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OK, let's talk about playmakers!

Cowboy76

Heisman Winner
Gold Member
Aug 1, 2001
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For the past several years I have made a post about playmakers each year(last year there wasn't a lot to talk about). After watching college football for over 50 years it has become my opinion that most games are won by the team with the most or the best playmakers. Some might say "well, duh" but I would point to the teams that look good getting off the bus versus the teams that end up winning the game.

For instance, Baylor. When Briles came in they were pathetic. Everywhere. He did not start the rebuilding by going after the biggest and best OL or DL. He went for skill people. People that could change a game with one play. It took a few years but they started winning. Then he started filling in the holes with linemen, LB's, etc. You become really good when you have as many playmakers on the defensive side as you have on the offensive side.

Gundy has always felt the same way. We have been pretty good when we have guys that can make play at QB, RB, and WR plus having a few defensive guys that can show up. That is why I am excited about this year. Last year, we thought our WR group was our best position but if you do not have a QB that can get them the ball, it does not matter. Not only that, but they appeared to lose focus in midseason and did not finish routes and dropped too many balls.

This year, I think we are LOADED at the skill positions. Shepherd really came into his own when Rudolph started at QB. He has always had great hands but his after the catch yards really picked up. That stop/start move is his go to move and he is really strong. Washington is another big time receiver that will continue to blossom as he gets his rythym with Rudolph. Glidden can be another go to guy similar to Josh Cooper teaming with Blackmon to make a lethal 1 / 2 punch. Brown and Lacey are young guys that may develop. We know Seales and Ateman have tons of talent if they get their heads straight so my opinion is they will either straighten up or ship out.

QB will be interesting. We have seen Rudolph's talent in only 3 games. Some fans seem to want to be reserved because of that but I am just the opposite. If he could do what he did with only a few weeks practice with the receivers, what can he do with an off season, spring ball, summer workouts, and then 2 a days? WOW!!! I say look out. He has the arm, he has the legs, he has the savvy, and he has the confidence. Let's not forget JW. He has started several games and there is not a tougher football player in the country pound for pound. Many of you think there will be a package for him(and there will be) but here is what I am hearing. Yurcich loves quick tempo and having versatile players on the field that can line up in more than one position. The other team can not sub if we don't. I am hearing we will see JW and Rudolph on the field together at times. Think about that. No one has seen the plays(at least no one that can talk about it) but I can envision JW in the slot and going in motion for a jet sweep leading to a multitude of options. Or JW could go under center and Rudolph could be a Cowboy back. Or JW could be a receiver. He has really good hands. Think of what the other team will have to prepare for.

I feel confident one or both of our RB's will be a playmaker. Once Rennie got dinged last year, he was not the player he was his first year. He has talent and the spring game proved he will show case it this fall. A much improved OL will help everywhere across the board. Carson showed up for summer workouts in great shape and has a definite goal in mind. He is a workout freak so strength and conditioning will not be a problem. He pays strict attention to detail and has great hands for a tailback. My opinion-look out!

OK, now let's go to the defensive side of the ball. As bad as our offense was last year, the defense was no better. We all know how bad we were at creating TO's. That can be huge, thus the focus on creating TO's this spring. Ogbah has already proven he can be a defensive playmaker. Sacks, QB hurries, messing up passing lanes are all critical. Bean on the other side is not too far behind. These two guys are our beat defensive end combo since Blatnick and Jones on 2011. Remember how big those guys were in big games? Plus we have quality backups to give them a breather without a huge drop off.

Few DT's are really playmakers. Even Castleman(except the bowl game) was not a playmaker. I really don't see a big drop off this year but I do not see a playmaker here(ala Kevin Williams).

We will have playmakers at LB this year. One of these guys is liable to step up like Rod Lavine did the year he led the nations LB's in INT's. A year of experience, plus having to play fewer snaps plus the emphasis on TO's by Spencer will lead to better production.

The big difference will come in the secondary. Peterson is way under rated(by media and fans) because so few teams threw at him last year. Why should they when we had a true freshman playing on the other side. Teams can not do that this year. Richards really came on late but Lampkin just flat out looked like a stud in the spring. This guy has an attitude. He was the most physical corner I have seen at OSU in a long time. Then figure we have 2 more starting CB's behind them and I expect great production in the secondary.

Sterns at safety can be a playmaker. He needs to improve his cover skills but he has a nose for the ball and the physicality for the position similar to Markelle Martin.

The one place we do not know if we have a playmaker is in the return game. There seem to be plenty of talent on the team for that position but ball security is first and foremost. That often eliminates some talented players.

Now before someone just blasts me for being a homer, the one team that may have added more offensive playmakers than us is uo. Westbrook is the real deal. Mixon is the real deal talent wise but I still question whether he will be a cancer for the team. Mayfield will really improve their QB play. He does not have a great arm but he is savvy and accurate on short and intermediate throws. He reminds me of a Huepel type QB. If they ever figure out their secondary problems, watch out.

We know Baylor and TCU have offensive playmakers. We will need to be better than them defensively
 
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