First Look A

Originally Published: Sep 4, 2010 11:21 PM CDT

First impressions of the Cowboys were very good.  It remains to be seen how quality an opponent

Washington State was, but considering all of the newcomers (13 players made their first-ever college

start Saturday and 29 played in their first college game) and the injuries they indured (Defensive tackles

Shane Jarka and Chris Donaldson and quarterback Brandon Weeden) it goes down as one of the better

openers in the last 20 years.
1985 at Washington, 2004 at UCLA and last year at home against Georgia were big because of the

quality of opponent, but this one was impressive in performance.
With all of the talk about the new, it was the old that impressed the most.  We heard about the new

quarterback, offense and coordinator, but it was old Kendall Hunters return to his All American form of 2008 that provided the biggest highlight.

I thought Brandon Weeden was very good.  He made some throws that surprised not only those of us

in press box, but opposing defensive backs who looked shocked that he could make the throws.  He

made one in particular across the field and off of his back foot to Justin Blackmon that was as good a

play as he made all night.  And Weeden made several.
And the kinship he found with Blackmon begins to alleviate fears that the Cowboys dont have a

number one receiver.  Remember, last years leading receiver, Hubert Anyiam didnt play.  He has been

slow to recover from a foot injury.  I didnt hear his name brought up once all night.
The young offensive line was solid.  Two sacks allowed isnt shabby at all and Hunter had a huge night.
Defensively several things stood out.
First was the athleticism.  The Cowboys just have more guys who can make plays.  They may not all go

the right direction every time, but they can play.
Markelle Martin is a playmaker at safety.  He shows the ability to strike people and force turnovers back

there.
Richetti Jones had a career night.  He was one of the most hyped recruits in OSU history, but came to

campus with a hip injury that essentially ruined the first year and a half he was in Stillwater.  5 tackles,

2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss for Jones.  His continued good play is a must.