As always, they are well worth a listen and our support! Here is this week's podcast notes:
[00:00:28] - Introduction to the podcast and hosts Cade Webb and Dustin Ragusa.
[00:00:40] - Discussion on Oklahoma State's victory and game performance.
[00:01:09] - Oklahoma State controlled the game despite a 23-point victory margin.
[00:02:12] - South Dakota State's disciplined defense and reaction to motion discussed.
[00:03:40] - Offensive players' performance and game strategy analyzed.
[00:05:15] - Review of snap counts and player participation in the game.
[00:06:57] - Offensive line rotation and player availability discussed.
[00:08:24] - Tempo and motion usage in the game highlighted.
[00:10:17] - Discussion on personnel schemes and offensive strategies employed.
[00:12:02] - Importance of tempo and execution in Oklahoma State's offense noted.
[00:14:02] - Motion usage and its impact on offensive play discussed.
[00:16:20] - Analysis of personnel groupings and tight end usage in the game.
[00:21:49] - Breakdown of run game strategies and run types used.
[00:23:03] - Comparison of run game statistics to previous season's performance.
[00:22:34] - Discussion on run plays: gap vs. zone, 50/50 split.
[00:23:07] - Gap runs averaged 4.9 yards per carry; zone runs averaged 3.0.
[00:23:18] - Notable play: GH counter with center pulling instead of guard.
[00:24:10] - Defensive adjustments noted; over-pursuing led to switching pulling players.
[00:25:01] - In-game adjustments made to counter defensive strategies.
[00:27:28] - GT counter plays were consistently stuffed by South Dakota State's defense.
[00:28:54] - South Dakota State's blitzing strategy effectively countered Oklahoma State's run plays.
[00:30:00] - Various run schemes discussed: CH, GH, GT, bash, and inside zone.
[00:31:30] - RPOs accounted for about 30% of plays; play-action concepts were also used.
[00:32:36] - Offensive line performed well; no sacks and minimal QB pressure noted.
[00:39:01] - Offensive line's run blocking needs improvement, especially at the second level.
[00:43:12] - Overall, offensive line graded A+ in pass protection, B+ in run blocking.
[00:45:05] - Left tackle position rotation between Cooper and Glass showed promise.
[00:44:52] - South Dakota State's defense is sound, causing struggles for the offense.
[00:45:07] - Dalton Cooper and Isaia Glass show strong performance at left tackle.
[00:45:35] - Glass displays good footwork and aggression, with notable pancake blocks.
[00:46:20] - Healthy offensive line depth is promising for the season ahead.
[00:48:05] - Cole Birmingham has a standout game with multiple pancake blocks.
[00:49:44] - Michalski's athleticism is highlighted by his ability to pull from center.
[00:51:04] - Preston Wilson excels in pass protection and run blocking.
[00:52:09] - Springfield's performance is solid, contributing to the offensive line's success.
[00:53:02] - Ollie Gordon shows improved vision and explosive running ability.
[00:54:21] - Gordon's physical development enhances his performance and tackle-breaking ability.
[00:56:27] - Seshi is effective in catching passes, showcasing shifty skills.
[00:57:31] - Receivers display strong blocking and route-running, contributing to offensive success.
[01:00:11] - De'Zhaun Stribling's versatility makes him a valuable offensive weapon.
[01:02:02] - Presley and Owens both have strong performances, showcasing their skills.
[01:05:09] - Tyler Foster struggles with physicality, impacting his blocking effectiveness.
[01:07:03] - Josh Ford shows promise but needs to improve his aggression and technique.
[01:07:37] - Discussion on physicality and play execution in upcoming games.
[01:07:49] - Josh Ford's aggressive play noted, but still a freshman learning curve.
[01:08:25] - Quinn Stewart's performance highlighted with potential for more reps.
[01:09:02] - Concerns about running plays against Arkansas's physical team.
[01:10:01] - Alan Bowman's impressive stats and performance discussed.
[01:11:30] - Notable stretch of 20 of 21 passing by Bowman.
[01:12:12] - Bowman's decision-making and mechanics improved, with one poor decision acknowledged.
[01:13:11] - Tablets aiding quarterback performance mentioned positively.
[01:17:09] - Defense alignment varied significantly in the first series.
[01:18:21] - Discussion on the base defense and alignment against heavy personnel.
[01:20:02] - Defensive strategy appears matchup-based, adapting to opponent's offensive style.
[01:22:06] - Coverage primarily consisted of cover one and cover three schemes.
[01:24:05] - Jeff Roberson's high snap count indicates significant role in defense.
[01:25:03] - Impressive performance from Amon Oats, exceeding expectations.
[01:27:19] - Defensive line's performance underwhelming, needing improvement in pressure generation.
[01:29:23] - Effective stunts involving Oats and Oliver noted for generating pressure.
[01:29:55] - Discussion on unexpected player impact and pressure generation for defense.
[01:30:10] - Defensive line performance deemed underwhelming; need for improved push noted.
[01:30:39] - Oats highlighted as a personal favorite despite overall defensive struggles.
[01:31:00] - Waltersheid's limited impact with only one notable play in 33 snaps.
[01:31:46] - Clay and Kirkland compared; both need to draw more double teams.
[01:32:12] - Surprising lack of dominance from strong interior linemen against FCS competition.
[01:33:00] - Johnson's potential noted; expected to improve with more game experience.
[01:34:23] - Brown's pass rush ability questioned; comparison with Waltersheid discussed.
[01:35:31] - Colin Oliver's strong second-half performance highlighted; key player for the defense.
[01:36:30] - Obe Ezeigbos early impact praised; potential for more snaps discussed.
[01:39:12] - Nick Martin's tackling ability noted despite challenges against larger offensive linemen.
[01:40:02] - Jeff Robertson's first game performance analyzed; expected to improve with experience.
[01:41:12] - Kendall's role and tackling issues discussed; needs to improve consistency.
[01:44:41] - Korie Black's coverage skills praised; standout performance despite tough assignments.
[01:45:59] - Cam Smith's struggles noted; pressure and alignment issues discussed.
[01:51:01] - Trey Rucker's solid performance highlighted; effective in coverage and tackling.
[01:52:21] - Dylan Smith's role as free safety discussed; minimal impact noted in the game.
[01:52:45] - Discussion on free safety's performance and lack of deep ball coverage.
[01:53:20] - Apps had a mixed game with some nice tackles but missed opportunities.
[01:54:02] - Hilton's twitchiness in coverage noted; Rawls played corner but limited snaps.
[01:54:52] - Special teams praised; kickoffs and punting were solid, with standout performances.
[01:56:34] - Logan Ward's kicking ability discussed; concerns about accuracy but strong leg noted.
[01:57:11] - Anxiety about kickers acknowledged; confidence in Logan Ward's performance expressed.
[01:58:00] - Arkansas presents a different athletic challenge; quarterback situation remains uncertain.
[01:59:21] - Oklahoma State's advantages discussed; potential for a closer game anticipated.
[02:01:20] - Score predictions given; both expect a competitive game with late scoring.
[02:02:25] - Free "Feels Like 45" shirts offered; details on distribution shared.
[02:03:51] - Anticipation for the upcoming game and tailgating plans mentioned.
[02:04:03] - Closing remarks and social media handles shared for follow-up.
### Oklahoma State's Victory and Game Atmosphere:
- **Victory Celebration:** Hosts Cade Webb and Dustin Ragusa express excitement about Oklahoma State's dominant victory, noting that they controlled the game throughout, despite the final score not fully reflecting the level of dominance.
- **Weather and Atmosphere:** Cade comments on the unexpectedly favorable weather, with only a brief discomfort period. Both agree the game atmosphere was enjoyable, highlighting the importance of taking each opponent seriously.
### South Dakota State's Defensive Performance:
- **Discipline and Strategy:** South Dakota State’s defense was disciplined and effective against motion and misdirection. Their strong coaching and fundamentals were commendable, though Oklahoma State’s superior athleticism ultimately secured the win.
- **Defensive Adjustments:** South Dakota State made adjustments, particularly in the second half, effectively neutralizing Oklahoma State's GT counter plays. Coaching staff apparently has called SDSU on Sunday to find out of we have some sort of “tell” as they seemed to predict it perfectly.
### Oklahoma State's Offensive Performance:
- **Snap Counts and Personnel:** Oklahoma State’s snap counts showed less rotation than expected, especially on the offensive line, which surprised both hosts. Some anticipated breakout players saw limited action.
- **Tempo and Pace:** The team operated at a faster pace than in previous seasons, with Alan Bowman excelling in the quick RPO game. A key to their success was alternating between fast and slow tempos to keep the defense off balance.
### Offensive Schemes and Play Analysis:
- **Run Game Strategy:** Oklahoma State employed both zone and gap run schemes, with gap runs averaging 4.9 yards per carry versus 3.0 for zone runs. Mid-game adjustments included switching to pulling the center instead of guards to counter defensive over-pursuit.
- **Motion and Personnel Groupings:** The use of motion, particularly with running back Ollie Gordon, kept the defense guessing. The introduction of 10 personnel created mismatches, allowing the offense to capitalize on defensive vulnerabilities.
- **Counter Plays and Adjustments:** Oklahoma State simplified their play-calling after last season’s quarterback instability, adjusting blocking schemes like the “pin and pull” to effectively respond to South Dakota State’s defensive strategies.
### Offensive Line Performance:
- **Pass Protection:** The offensive line excelled in pass protection, allowing no sacks. Dalton Cooper and Glass received praise for their pass-blocking skills.
- **Run Blocking:** While pass protection was strong, run blocking left room for improvement, particularly in getting to the second level. The offensive line’s adaptability in the face of defensive pressure was a critical factor in their success.
### Player-Specific Highlights:
- **Dalton Cooper & Glass:** Both split snaps at left tackle, with Cooper earning high praise for pass protection and Glass being noted for his physicality.
- **Ollie Gordon (RB):** Gordon was praised for his vision, physicality, and ability to break tackles. His improvements from last season, including his contributions in pass protection, were highlighted.
- **De'Zhaun Stribling (WR):** Stribling's route running and ability to create separation positioned him as a key offensive weapon, along with players like Owens and Presley.
- **Tyler Foster (TE):** Foster’s blocking was critiqued, with the need for improvement noted, especially in preparing for tougher physical matchups in future games.
### Game Strategy and Play Calling:
- **Offensive Line Adjustments:** The offensive line’s flexibility in pulling different players to counter defensive alignments, particularly in the "pin and pull" strategy, was crucial in adapting to South Dakota State's pressure.
- **Anticipating Future Opponents:** The hosts speculate how Oklahoma State's game strategy may need to evolve against stronger teams like Arkansas, wondering if they can maintain the same level of confidence and execution.
### Tight End and Fullback Performance:
- **Josh Ford and Quinton Stewart:** Both showed potential but need further development. Ford’s aggressive play was occasionally marred by rookie mistakes, while Stewart performed well in limited snaps.
### Defensive Overview:
- **Alignment Confusion:** Oklahoma State's defensive alignment was hard to decipher early in the game, featuring multiple fronts and personnel packages likely tailored to match South Dakota State’s offensive scheme.
- **Defensive Line Performance:** The line operated mostly from an even front, with improved coverage on slot receivers compared to last season.
- **Lack of Creativity in Blitzing:** The defense lacked creative blitzes or pressure generation but capitalized on South Dakota State’s predictable offense.
### Individual Defensive Performances:
- **Oates & Colin Oliver:** Oates had a standout performance, especially in tandem with Colin Oliver, generating pressure through stunts. Oliver’s versatility, particularly his ability to drop into coverage and make big plays, was a highlight.
- **Waltersheid & Clay:** Waltersheid struggled against single blockers, while Clay showed effort in pursuit but needed to absorb more double teams.
- **Brown & Jaleel:** Brown’s pass rush was praised, but questions remain about his struggles against the run. Jaleel’s multi-positional versatility was noted, particularly when paired with Oliver.
- **Obi Ezeigbo:** Made an early impact but had limited snaps, leaving the door open for more playing time in future games.
### Linebackers:
- **Nick Martin:** A solid tackler but faced challenges against larger offensive linemen. The defensive line’s lack of push left him without sufficient support.
- **Jeff Robertson:** His intelligence and positioning were commended, though missed tackles were noted. He shows potential to become a starting caliber linebacker.
- **Kendall Daniels:** Daniels lacked aggressiveness compared to Robertson, and at time his tackling ability raised concerns.
### Defensive Backs:
- **Korie Black:** His coverage skills, including an interception, were praised, despite allowing a challenging touchdown.
- **Cam Smith & Kale Smith:** Cam struggled with missed tackles, attributed in part to the lack of defensive line pressure, while Kale was praised for his physicality in run support.
- **Trey Rucker & Dylan Smith:** Rucker’s performance was nearly flawless, and Dylan Smith played well as a free safety, with no major mistakes or significant notes indicating trouble.
### Special Teams:
- **Logan Ward:** Impressed with his power and accuracy, showing strong kicking abilities during the game.
- **Punter Pahl:** Recognized for a long punt and a key kick that pinned the opponent inside the 10-yard line.
- **Kick Coverage:** Roberson made a standout tackle, and Korie Black nearly blocked a kick.
### Upcoming Arkansas Game Predictions:
- **Arkansas Overview:** Arkansas presents a more athletic and physically imposing challenge than South Dakota State.
- **Quarterback Comparison:** Arkansas' quarterback is a better runner but not as strong a passer as Bowman. His turnover potential and accuracy are concerns.
- **Key Factors:** The outcome will hinge on **coaching, execution, and experience**. While Oklahoma State is seen as the better team, the game is expected to be more competitive.
- **Predictions:**
- **Dustin:** Oklahoma State 37, Arkansas 27.
- **Cade:** Oklahoma State 38, Arkansas 24.
