PFB Roundtable: How Our Expectations Have Changed Following UT Loss

Now we’ve had some time to process Oklahoma State’s first loss of the season, Pistols Firing’s editorial staff convened to discuss our expectations for OSU moving forward and what we’d like to see from the Cowboys on Saturday.

Kyle Cox: Now that we’ve had a few days for the Texas loss to sink in, how have your expectations changed for OSU heading into the second half of the season?

Marshall Scott: After it has had time to settle, I think I’m the same as I was, cautiously optimistic. It was unlikely OSU would go undefeated. Not many Big 12 teams have finished a regular season unbeaten since the round robbin format.

We kind of knew the Pokes would have one slip up, and it came in a game that dominated outside of turnovers and special teams play.

Kyle Boone: They’ve changed a hair for me. I didn’t think OSU was going to run the table and win the chip. But I thought running the conference slate was definitely a possibility. What we saw last week against Texas really exposed some weaknesses, particularly on offense, where turnovers are looking to be a real problem spot.

Cox: I think the Cowboys still have a decent shot to make it to Arlington. I don’t really feel much different about them than I did last week. I never expected OSU to run the table and the reasons they lost, while frustrating, can be fixed. The question is if they will be and how quickly. 

Scott: Yeah, the fix of “just stop turning the ball over” has proven harder to complete than what some would think.

Boone: There’s just been a lack of cohesion on offense generally, which is surprising. Handoffs to running backs aren’t always completely smooth. Timing routes with Spencer and his target are miscommunicated, mistimed or both. I’m not sure what to make of it, but I definitely didn’t expect OSU’s offense to be a potential hindrance to a Big 12 title.

Cox: So that brings up another question. I’m on record as saying Gundy is right to stick with Spencer Sanders. What say you and how much shorter should his leash be?

Scott: I think his leash is still what it was. In talks, Gundy has said you have to let him loose. He’s going to make plays and mistake, etc.

Boone: Yeah I think it’s the right call to stick with Spencer. He has his good games, has his bad games. But when you’re talking about a team with Big 12 title hopes, I think he’s your man. Gives your team the highest ceiling. Take out some of the miscues — and I get it, you can’t ignore them — but if you can, you’re talking about potentially one of the most productive and electric QBs in the country because of what he can do on the ground and through the air. OSU just has to hope the mistakes are cut down significantly. I don’t think his job is in jeopardy.

Cox: OSU’s defense still looked good, given the precarious positions it was put in by the offense, but are you worried about Jim Knowles’ group wearing down over the second half of the season? (I might be)

Boone: I’m not. I think previous OSU defenses we thought were solid turned out to be smoke-and-mirrors stuff that got exposed and worn down in the back half of seasons. I’m pretty sure this defense is just super solid across the board and will continue to be a strength so long as they stay healthy.

Scott: I’m not, personally. Part of what makes this group so good is its depth. They can platoon swap on the line and at linebacker and still be great.

Cox: We’ve seen OSU defenses track downward in November before, and I don’t think this one is exempt from that. For me, the biggest question is if the D can stay healthy.

Scott: Yeah injuries, especially in the secondary, could prove troublesome. But again, this defense is as deep as OSU has had.

Boone: I’m with Marsh. Defensive depth rocks. Multiple All-American caliber players in the secondary. Dudes upon dudes at linebacker. Defensive line depth may be a mild concern, I guess, but I think they’ve got enough to engender confidence that it will last.

Cox: Not to play the jaded OSU fan, but I am probably more confident that the offense gets better as the season goes on and more cautious about the defense, though its given me no reason to be skeptical.

Scott: It’s 2020, Cox. Get with the program. Nothing makes sense.

Boone: Yeah. OSU’s defense is trustworthy, OSU’s offense is a concern. Because of course. At least we can rely on special teams continuing to be a major problem!

Cox: Death, taxes and special teams snafus. At least we can cling to some semblance of normalcy.

What’s the one thing, not related to TOs or special teams, that you want to see OSU do against Kansas State?

Scott: I wouldn’t mind a dominant rushing performance. OSU’s offensive line and Chuba Hubbard had a tough time against Texas. They could use the confidence boost heading into Bedlam.

Boone: I want to see them kick butt. Just demolish them. OSU hasn’t really won in style all season. Against a dinged up K-State team they should have an opportunity to really show off a bit and run it up. Good teams handle inferior foes, and OSU right now, even after the loss, remains the better team.

Cox: I agree. I feel like I’ve been waiting for that blowout of a non-Kansas Big 12 team for a decade.

I hope to see the O-line healthy but would love to see some consistency up front. Aside from the subpar rushing performance, OSU gave up a season-high five sacks. Gotta help out Spencer any way you can.