Virginia Tech Debriefing: OSU’s Seniors Stepped up, and We Have Questions for 2018

The Cowboys hung on and got win No. 10 for a record third-straight year. The game wasn’t always pretty, but why would we expect any different? The Cowboys made plays when they needed to and their best players made plays when needed.

Let’s debrief a Camping World Bowl win and the season as a whole.

The Short Story

OSU showed a little life on offense early but had to settle for field goals on its first two scoring opportunities. Virginia Tech chewed up a ton of clock by converting on its first four third-down attempts and people were already making alternative travel arrangements for Glenn Spencer’s trip home.

But his defense rebounded in a big way, with two big forced TOs and even with his two corners being knocked out for the game, Spencer’s crew would facilitate the win.

On offense, Rudolph made history, Washington made history, Washington and Ateman made history, and Justice Hill kicked off his 2018 Heisman campaign.

Let’s hand out some Marshal Badges Pat Petes.

Who Earned a Patriot Pete?

Offense: The Big 4

Rudolph and Washington connected for 126 yards and a score in their last game together, with Rudolph breaking Brandon Weeden’s single-season passing record and Washington passing Rashaun Woods as the all-time leading receiver at OSU.

Rudolph earns one for this throw alone.

But it was Marcell Ateman who got things going for OSU. Rudolph and his top two targets shared 10 catches for 233 yards.

Enter Justice Hill, who has become the engine this offense runs behind and will see that role increase as the rest of OSU’s Big 4 rides off into the sunset.

Defense: The Seniors Stepped up

Ramon Richards had the most Ramon game you could draw up. He was in the right place at the right time but could have had three picks as easily as he had zero.

Darius Curry stepped up big when A.J. Green and Rodarius Williams were both sidelined with injuries. It’s fitting that his first career interception would come in his final game as a Cowboy.

DeQuinton Osborne and Tralund Webber would team up with Jordan Brailford for this timely sack. Each has been productive during his time in Stillwater and each will be missed next season.

It Was Over When

There were a couple chances for Oklahoma State to put Virginia Tech away but some interesting calls kind of gave the Hokies life. Ultimately, Matt Ammendola’s game-sealing 38-yard field goal kept VT at bay.

Questions for 2018

Where do we start? This blog will be fueled by questions about next season and prognosticating Spencer Sanders’ freshman stat line. Who backs up Justice? Does Tyron break any records next year? Does Tyron play? Will OSU be any good on defense?

But the truth is that the Cowboys have a ton of talent returning at the skill positions, an exciting QB competition ready to take shape and a proven winner at the helm.

The Rudolph-Washington-Ateman era is over. The Ramon era is over. It’s been an exciting/frustrating/nerve-racking/fun ride. The next one starts in about three months.