Sunday Doldrums: Some Thoughts

I think part of it as that Josiah Johnson use to give us some excellent blocking.

Ford is great but green. Not sure Tyler foster provides us with as much physicality.

Also, if you remember we struggled when teams went to a box. BYU did it first and we almost lost to them. So I think the coaches can’t develop creative plays to get Ollie to the 2nd level
Can’t or won’t?
 
It looks like a little bit of both. Can’t because they don’t have the guys capable of blocking. Won’t becaus gundy is unwilling to try new schemes.

Ollie needs to be running outside the tackles more. I am not sure why we can’t do that more. He got a TD doing it against Arkansas but Dunn won’t even try it against Utah
Because he keeps hitting the wrong damn hole!!! The first series against Utah he runs to the wrong hole on one side of Michalski and gets about two yards, he breaks it to the other side he probably scores on a 70 yard TD run (watch the replay) I frankly don’t know what is wrong with him but that has happened too much this year!!!!!!!!!! 🤔
 
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They used a split of gap scheme and zone from the K State to Bedlam game and we went on a five game win streak with a strong running game! After the UCF blowout we were back to using about 80% Zone through the bowl game with A&M!
These coaches often do things that don't make sense so I could easily see that being the case.
 
Because he keeps hitting the wrong damn hole!!! The first series against Utah he runs to the wrong hole on one side of Michalski and gets about two yards, he breaks it to the other side he probably scores on a 70 yard TD run (watch the replay) In frankly don’t know what is wrong with him but that has happened too much this year!!!!!!!!!! 🤔
I've never thought he had great vision. He's trying to be Barry when he should be Derrick Henry.
 
Adam is really good as is Dustin Ragusa on these breakdowns! The only thing I might disagree with him is on the last clip where the LB broke back to the center of the field in front of the other receiver is probably why Bowman threw the shorter slant! If you aren’t careful if suddenly the throw is a little off that LB can step inside and get an interception!!!
 
Podcast Notes
00:40
- Discussion on the tough rewatch after Oklahoma State's first loss of the season.

01:06
- Oklahoma State's defense performed well despite the loss to Utah.

02:15
- RecOlliebration of expectations for the team after the game.

02:40
- Surprising struggles of the offense against Utah's defense.

03:43
- Oklahoma State's defense had a high pass coverage grade according to PFF.

04:10
- Analysis of snap counts and limited player participation in the game.

05:16
- Discussion on the performance of tight ends and fullbacks during the game.

08:12
- Breakdown of offensive struggles and blame distribution among players and coaches.

09:39
- First play analysis showing Ollie Gordon's missed opportunity for a big run.

12:26
- Second play analysis highlighting Alan Bowman's poor footwork and decision-making.

14:09
- Third play analysis criticizing Kasey Dunn's play call on third and ten.

17:00
- Overall theme of offensive failure due to multiple factors throughout the game.

19:03
- Suggestion to use more 10 personnel to create space against defenses.

22:59
- Frustration over not returning to successful plays after a strong initial drive.

24:10
- Notable success of 10 personnel in the fourth quarter, highlighting missed opportunities.
23:45
- Discussion on Oklahoma State's offensive struggles and lack of rhythm.

24:02
- 10 personnel effectiveness in the fourth quarter with high yards per play.

24:40
- Run game analysis: Ollie's negative yardage runs and missed opportunities.

25:58
- Oklahoma State's inability to run and pass effectively during the game.

27:12
- Low percentage of play-action and RPO plays in the passing game.

28:00
- Utah's offensive strategy: heavy use of mesh and inside zone plays.

29:20
- Offensive line evaluation: chAlanges in run blocking and overall performance.

30:06
- Difficulty in grading offensive line due to lack of opportunities.

32:04
- Bowman facing high blitz rates, impacting offensive line evaluation.

34:15
- Ollie's past protection efforts praised despite run game struggles.

37:10
- Discussion on Ollie's vision and missed opportunities in the run game.

39:05
- Critique of play calling: why Ollie wasn't on the field in key situations.

41:03
- Rashod Owens' poor performance highlighted with drops and lack of separation.

44:19
- Presley’s mixed performance: some good plays but also route running issues.

46:11
- Tight ends struggled to get open, affecting their target opportunities.

46:58
- Discussion on tight ends' performance and route running chAlanges.

47:23
- Alan Bowman's stats: 16/33, 206 yards, 2 TDs, 2 interceptions.

48:15
- Conversation about Bowman's pull-out and return to the game.

49:12
- Criticism of coaching decision to keep Rangel in during a close game.

50:18
- Discussion on Bowman's performance and handling of the quarterback situation.

51:16
- Analysis of Bowman's footwork and decision-making under pressure.

52:14
- Defense's performance noted as more enjoyable to analyze than the offense.

57:02
- Oklahoma State's defense blitzed frequently, leading to interceptions.

01:00:04
- Defensive line's performance against Utah's physical offensive line discussed.

01:04:11
- Obi & Oates praised for their performance and tackling ability.

01:06:05
- Nick Martin's smart plays and gap shooting highlighted in linebacker performance.

01:10:43
- Missed tackles by linebackers noted as costly during the game.

01:11:15
- Potential game-changing force fumble discussed, emphasizing missed opportunity.

01:10:57
- Discussion on a 62-yard run and defensive pressures.

01:11:15
- Importance of a force fumble by Dylan Smith for momentum.

01:12:04
- Rucker's interception and defensive adjustments after a timeout.

01:13:04
- Kendall Daniels' performance and unique positioning in the defense.

01:14:10
- Overall solid performance from linebackers despite some tough plays.

01:15:04
- Confusion over a controversial catch call involving Korie Black.

01:16:24
- Praise for Cam Smith's performance and contributions in the game.

01:17:33
- Discussion on Utah's players and their impact on the game.

01:19:26
- Trey Rucker's standout performance as a boundary safety.

01:20:43
- Analysis of safety rotations and player performances in practice.

01:22:02
- Special teams issues, including penalties and missed field goals.

01:27:07
- Critique of Rangel's performance and decision-making during the game.

01:30:07
- Discussion on the unfairness of Rangel's situation and game plan.

01:33:21
- Prediction for Oklahoma State's game against Kansas State.

01:34:54
- Final score predictions and analysis of team strengths and weaknesses.

01:35:00
- Oklahoma State ranks 15th in passing offense, 115th in rushing offense.

01:35:13
- Kansas State is 117th in passing, 8th in rushing offense.

01:35:31
- Oklahoma State's defense is improving; key to stop Avery Johnson's scrambling.

01:36:17
- Defense must play man coverage while stacking the box against the run.

01:36:55
- Oklahoma State should spread the offense to create space for running plays.

01:37:44
- Emphasizing bubble screens and inside zone runs to improve offensive flow.

01:38:16
- Dustin will be absent next week due to travel and scheduling conflicts.

01:39:14
- Cade will host the podcast solo; nominations for guests are welcome.

01:39:50
- Oklahoma State has a chance to change their losing streak during road games.

01:40:25
- Follow the podcast and hosts on Twitter for updates and insights.

  • Podcast Overview:
    • Hosts: Cade Webb and Dustin Ragusa.
    • Focus: Breakdown of Oklahoma State’s 22-19 loss to Utah, with detailed discussion on offensive struggles and defensive strengths.
  • Initial Reactions:
    • Dustin describes the loss as painful, especially given the preseason expectations for an undefeated season.
    • Both hosts found the game frustrating, noting the offensive struggles made it hard to watch, though the defense performed well.
  • Defensive Performance:
    • The defense performed well for 43 minutes, keeping the game close despite extended time on the field.
    • Utah’s inexperienced quarterback helped limit further damage.
    • Both hosts agree the defense gave Oklahoma State a chance to win, but recalibration of expectations is necessary.
  • Misleading Offensive Stats:
    • Dustin highlights that while Utah’s yardage was misleading, Oklahoma State’s defense held them to a low yards-per-carry average, aside from a few big runs.
    • Historically strong pass coverage grades showed how well the secondary played.
  • Offensive Struggles:
    • Only 18 players participated in snap counts, with minimal use of tight ends and fullbacks.
    • Dustin was surprised by the lack of tight end involvement, especially considering Utah’s defensive approach.
    • Limited participation of key players like Jake Schultz was noted.
  • Blame for Offensive Failures:
    • Criticism of offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn, QB Alan Bowman, and the offensive line.
    • Dustin references another podcast’s analysis showing poor execution across the board on the first three offensive plays.
    • Examples: Ollie Gordon didn’t capitalize on a well-blocked run, Bowman’s poor footwork caused an inaccurate throw, and a third-down play call was ineffective.
  • Collective Offensive Failures:
    • Cade emphasizes the offense struggled collectively, with poor execution from the offensive line, running backs, and play-calling.
    • A reliance on 11 personnel (71% of plays) made it harder to adapt to Utah’s defense.
  • Offensive Adjustments:
    • Dustin suggests using more 10 personnel to create space for Ollie Gordon, especially if teams continue playing cover one.
    • Motion in the offense may have unintentionally crowded the box, limiting the run game.
    • Motion was less effective as the game progressed and Oklahoma State’s play-calling became more predictable.
  • Missed Opportunities:
    • A successful 62-yard drive featured effective plays like TH counter and zone glance RPOs, yet these plays were not revisited later.
    • Frustration arose from Oklahoma State’s tendency to start games well but struggle with consistency.
  • Success in the Fourth Quarter:
    • Switching to 10 personnel in the fourth quarter led to success, averaging 10.6 yards per play.
    • The hosts questioned why earlier strategies were not adjusted sooner.
  • Run Game Performance:
    • Ollie Gordon had several runs that resulted in zero or negative yards, often due to mistakes by blockers.
    • Without these errors, Gordon’s stats would have been much better, highlighting the impact of small mistakes.
  • Offensive Rhythm Issues:
    • Oklahoma State struggled to maintain a consistent rhythm between the run and pass game.
    • Some creative run plays were present, but overall execution was lacking.
  • Passing Game Statistics:
    • Only 27% of plays involved play-action or post-snap RPOs, the lowest percentage of the season.
    • The zone glance bubble RPO was successful but underutilized.
  • Offensive Line Performance:
    • Mixed results from the offensive line: solid in pass protection but struggling in run blocking.
    • It was difficult to assess the offensive line’s performance due to overall offensive inefficiency.
  • Player-Specific Critiques:
    • Cooper struggled with slipping and missed blocks, while Wilson and Glass also had issues.
    • Rashod Owens had a poor game, with drops and lack of separation, contrasting with Presley, who played better.
  • Alan Bowman's Pressure:
    • Bowman faced heavy pressure from Utah’s blitzes, but the offensive line protected him relatively well.
    • Bowman’s decision-making under pressure needs improvement.
  • Ollie Gordon’s Complete Game:
    • Gordon excelled in pass protection, further proving his versatility despite struggles in the run game.
    • His vision and decision-making in crucial moments were praised.
  • Key Coaching Decisions:
    • A critical third-down play where Ollie Gordon wasn’t on the field was heavily criticized, leading to a missed opportunity.
    • The coaching staff was questioned for not utilizing their best players in key moments.
  • Alan Bowman’s Performance:
    • Bowman completed 16 of 33 passes for 206 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
    • His performance wasn’t egregiously bad, raising questions about the decision to pull him.
  • Decision to Pull Bowman:
    • Pulling Bowman for an extended period when the game was still close (10-3) was criticized.
    • Some felt that if Bowman had been struggling more, the decision would have made sense, but his performance didn’t warrant such a move.
  • Coaching Critique:
    • The coaching staff’s decision-making deviated from Gundy’s usual steady approach, raising concerns about its impact on the game.
    • Speculation arose about whether Bowman was injured, though it was generally believed he was not.
  • Defense’s Overall Strength:
    • Oklahoma State’s defense, particularly its adjustments to a 4-3 formation against Utah’s heavy offensive set, was effective.
    • Despite 15 missed tackles, the defense made key plays, including two interceptions.
    • Colin Oliver’s absence was notable, but the defensive line performed well, with players like Obi making significant contributions.
  • Linebackers’ Performance:
    • Nick Martin’s ability to read plays was praised, but missed tackles from the linebackers allowed Utah to capitalize on key plays.
    • Missed opportunities, such as a forced fumble, could have shifted the game in Oklahoma State’s favor.
  • Defensive Backs’ Strong Play:
    • Korie Black’s strong coverage allowed only one completion, and Cam Smith earned the highest PFF grade for his coverage and run support.
    • Trey Rucker’s standout performance as a boundary safety was also highlighted.
  • Special Teams Critique:
    • Special teams were criticized for penalties and missed opportunities, with concerns raised about Bryce Drummond’s personal fouls and kicker Logan Ward’s missed field goals.
  • Garrett Rangel’s Performance:
    • Rangel struggled after being put in a difficult situation without proper preparation.
    • His inconsistent play-calling was criticized, with a suggestion for more designed runs to utilize his mobility.
  • Kansas State Game Preview:
    • Both hosts expressed cautious optimism for the upcoming Kansas State game.
    • The contrast between Oklahoma State’s strong passing offense and Kansas State’s dominant rushing attack was noted as a key factor.
  • Final Remarks:
    • The episode closed with well wishes for safe travels and a hopeful outlook for Oklahoma State’s performance against Kansas State.
    • Listeners were encouraged to suggest podcast guests during one host’s upcoming absence, and a personal anecdote about planning a daughter’s birthday during a road game provided a lighthearted conclusion.
 
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