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By B.J. Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor
SouthernPigskin.com Senior Editor B.J. Bennett looks a little deeper into the Georgia/Oklahoma State game.
The Georgia at Oklahoma State game has the potential to be one of the best, and most interesting, games of the season. While the first few weeks of the year are filled with big-time matchups, it's hard to count the numerous storylines here.
Some of the subplots are obvious. Georgia rarely travels west and this will be their toughest regular season non-league road game in decades. The Bulldogs will be playing their first game without departed first round NFL Draft picks Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno. Oklahoma State, conversely, will be preparing for perhaps their biggest non-conference home game in school history. Beautiful T. Boone Pickens Stadium will be at its best. The Cowboys return a 3,000 yard passer (Zac Robinson) and a 1,500 yard rusher (Kendall Hunter), the only team in college football to do so. Oh, for good measure, the 'Pokes return a 1,400 yard receiver (Dez Bryant). He finished second in the nation in touchdown receptions in 2008 with 19.
Then there's the SEC-Big XII argument. Which conference is better? This showdown will be the only regular season meeting between the two leagues. Two nationally-ranked teams, two power conferences, one sparkling new facility. The spotlight will be on.
"Oklahoma State (is) probably pre season top 10 by most people, loaded offense coming back, a team that you hear the coaches say, We've been kind of pointing to this season for the last couple years, opening a brand new stadium. I think they're charging $100 a ticket," explained Georgia head coach Mark Richt. "I think it's the highest pre season start for Oklahoma State. So they're gonna be off the chart when it comes to enthusiasm and excitement and expectations towards their season. "
Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy and his Cowboys understand the opportunity they have. It's not often you get to welcome an SEC school like the Georgia Bulldogs to your home venue. Gundy, as we all know, is often associated with the number 40, but his offensive unit has given that number a new relevance. While Gundy may be a man, his offense is the man. The Cowboys averaged 40 points per game last season.
All of the hype and hyperbole aside, the game within the game is what may be the most intriguing about this, well, game. Two contrasts of styles will be paired against one another here; the attacking, aggressive approach of Oklahoma State and the efficient, ball control style of Georgia. The Cowboys will look to spread the field, maximize offensive opportunities and turn the game into a high-scoring track meet. The Bulldogs will attempt to win the battles at the line of scrimmage, construct long, deliberate drives and therefore dictate the tempo of the afternoon.
Oklahoma State averaged 7.0 yards per play on 908 snaps last season. The SEC team with the most plays last season was Florida with 874, and they played one more game than the 'Pokes. Limiting big plays will undoubtedly be crucial, see getting pressure on the quarterback and avoiding confusion in the defensive secondary, but Georgia's best defensive effort may need to come from their offense.
Perhaps more important than limiting big plays will be limiting State's opportunities to make them. In many ways, the Big XII style is conducive to success for the Cowboys. With teams rapidly exchanging offensive drives and playing a hurried, fast pace, OSU can flex their impressive collection of skill position players. Their best, in turn, impacts the game the most. This is why their game with the Bulldogs will be so interesting, because UGA won't offer such a platform.
No team on the Cowboys' schedule will look to get them out of sync more than Georgia. Even with Florida in consideration, no team on the Bulldogs' schedule will press them into a higher tempo than Oklahoma State. The personnel isn't as different as the styles of these two teams are. Whoever can impose their will, play within their comfort zone, will more than likely win this football game. Sure that can be said when just about any two teams meet, but not with as much conviction as it can be said here.
Had this game been played a season ago, this sentiment wouldn't have been so exaggerated. With the players they had last fall, UGA would have been more comfortable exchanging offensive blows for four quarters. This September, however, with a new quarterback, new running back, five starters returning along the offensive line and All-SEC defensive tackle Jeff Owens coming back from injury, you will see a more traditional brand of Georgia football.
The expectations of two top teams, the pride of two conferences, the principles of two styles of play. In some ways this game will represent a clash of philosophies. All of the insight, the numbers, the figures and the stances add up to a single, inarguable goal; starting out 1-0.
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