Daily Bullets (November 17)

(Don’t) Fall Into the Gap

Taking on the Wildcats tomorrow, it’ll be of first importance that the Pokes fill the gaps defensively.

“If we defend the play properly, we’re sound in our gaps, we need to get him down,” Gundy said. “We can’t give him big plays if we’re sound because unfortunately, there’s times when they do gap you. Just like we do to other teams. So, got to get guys down and can’t allow as many yards after contact.”

Those words will come into play against a Kansas State team that is notoriously hard to bring down. It’s a team the OSU defense has not fared well against in recent years.

Last season, the Wildcats ran for 345 yards on OSU including 153 by quarterback Jesse Ertz. The year before, receiver Kody Cook came in at quarterback and rushed for 87 in a 36-34 OSU win. [TulsaWorld]

Prepare yourself for the number of times you will either want to or will shout “JUST TACKLE HIM” as a grinding offense patiently waits for three to five yards of daylight.

Unless… Trey Carter. Check out this by Adam Lunt if you want more details. 

Smart Offense

This explanation on Marcus Smart’s historical struggles yet the incredible impact on the Boston Celtics offense is tremendous.

OK, so Marcus Smart is a terrible, horrible, no-good shooter who clearly must be a liability to the Celtics.
Except … when Smart is on the floor, the Celtics outscore their opponent by 11.3 points per 100 possessions (roughly one game).

That’s 7.9 points per 100 possessions better than when he’s off the court. In other words, the Celtics jump from a solid team to an elite team when Smart is on the court. [CBS Sports]

He goes on to explain it’s super clever things like this where he pulls defenders based on their instincts – not the scouting report.

Being able to guard four positions and his consistent ability to find ways to create value will get $mart paid.

OSU and NCAA Notes

Picks for Week 12 (Big 12 picks here)….This mock from The Athletic ($) has Carroll to the Spurs in the second round (sign me up)….On Scott Sutton adjusting to life at OSU and coaching against his old team is good….Rickie Fowler says Tiger is close to being back….Iron Bowl makes Bedlam look friendly – Bama fan shoots Auburn fan

Mayy be a good time to retire, Holder.

JUST IN: House Tax Bill that passed today has provision that gets rid of write off from college season ticket donations, athletic directors very nervoushttps://t.co/trwurlF8SW

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) November 16, 2017

(Almost) Border War back on the schedule.

Kansas State and Missouri have agreed to a home-and-home in 2022 and 2023, a source told https://t.co/4CcWiLBuIj. The Tigers will go to Manhattan in 2022, and K-State will return the trip to Columbia the following year. Conference rivals for decades… https://t.co/KwvnaeoMZl

— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) November 16, 2017

This could get interesting. As a K-State admirer it’s hard to read but here’s the negative way it could turn out.

Jim Leavitt had verbal agreement w/Kansas State last year to become head coach-in-waiting & replace Bill Snyder in 2018, but Snyder nixed it because he wanted his son Sean to replace him https://t.co/fcxi8GKyeI

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 16, 2017

Some encouraging thoughts to share with your panicky fellow-OSU fans.

Kansas State pass defense in last four games (OU, Kansas, Tech, WVU): 1,605 pass yards, 11 pass TD allowed. #okstate

— Mark Cooper (@mark_cooperjr) November 16, 2017

Mason Rudolph in two career games against Kansas State: 894 yards, 8 TD. Certainly feels like a good matchup for #OKState offense Saturday.

— Mark Cooper (@mark_cooperjr) November 16, 2017

What You Missed on PFB

• Mason Rudolph named semifinalist for the Walter Camp
• College Football Watch Guide for Week 12
• Wins never come easy against Kansas State
• Porter and Carson talk CFP and OSU-Kansas State
• An OSU running back target is back on the market in the latest Reload
• Meet the wrestling beat writer the PFB site landed

Other Stuff I’m Reading

• Can Netflix cure boredom?
• The Eagles’ special teams coach may be the most interesting coach in football
• Can’t figure out his reasoning but KD had lots of interesting stuff to say here

Excuse this 29-year old Baby Boomer but enjoy Andy Griffith making sense of college football (~5 mins)