Oklahoma State Football: Cowboys, Bulldogs to Battle in Georgia

The time is now for Oklahoma State.

The Cowboys travel to Athens this weekend to take on a very talented Georgia squad. Kickoff is Saturday at 5:45, and coverage is on ESPN2.

2007 marks the third season for head coach Mike Gundy, who believes his team is ready for the Bulldogs.

"I feel good," the coach said. "I think we are in very good physical condition. I think we have good leadership. We have a good attitude and I think our players are looking forward to playing."

On defense, the question for the Cowboys concerns the inexperienced defensive line. The line lost key seniors in Ryan McBean and Larry Brown. 

"They need to stay healthy inside that defensive line," Gundy said. "That’s a concern that I have more than anything...The first time you play at this level, you get knocked around, much less playing against a quality opponent like Georgia. They have to fight back and I think we have a plan on defense to put them in position."

The good news is that the Cowboys are stacked at linebacker, where Chris Collins and Patrick Lavine have been named to the Butkus Award watch list. The secondary, which has been the team's Achilles heel in the past, should get help from returning corner Martel Van Zant and former free safety Donovan Woods, who will play more of a rover role in Tim Beckman’s new defense.

Offensively, a potential quarterback controversy seems to have been defused by the rise of Bobby Reid. But how can you keep a tremendous athlete like backup QB Zac Robinson off of the field?

Offensive Coordinator Larry Fedora doesn't plan to.

Expect to see Robinson on the field for a variety of gadget plays, as he can line up at quarterback, wide receiver, and running back.

“We have a couple plans we are working on,” Robinson said. “We will just see what the coaches come up with and go from there.”

After months of preparation, it's time for the Cowboys to clear their heads and focus on the task at hand. Reid for one sounds ready to go.

"It’s like second nature to me," the QB said when asked of his readiness for Saturday. "I am starting to see things before they happen on the field. It is easier for me now."

Reid knows he must improve this season, and looks to have learned from some of his mistakes. He placed particular emphasis on his ability to make plays with his legs and the importance of limiting turnovers. 

"(I know) not to do anything stupid with the ball," Reid said. "(And) Not to force anything into tight situations."

Reid should get plenty of help from 6'4", 220-pound Adarius Bowman, the senior wide receiver who earned preseason All-America honors after catching 60 balls for 1,181 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago.

Bowman's 13-catch, 300-yard, four-TD performance against Kansas State in 2006 was the 11th-best in NCAA history. His speed and size make him the best NFL prospect in the Big 12, and he's already landed on some early Heisman watch lists.

Behind Reid, three running backs will shoulder the load on the ground. Starting tailback Dantrell Savage has explosive speed and is known for squeezing through tight holes. Sophomore Keith Toston is a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. Julius Crosslin, at 6'0", 230 pounds, excels in short-yardage situations.

All told, the Cowboys look ready for what promises to be a tough battle in Athens. It's not your typical season-opener, but it should be a good test for two bowl winners aiming for new heights.