Stillwater Shootout

Originally Published: Sep 16, 2010 8:32 PM CDTSo often times it seems that when we expect a shootout, we get a dud.&#160; I dont think that will be the case with OSU-Tulsa

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 1:26 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Sep 16, 2010 8:32 PM CDT

So often times it seems that when we expect a shootout, we get a dud.  I dont think that will be the case with OSU-Tulsa this weekend, but it may not be as high-scoring as some think.  Part of the reason is the familiarity between the two sides.  OSU offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen held the same position at Houston the last two seasons.  T-U has prepared for and played against his system twice.  But it works both ways as Holgorsen has seen what the Golden Hurricane do defensively as well.  Its hard to tell who has the advantage. If you watched the Tulsa-East Carolina game and all of the missed tackles by T-U defenders, you might think the Cowboys Kendall Hunter will run for 300 yards on Saturday.  That may be the case, but bear in mind that T-U surrendered only 41 yards rushing last week against Bowling Green (I know, its Bowling Green). Perhaps it comes down to quarterback play.  More importantly, who protects their guy better.  OSUs Brandon Weeden has a bum thumb on his throwing hand.  Hes playing through it, but you never know when another shot to the injured area may render him unable to throw accurately. And big credit to T-U-s offensive line and offensive coordinator Chad Morris for keeping G.J. Kinne protected.  He was sacked 46 times a season ago.  In two games so far this season Kinne has been sacked a grand total of twice.  Theyll have their biggest test to date against Ugo Chinasa, Richetti Jones, Jamie Blatnick and a thin, but talented OSU defensive line.  That line would get a huge boost if Shane Jarka is able to return from minor knee surgery. Jones would love nothing more than to get reacquainted with Kinne on Saturday.  They were little league teammates down in Texas.  If they have several meetings Saturday in Stillwater, the news could be bad for T-U. I think that both offenses will have success.  Hunter will get his for OSU and I dont see any reason that Justin Blackmon wont continue his emergence. On the other side, Kinne is the best quarterback the Cowboys have faced so far this season.  Demaris Johnson is a tough matchup for all teams, but even more so for a young OSU secondary that played without its only senior, Andrew McGee, last week. How and why the big schools passed on Trey Watts is beyond me.  He has been terrific for T-U. Prediction:  The Cowboys have really only been stopped by their own turnovers.  I dont expect that to change that much against T-U.  It wont be the OK Corral, but I think points will be scored.  OSU 45  T-U 38.