Oklahoma State Ground Game Finds Groove in Offense

The Cowboys' running game came alive against Washington State and should continue to thrive this season.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:56 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma State Ground Game Finds Groove in Offense

Originally Published: Sep 6, 2010 6:18 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- One of the many questions going into the 2010 season was, "Where would Kendall Hunter fit into the Cowboys’ new wide receiver-heavy offense?"

After he racked up a career-high 257 yards and four touchdowns in less than three full quarters, many of those questions were answered.

"I just do what works, regardless of how it gets done. The overall objective is to move the ball around and score touchdowns,” said offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. “You go through the process of seeing what plays will do well against specific teams and you do your best of getting prepared. If they work then they do."

The Oklahoma State coaches committed to the running game and Hunter early on against Washington State, with their first four plays from scrimmages were three runs and a screen to Hunter. Getting the ball into the former All-American’s hands and getting him in a position to make plays was a no-brainer for the OSU coaching staff.

"One thing that has been consistent is that Kendall needs to touch the ball," said head coach Mike Gundy. "It didn’t take a genius to figure out that they had a problem tackling Kendall Hunter and so we will give him the ball and let him do whatever he needs to do in order to give us the best chance to win."

After having a season derailed by an injury, Hunter lost no time getting back in the grove against Washington State, hitting the Cougar defense up for more than 12 yards per carry. Getting back on the field and getting back on the right track was important to him and it shows in his performance on the field.

"Some guys at our level play the game but they don’t really love to play the game. Kendall loves to play football," Gundy said. "He didn’t get the opportunity to do it last year, he’s been very excited about playing this year. That works in our favor and it works in his favor."

Saturday, Hunter was quick to give credit to his offensive line, a group with just as many question marks as, if not more than, any other area of the team. The new-look OSU offensive line allowed just two sacks and allowed just four tackles for loss, most coming late in the game after the Cowboys sat their starters.

"We have four new starters and they all stepped up and took care of the job real well," said offensive lineman Lane Taylor. "All of them had a good game. For the first game, we were a lot farther along than I thought we'd be, so we're doing well."

And as for the running back, the linemen enjoy blocking for Hunter just as much as he enjoys the holes they create for him.

"When you're out there blocking and you see him take off for 60 yards, it's real nice," Taylor said. "It keeps it exciting and it's fun to block for somebody who is so talented."