Football 2022-23 (Season Thoughts)

[OSU_Sports_Nut]

Major changes are needed from top to bottom, not just on the offense and defensive staff. We started the year 6-1 and ended the year 1-5. Has Gundy become too complacent and too comfortable? As good as Gundy has been for our university, he has allowed our program to slide backwards over the past 5 years. For example, besides last year when we were a senior laden squad with an elite defensive coordinator we have been average. Here's our regular season record and conference record 4 out of the last 5 years (since 2018). Gundy must make the tough decisions for this program or he'll lose the respect of his players and locker room.

2018 overall 6-6 (conference 3-6)
2019 overall 7-5 (conference 5-4)
2020 overall 7-3 (conference 6-3)
2022 overall 7-5 (conference 4-5)

OFFENSE
Obviously we need to do something with the offensive line coaching, offensive coordinator, etc. The Kasey Dunn experiment needs to come to an end. In 2021, the offense ranked #51 in scoring (at 30.1 pts per game) and ranked #67 in total yards. However, those numbers were inflated because of the number of times the defense either scored or put the offense in a short field. In 2022, the offense ranked #40 in scoring (at 31.8 pts per game) and #45 in total yards. However, those numbers were inflated due to the early season games against inferior competition. During the last 6 games of the season we averaged 14.1 pts per game on offense.

Personally, I think our best recruiter needs to be the running back coach. This is one position that's hard to develop talent. A RB either either has "it" or doesn't. A RB must have vision, balance, and athletic ability because these are things that cannot be developed over time. Regarding coaching changes, here's how I'd like to see our coaching staff next year.

OC = Marcus Arroyo or Seth Littrell or Scott Frost
RB = Curtis Luper or Cale Gundy
QB = Doug Meacham (CO-OC) or Brandon Weeden or Tim Rattay
WR = Cale Gundy or Kasey Dunn
OL = Nic Cardwell

The coaches above are all good coaches (x's and o's) and great recruiters (something this program desperately needs). Doug Meacham used to be one of the best recruiters on our staff. Curtis Luper has been recognized as one of the best recruiters in the entire country. Cale Gundy has always been one of OU's best recruiters. Marcus Arroyo has already proven his ability to land top recruits at Oklahoma State.

Most of you probably don't know about Nic Cardwell, but click on his name to read his bio and watch the video below (his story sounds similar to the JJ Watt story and you can tell he would fit into Gundy's Cowboy Culture). He left Appalachian State after this season and moved over to Louisville. However, I think we could still get him. He is young (which should help in recruiting) and he is really good at what he does. This past year Appalachian State ranked #34 in sacks allowed and #21 in rushing offense.

 

[OSU_Sports_Nut]

DEFENSE
Derek Mason needs to go. In 2022 his defense out of 131 teams ranked #95 in scoring, #117 in total defense, and had a yearly total of 24 sacks which is less than half of last year's total of 53 (on a much lower snap count). With him we were trying to make a square peg fit into a round hole. He believes in the bend but don't break defense (which hopes the offense will bog down before they score and wants to keep players in front of the defender to limit big plays). This is a far cry from our defense last year that was set up to attack and confuse offenses. Luckily Mason only signed a one-year contract, so we won't be out any money. He may have kept the same terminology expecting the same results, but his defense is not the same system that was installed by Jim Knowles (which was based on attacking and confusing offenses).

Additionally, we need new coaching blood at CB because we are always horrible about turning and looking for the football. We also need a real LB coach and we need to move our best defensive coach back to his normal position at DL. I also strongly believe in having the offensive and defensive coordinators not coaching a position so that they can move around. Additionally, this should free them up to help coordinate special teams. For example, the offensive coordinator should coordinate all special team returns. The defensive coordinator should coordinate all special team coverages. And Mike Gundy should be solely responsible for all special teams since there's no special team coordinator. Here's how I'd like to see our defensive staff in 2023.

DC = Lance Guidry or Bryant Haines or Gary Patterson
DL = Joe Bob Clements
LB = Jimmy Rogers
CB = Dennis Thurman
S = David Braun

At the FBS level, Lance Guidry's 2022 Marshall defense ranked #7 in scoring defense, #10 in total defense, and #15 in total sacks. Bryant Haines is a young coach, which should help in recruiting, plus his 2022 James Madison defense ranked #28 in scoring defense, #7 in total defense, and #4 in total sacks. His defense was always attacking.

I'd love to see us go after some successful lower division FCS defensive coordinators who coach positions like CB, LB, S and groom them to take over after a defensive coordinator leaves. It would be extremely difficult if not impossible to attract any successful FBS defensive coordinator coach to only take a position coach at oSu. So here are the coaches I would recommend as our position coaches.

At the FCS level, Jimmy Rogers' 2022 South Dakota State defense ranked #3 in scoring defense, #2 in total defense, and #5 in total sacks (tied). Dennis Thurman coached at Jackson State and followed Deion Sanders to Colorado to take an analyst position, so I think we have a chance here. He is older with an NFL background and would be a great mentor for other coaches. His 2022 defense ranked #2 in scoring defense, #1 in total defense, and #1 in total sacks. David Braun comes from the very successful North Dakota State program. His 2022 defense ranked #5 in scoring defense, #8 in total defense, and #5 in total sacks (tied).

Additionally, landing some of these coaches might help us with some of their current players who might want to hit the portal and following them here.

 

[OSU_Sports_Nut]

ANALYSTS
And finally, we need to get rid of all of those former coaches who were not successful, but somehow are allowed to help with game planning (i.e. defensive analysts). Have you ever noticed how horrible we are on defense in the first half (which happens to be while we are using their game plans)? Usually it takes us until the second half to figure things out and to make adjustments. This even happened to us last year with a good defensive coordinator. Maybe it has a lot to do with guys like Bill Clay and possibly Gary Gibbs.

Instead, we should hire some of the best young defensive coordinators at the FCS level as analysts. This gives us fresh eyes and coaches who are hungry to better themselves and get a feel for division 1 football. Additionally, it could also help us lure some of their best players to oSu via the portal.

 

[OSU_Sports_Nut]

BENCHING PLAYERS
Also, I've never understood why Gundy won't pull his quarterback when they're struggling. It doesn't have to mean that player is losing their starting position, but sometimes the team needs a spark from one of the backups. Teams do this to us all the time.

However, sometimes you have to make the switch permanently and we don't have to look any further than Nick Saban and Dabo Swinney as examples. They both made difficult decisions to bench an upperclassmen in favor of a young freshman QB who helped them win a national championship.

In the 2021 Big 12 Championship game, had Gundy pulled the trigger and benched Spencer Sanders (after his 2 of 4 turnovers), we would have won that game. Additionally, there is a good possibilty that Shane Illingworth would still be on the roster this year and we would have not lost 5 out of the last 6 games to finish the year. Hopefully next year Gundy actually gives Zane Flores a fair chance to win the starting job. We all know Gundy hates playing freshman QB's. Here is a great evaluation of Zane Flores and the link to the website.

SIZE:
Zane has excellent size for a 2023 Pro Style QB at 6’4” 200 lbs. I love watching this QB's film. He's on at every level of play. Able to do just about anything on the field. Controls the pace of the game. Stands tall in the pocket, able to survey the field for potential targets.

ACCURACY:
This is his strongest attribute, accuracy. Works well within the flow of the game, connecting on quick hitters. Does a great job leading his receivers, adding a soft touch on his release. His throws are in-line with his receivers with a tight spiral and zip on the ball.

ARM STRENGTH:
He gets the ball out in a hurry, leaving the defense with very little time to react. Hard throws within the secondary including strong velocity. A very dangerous vertical passing game.

RELEASE:
An over the top delivery with a high release point. The ball is held back all the way with a fully extended arm motion, able to generate strong momentum upon release.

THROW ON RUN:
Zane's an athletic QB with very good lateral movement. He gets off the block quickly while assessing the passing situation downfield. Good rotation of body, squaring up to target.

FOOTWORK:
He has a quick first step, showing good balance and rhythm on his dropbacks. He can serve as a Dual Threat when needed, displaying good speed and quickness out on the open field.

POISE:
Very confident in his abilities as a QB. He trusts his instincts, able to keep plays alive while showing off his creativity.

POCKET PRESENCE:
Shows good patience in the backfield, able to sit back and wait for the play to develop. Able to pick up defensive pressure, able to create space for himself.

DECISION MAKING:
This will be an area of strength for Zane, he able to pick up on defensive coverage while seeking out high percentage opportunities. Works well from his primary to secondary outlets.

TOUCH:
This is an area in which he excels. His throws are make with a soft touch, whether its over defensive coverage or in between zone coverage, he’s able to hit his target with good trajectory and adjustment to his velocity.

 

[OSU_Sports_Nut]

Garrett Rangel is not the answer. I understand he is only a freshman, but he is NOT shown the ability to look off safeties, check down to second and third options, and consistently throw an accurate ball. In my opinion, these are three of the most important abilities of any quarterback. I held my tongue after he was signed last year because all I saw on his high school tapes was an offense that looked similar to ours. He would throw screen passes or chunk the ball deep after a play action pass, but was never very accurate. He was never required to check down to different receivers or look off the safeties. Here is one of his highlight reels, pay attention to the differences in accuracy between him and Zane Flores.




The good news is Zane Flores is a deadly accurate passer, makes quick decisions, has a very quick delivery, has displayed the ability to throw multiple route combinations (including short, intermediate, and deep ball throws), above average arm strength with great touch on his throws, above average athletic ability and shows some mobility to move around in the pocket (more of a pro passer), and in one video below I did see him look off the safeties.




However, without actual game tape with all plays it is hard to get an accurate read from the highlight tape below. There are still unknowns like Decision-Making & Football IQ, Making Progressions, Reading a Defense, and Eyes. I do have a much better feeling about him as a QB than Garrett Rangel. Below is a good breakdown of Zane Flores (WARNING: the guy breaking it down sounds like Bob Stoops).




Check out this video "short" below.

BEST QB in the HISTORY of Nebraska High School ð #shorts

#sports #nfl #collegefootball #football Gretna High Quarterback Zane Flores is the BEST QB in the History of Nebraska High School Football. He has better sta...

youtube.com

Check out this video "short" below.

Throw of the Year!?! 𤯠#shorts

#sports #nfl #collegefootball #football This might be the High School Football Throw of the Year. Gretna High School QB1 Zane Flores threw a 60-yard bomb as ...

youtube.com

Here are his stats for the past 2 years. His Ball Security seems to be good, he only fumbled the ball 3 times in the last 2 years and only had 14 intercepts on 690 attempted throws (2.02%). His accuracy on film looks great and completed 467 passes (67.6%). He had 57 touchdowns over the past 2 years (8.26% of his total throws went for a touchdown) and this is a 4:1 touchdown to interception ratio.

Zane Flores' High School Football Stats

Check out Zane Flores' high school sports stats, including updates while playing football at Gretna High School (NE).

www.maxpreps.com

 

[OSU_Sports_Nut]

What I don't understand is Gundy's policy of not allowing players who go into the portal to come back. Many other universities allow players to change their mind. Also, how is this any different than a coach interviewing for other coaching jobs, but ultimately decides to come back to coach at the same school? Gundy has done this multiple times, so it seems hypocritical not to allow the players to do the same.

Additionally, it's not like Gundy couldn't put some kind of restriction and tell players if they enter the portal, oSu will be actively trying to fill that spot with someone in the transfer portal. In other words, if they go into the transfer portal there is no guarantee their spot on the roster will still be available even if they want to return.

 

[OSU_Sports_Nut]

Unfortunately as each day passes, It sounds more and more like Gundy is NOT making any major changes to his staff. What if Gundy didn't have to fire anybody? Here are some minor tweaks (like moving some staff members to analyst positions) that could have positive effects on next season. Also by removing any position responsibilities for each coordinator, it allows them to roam on that side of the ball and into any of those position rooms.

OFFENSE
OC = Marcus Arroyo or Seth Littrell or Scott Frost
RB = Cale Gundy (CO-OC)
QB = Tim Rattay
WR = Kasey Dunn
OL = Jason McEndoo
Analyst = Charlie Dickey
Analyst = John Wozniak

By eliminating the Cowboy Back coaching position, these players can be moved between the offensive line coach, wide receivers coach, and running backs coach. This assumes Gundy will never eliminate the Cowboy Back position.

DEFENSE
DC = Lance Guidry or Bryant Haines or Gary Patterson
DL = Joe Bob Clements (CO-DC)
LB = Jimmy Rogers
CB = Tim Duffie
S = Dan Hammerschmidt
Not Renewed = Derek Mason
Analyst = Greg Richmond

Additionally, by moving some coaches to analyst positions it could entice those coaches to look elsewhere for other job opportunities (thereby saving the university money).

 

[OSU_Sports_Nut]

Is this a DEFINING MOMENT in our program? Too bad Spencer Sanders didn't see this video and therefore be able to apply it to last season. This is a powerful 15-minute video that shows the value of great leadership. Check out how LeBron James acts versus Tom Brady during difficult situations. Click HERE to watch the video on YouTube.

 

[OSU_Sports_Nut]

Now if Gundy really digs in and doesn't allow more than one new hire on offense and defense, who would that be and how would you move other coaches around?

OFFENSE
OC = Marcus Arroyo or Seth Littrell or Scott Frost
RB = John Wozniak
QB = Tim Rattay
WR = Kasey Dunn
OL = Jason McEndoo
Analyst = Charlie Dickey

DEFENSE
DC = Lance Guidry or Bryant Haines or Gary Patterson
DL = Joe Bob Clements (CO-DC)
LB = Gary Gibbs
CB = Tim Duffie
S = Dan Hammerschmidt
Not Renewed = Derek Mason
Analyst = Greg Richmond

If only one hire could be used on offense and defense, I would hire new coordinators and move other coaches around. Gary Gibbs is already on staff and could be moved to coach linebackers allowing Joe Bob Clements to coach his natural position. To replace that lost analyst position, Greg Richmond could be moved there.

On the offense, I would keep Dunn coaching the wide receiver position and remove his play calling abilities. I would then hire the best offensive coordinator who has previously shown they can coordinate an offense at this level. Additionally, I would move Charlie Dickey to an analyst position and move Jason McEndoo to coach offensive lineman (which is the position he coached previously before coming to Oklahoma State). If you haven't heard his story, you should watch this inspiring video below (start at 3:58 and go to 22:40).

 

[OSU_Sports_Nut]

Since oSu is already required to pay all of the coaches currently on staff (per the 2 year contract they've previously signed but not including Mason who signed a one-year contract), these coaches can be moved to analyst positions until their contract runs out. Additionally, most of these coaches have pretty big egos and would not want to be demoted to an analyst position (where they cannot do any on the field coaching.) Therefore, most of them would want to find other opportunities so they could continue coaching. If they left for another job, oSu would not be required to pay the rest of their remaining salary. Typically there would be a buyout, but it could be negotiated with these coaches if they find a new position they would be released without any buyout needed from the new university.

 

[OSU_Sports_Nut]

Derek Mason 2022-23 Results (#95 scoring, #117 total defense, #81 team sacks)

Now that we know one coach is gone, who's next? Who is your vote to replace Mason?




Updated list of defensive coordinator (DC) possibilities include:

Jim Leonhard (Wisconsin) = scoring 17, total defense 11, team sacks 40
Jon Heacock (Iowa State) = scoring 18, total defense 4, team sacks 114
Lance Guidry (Marshall) = scoring 6, total defense 8, team sacks 16
Joe Rossi (DC Minnesota) = scoring 4, total defense 9, team sacks 118
Bryant Haines (James Madison) = scoring 24, total defense 5, team sacks 4
Gary Patterson (Texas analyst)
Joe Bob Clements + (LB coach)

Here are the links for FBS defensive stats:
Scoring Defense (FBS)
Total Defense (FBS)
Team Sacks (FBS)

List of possible LB coaches if Joe Bob Clements is promoted to DC include:

A) Koy McFarland (LB = Tulsa)
B) Jimmy Rogers (DC = South Dakota State ranked 3 scoring, 2 total defense, 5 team sacks)
C) Corey Hetherman (LB = Rutgers)
D) David Braun (DC = North Dakota State ranked 5 scoring, 8 total defense, 5 team sacks)
E) Travis Pearson (DC = Alabama State ranked 8 scoring, 15 total defense, 46 team sacks)
F) Manny Rojas (DC = Delaware ranked 4 scoring, 7 total defense, 70 team sacks)
G) Justin Wood (DC = Richmond ranked 7 scoring, 19 total defense, 44 team sacks)
H) Tim Tibesar (DC = Akron ranked 118 scoring, 92 total defense, 106 team sacks)

Here are the links for FCS defensive stats:
Scoring Defense (FCS)
Total Defense (FCS)
Team Sacks (FCS)

 

[OSU_Sports_Nut]

This past week we learned Spencer Sanders will be transferring to Ole Miss where he will be 1 of 3 QB's trying to earn the starting spot. This selection doesn't make any sense unless Spencer Sanders thought too highly of himself and didn't have many suitors. Well let's think about this for a second. He NEVER played a full season at oSu without missing games, he was VERY inconsistent (hot and cold), he was a walking turnover, and he made way too many head scratching decisions (going into the portal was another one of those bad decisions). Here's a little information about each of the QB's at Ole Miss.

The previous year starter Jaxson Dart, himself a transfer last year from USC, delivered a tantalizing Ole Miss debut that sometimes went sideways. No one questions his grit, but he must develop consistency for the Rebels to advance beyond their 8-5 record, which included losses in five of their final six games after the schedule stiffened. Dart’s 11 interceptions – second most in the SEC – competed with his contributions in making Ole Miss the SEC’s No. 1 rushing offense. He amassed 614 rushing yards and absorbed more than his fair share of hits. He showed enough ability to feel hopeful for an upward trajectory. Does this description of Jaxson dart sound familiar?

Walker Brian Kelly once thought enough of Howard that he did a ridiculous dance to help secure Howard's signature to Kelly's first LSU recruiting class. And Kelly is a good judge of talent.

Dart sounds like a younger Spencer Sanders (who should only get better in year two in the same system). Typically coaches will play the younger player if the talent is equal. Gundy was the exception and leaned more towards experience, but Sanders will not have that luxury under Lane Kiffin. Then you have Howard who was a prized 5 star recruit in 2022. This is going to be an interesting QB room and Spencer may not win the starting job. This is a total head scratcher of a decision by Sanders, but so were many of his decisions over the past 4 years at oSu.

Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin sends message by adding transfer QBs Walker Howard, Spencer Sanders | Opinion

Adding Walker Howard and Spencer Sanders shows Lane Kiffin is not content with the status quo at Ole Miss.

www.usatoday.com

 

[OSU_Sports_Nut]

The idea here is to grab a young up and coming successful coordinator from the FCS level and give them a position coach on staff. Tell them they will have an opportunity to move up when a coordinator position opens up at a later date.

Here are the links for FCS defensive stats:
Scoring Defense (FCS)
Total Defense (FCS)
Team Sacks (FCS)

 

[tcpoke]

This is serial killer type of stuff.