Senior tight end Brandon Pettigrew was unable to play during OSU’s spring game (above), but caught six passes for 43 yards in the Cowboys’ 39-13 victory against Washington State in the season opener and could play a pivotal role in a potentially exciting Cowboy offense that has been successful the past two seasons.
For the past two years, the Cowboys have been one of the most exciting offensive teams in the nation.
Oklahoma State finished 16th nationally in 2006 and 7th in 2007 in total yards, combining a strong running game with an emerging aerial assault.
This year, with an accomplished offense and an improving defense, OSU has the potential to be one of the most entertaining football teams in the nation.
“Oh yeah, these guys are entertainers,” coach Mike Gundy said. “They are ready to get out there and make plays and have a good time.”
The Cowboys showcase one of the top tight ends in the nation in senior Brandon Pettigrew, one of the most acrobatic receivers in sophomore Dez Bryant and one of the best all-around quarterbacks in junior Zac Robinson.
“I think our balanced attack and high tempo make things real exciting,” Robinson said.
“If other teams want to stack the run on us, we will just throw right over them, and if they play deep, then we will just run over them.”
Last year’s OSU squad finished with 3,161 yards in both rushing and passing, and it was the second-best OSU offense in Cowboy history.
To add a little drama to the mix, receiver Artrell Woods is coming back from a near-paralyzing back injury that forced him to miss all of 2007. Woods will be in the mix to see significant time at wide receiver and could be a candidate for comeback player of the year.
Linebacker Andre Sexton said the team was moved by Woods’ return to the field.
“It was so inspirational,” Sexton said. “It’s something you take for granted — one minute you’re here, the next you don’t know whether you will ever be able to play or not. When we heard that he was coming back, it just motivated us and showed us how dedicated he was to playing again.
“I think that’s how everyone on this team feels. That’s how much football means to them.”
The only thing lacking from last year’s team was a defense that could make plays consistently and be as entertaining as the offense.
This is the second year under defensive coordinator Tim Beckman. The defense looked better in OSU’s season-opener victory, holding Washington State to 13 points, though Beckman said the defense had room to improve.
Defensive players have said they will be hitting harder and playing with more intensity this season, trying to force more turnovers and getting more chances for the offense to score.
With the addition of several junior college players, and with returning players getting better with every practice, players said this year’s defense could rival the offense’s success.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase our defense and how far we have come along,” Sexton said. “Also, we want to show fans how much we have improved and give them something to be excited about.”
Junior linebacker Orie Lemon said he has expectations for the defense.
“We are trying to make a name for ourselves this year by being one of the top 50 defenses in the nation,” Lemon said. “We want to achieve perfection and get the job done on the defensive side of the field.”
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