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.