Daily Bullets (September 9)

Darned If You Do…

South Alabama chose to do what they could and take away the run – a move that surprised Gundy.

“I was a little surprised they played run defense. They played an extra guy in there (to stop the run), and played a lot of man and pressed (our receivers). When they do that you’re forced somewhat into a throwing game, it’s difficult to run the ball into those fronts. I thought Mason handled the offense and distributed the ball very well.” [GoPokes]

Mason throwing for 335 yards and three touchdowns means the strategy was flawed – because they did win the game through the air.

The question of what you try and stop is more of like asking someone if they’d rather die drowning or in a fire: neither is going to be fun.

Impressed?

While the Cowboys taking care of business against South Alabama may not be incredibly impressive, the win reinforced some serious trends.

• Gave it 10 in its last 12 true road games.

• Improved Mike Gundy’s record in non-conference games to 43-11.

• Improved it to 26-5 in its last 31 non-conference games.

• Was its 10th in its last 11 games overall. [GoPokes]

Can you remember when going on the road meant an “L” was on the way? That non-conference number feels like it’s headed towards Eddie’s non-con numbers.

OSU and NCAA Notes

When the Big 12 games are today (plus Jake Trotter’s picks)….Interesting to see what schools paid for opposing teams to visit this weekend….Five college running backs who could be the next Kareem Hunt (first on the list will be familiar)….OSU in the Cotton vs. LSU still a prevalent bowl prediction

Fun highlights from last night’s W. Find even more here.

WATCH: Cowboy Football: Plays of the Game vs. South Alabama https://t.co/pTzVJyLF03 #okstate

— Orange Power Studios (@OSUStudios) September 9, 2017

Congrats to Cowboy alum Bill Self on Hall of Fame induction last night – he had some thoughtful things to say.

Congratulations, @CoachBillSelf!

The head Men's Basketball coach @KUHoops will be inducted into the @Hoophall tonight! #BillSelfHOF pic.twitter.com/AXjZN5FhiU

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) September 8, 2017

Cowgirls are rolling.

Another day, another W for the Cowgirls! #GoPokes pic.twitter.com/ucaDqakWKJ

— Cowgirl Soccer (@CowgirlFC) September 8, 2017

What You Missed on PFB

• 10 Thoughts from the South Alabama win
• Check Porter and Carson on the postgame show
• Check the notebook from post-USA vs. OSU
• Porter was closest on the uni predictions
• South Alabama 2-for-1 isn’t ideal but fiscally responsible
• Congrats to Rudolph on being OSU’s leading career passer

Other Stuff I’m Reading

• The subscriber model of sports info is solid and appears viable for the future
• Joseph and the Chaos Theory of Vocational Development
• Cautionary tale of Rysheed Jordan – five-star basketball player from Philly