins, (Dylan) Galloway and Arlington Hambright look like the top four candidates for the jobs… [NewsOK]

Jenkins and Galloway feel the most heralded and promising with upside while Richards as a 6’8″, fifth-year senior feels like a nice (sized) plug-and-play on the left side. I vote for whoever is the best run-blocker as much weight will be put on Justice Hill to carry the offense next fall.

OSU and NCAA Notes

Chris Lacy did a pre-draft interview….How women’s basketball coaches do their job as working moms….Short NFL prospect blurbs on Mason Rudolph and Marcell Ateman….Winners and losers from the second round of the Big Dance….Ranking the best “First Weekends” of the Big Dance….For those who picked Nova – why this is Jay Wright’s best offense

Love Solomon’s embrace of the game.

Mitchell Solomon thought he played his last game in GIA Monday night. He walked off the court to a rousing standing ovation. He was overcome with emotion during the alma mater. You can't say this NIT run doesn't mean the world to him. #OKState pic.twitter.com/rsyIw1nr0D

— Dylan Buckingham (@DylanBuckingham) March 20, 2018

Tonight, the man gets an answer to his question.

? you all in GIA in Wednesday. Can we top 10k??? #LetsWork

— Mike Boynton (@thacoachmike) March 20, 2018

…and it sounds promising.

https://twitter.com/JacobOverton/status/976177704423886848

The Mike’s and their farms.

. @thacoachmike on former players coming back to GIA. Mentions the possibility of retiring on a farm in Stillwater. #okstate pic.twitter.com/xagIDWc7ce

— Carson Cunningham (@KOCOCarson) March 20, 2018

What You Missed on PFB

• GIA was tremendous on Monday, Boynton hoping for one last performance on Wednesday
• OSU to host Western Kentucky in round three tonight
• Watch Courtney Ramey light up the state tournament
• Learn about where things are with Grant Gunnell in the latest Reload
• See who the top 2019 running back targets are

Other Stuff I’m Reading

• This on why an urban couple in Canada moved to a farm was interesting
• Looking at the concept of mentors and how they come and go
• Lonely future of Amazon Go