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Oklahoma State Football

The Coordinator Match-Up for CFP Semifinal, It Has an Oklahoma State Flavor

December 30, 2022
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STILLWATER – Maybe not the best time to point this out since the Twitter world is frustrated with Oklahoma State head football coach Mike Gundy for not being more open with his current coaching staff situation and demanding that he make changes. Over the years Gundy has been consistent on when he makes changes and on going about it his way in making hires. Evidence of thoat will be on display on Saturday night in Atlanta at the CFP semifinal in the Peach Bowl between No. 1-Georgia and No. 3-Ohio State. The Georgia offense is run by former Oklahoma State receivers coach then in a second tenure working under Mike Gundy offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Todd Monken. He will match football chess moves with Ohio State defensive coordinator and former Cowboys defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. 

USATODAY Sports
Monken at the Peach Bowl/CFP Semifinal Media Days is still close to Gundy.

In his second run in Stillwater, Monken followed a popular choice in Mike Leach protege’ Dana Holgorsen who left to become head coach at West Virginia. Monken was not a fan favorite on hiring, but by the time he was done he was one of the most successful Cowboy coordinators helping the Pokes to a 12-1 finish and No. 2-ranking in the country.

Monken left after the 2013 season to become head coach at Southern Miss. He would go on to become an NFL offensive coordinator at Tampa Bay before going to Georgia.

Knowles hiring from Duke was also widely questioned by Oklahoma State fans, but in his tenure (2018-21) he built perhaps the best defense in program history in the 12-2 season of 2021. Knowles would leave after that season to become one of the highest paid coordinators in college football, the highest in Ohio State history at $1.9-million per year. 

There you have it, arguably the architects of the best offense and the best defense for the Pokes that will now square off in the Peach Bowl for a trip to the CFP National Championship Game. 

This season Georgia under Monken is averaging 39.1 points a game, 207-yards rushing, 285-yards passing, and 492-yards of total offense per game. 

USATODAY Sports
Jim Knowles at the Peach Bowl/CFP Semifinal Media Day.

Meanwhile, Ohio State on defense averages allowing 19.3 points per game, 119-yards rushing, 184-yards passing, and 304-yards of total offense per game. Another strong season for Knowles just over the 18 points and 296-yards his Oklahoma State defense allowed per game last season.

Earlier this season in a battle of former Oklahoma State coordinators, Knowles and Ohio State beat former Oklahoma State offensive coordinator and current playcaller for Nittany Lions 44-31 in a game at Penn State.

It is a fun angle for Oklahoma State fans on New Year’s Eve. 

Discussion from...

The Coordinator Match-Up for CFP Semifinal, It Has an Oklahoma State Flavor

10,796 Views | 46 Replies | Last: 1 yr ago by OT
Pokes4158
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Definitely not a fun angle.
TUSKAPOKE
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Living vicariously through former OSU coaches in the CFP may be as close as many of us "Old Cowboys" get to that opportunity. I want Monken to win this battle and stomp the living dog poo out of Knowles, Tanner McCalister. and THE OHIO STATE Buckeye Nut.
PaloDuroPoke
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Mason if given time will make it easy to forget Knowles. Lots of young talent on that side if we can shore up depth on d-line. Unfortunately we've been in a free fall since 2011 on offense. Don't see anything like that with the offense anytime soon. I'll be cheering for the bulldog offense.
GumbyFromPokeyLand
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PaloDuroPoke said:

Mason if given time will make it easy to forget Knowles. Lots of young talent on that side if we can shore up depth on d-line. Unfortunately we've been in a free fall since 2011 on offense. Don't see anything like that with the offense anytime soon. I'lol be cheating for the bulldog offense.


I just love the way some fans re-write history.

NCAA P5 rank in total offense since 2011.

2022 - 31
2021 - 32
2020 - 21
2019 - 12
2018 - 7
2017 - 2
2016 - 8
2015 - 12
2014 - 46
2013 - 23
2012 - 3
2011 - 2

6 times in the top - 12 is total free fall?
PaloDuroPoke
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Thanks for the numbers. Made my point.

Oops facts matter! 2022 we finish 52. https://www.ncaa.com/schools/oklahoma-st
PaloDuroPoke
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Oh no 2021 was 46 in total offense.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/oklahoma-state/2021.html

2020 51 ranking but who's checking.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/oklahoma-state/2020.html
GumbyFromPokeyLand
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PaloDuroPoke said:

Oh no 2021 was 46 in total offense.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/oklahoma-state/2021.html

2020 51 ranking but who's checking.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/oklahoma-state/2020.html


Read closely - P5.

We were # 2 or 3 in scoring after 7 weeks in 2022. Obviously when healthy, we had the offensive personnel to score with anybody.

Nonetheless, your statement that we're in a free fall since 2011 - to support the long-lived narrative by scores of fans like you that Gundy & Co can't figure out offense is rather ridiculous.
PaloDuroPoke
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There is only one of us interpreting anything. Don't assume you know what I'm thinking. The free fall is obvious unless you want to make up numbers. I never mentioned anyone at fault or being in any group of people s blaming Gundy. Those would be your assumptions based on your biases. You have your opinions and I have mine. I'm not here for a pissing contest. I'm as loyal and true as you. This is a stupid message board that folks like you and I can spew our opinions with very little knowledge about any details. It's probably better just to make your opinions known without criticizing others without facts. Just my thoughts. Happy New Year and Go Pokes!
PaloDuroPoke
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Those early numbers this year? I'm sure you know this but we didn't play anyone. Injuries played a huge role. I agree but there was much more to it beginning with the conservative play calling beginning second half of TCU. Sanders and a great crowd brought us through Homecoming. From there inexperienced qb play and horrible play calling got us to #52. Honestly it felt much worse than that. Sanders came back in to save the day during IState. He tried in bedlam but the play calling was once again pathetic as evidenced by Sanders frustration at coaches on sidelines. You keep believing there's no problem and I'll express what I see. I hope you are right but I don't know if you noticed but Sanders left. Why do you think that is? Hum
GumbyFromPokeyLand
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PaloDuroPoke said:

Those early numbers this year? I'm sure you know this but we didn't play anyone. Injuries played a huge role. I agree but there was much more to it beginning with the conservative play calling beginning second half of TCU. Sanders and a great crowd brought us through Homecoming. From there inexperienced qb play and horrible play calling got us to #52. Honestly it felt much worse than that. Sanders came back in to save the day during IState. He tried in bedlam but the play calling was once again pathetic as evidenced by Sanders frustration at coaches on sidelines. You keep believing there's no problem and I'll express what I see. I hope you are right but I don't know if you noticed but Sanders left. Why do you think that is? Hum


After 7 games our competition at that point was no better or worse than the vast majority of the rest of D1. 46 pts/gm is hard to do against air. I doubt anyone forgot how to develop a game plan or call plays after 7 games.

As for Sanders, I've never seen or heard a HC heap more praise on a player than Gundy heaped on Sanders. NEVER. Hell, Gundy broke his long standing rule several times this year for Sanders benefit. Heretofore, if you don't practice, you don't play. Sanders rarely if ever practiced after the TT game.

Why is he leaving? Probably like most every highly rated player in the portal - $$$$$.
GumbyFromPokeyLand
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PaloDuroPoke said:

There is only one of us interpreting anything. Don't assume you know what I'm thinking. The free fall is obvious unless you want to make up numbers. I never mentioned anyone at fault or being in any group of people s blaming Gundy. Those would be your assumptions based on your biases. You have your opinions and I have mine. I'm not here for a pissing contest. I'm as loyal and true as you. This is a stupid message board that folks like you and I can spew our opinions with very little knowledge about any details. It's probably better just to make your opinions known without criticizing others without facts. Just my thoughts. Happy New Year and Go Pokes!


Fair enough, but don't misunderstand me. I just hate to see fans form opinions based on statements (often repeated thereafter) that are completely untrue. ie "Unfortunately we've been in a free fall since 2011 on offense." Maybe you are just now coming to that incorrect conclusion (my opinion) but we've been hearing that same sorta nonsense since Yurcich took over in 2013. It gets tiring. Sorry if I've lumped you into the wrong crowd. Likewise, Hapoy New Year. Go pokes.
Joe Khatib
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Two of the best we ever had!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got to attend an extreme camp for boosters during preseason practice in August of 2011, our championship season, and Todd Monken could string a line of cuss words in amazing fashion! LOLOLOLOLOLOL
Joe Khatib
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GumbyFromPokeyLand said:

PaloDuroPoke said:

Those early numbers this year? I'm sure you know this but we didn't play anyone. Injuries played a huge role. I agree but there was much more to it beginning with the conservative play calling beginning second half of TCU. Sanders and a great crowd brought us through Homecoming. From there inexperienced qb play and horrible play calling got us to #52. Honestly it felt much worse than that. Sanders came back in to save the day during IState. He tried in bedlam but the play calling was once again pathetic as evidenced by Sanders frustration at coaches on sidelines. You keep believing there's no problem and I'll express what I see. I hope you are right but I don't know if you noticed but Sanders left. Why do you think that is? Hum


After 7 games our competition at that point was no better or worse than the vast majority of the rest of D1. 46 pts/gm is hard to do against air. I doubt anyone forgot how to develop a game plan or call plays after 7 games.

As for Sanders, I've never seen or heard a HC heap more praise on a player than Gundy heaped on Sanders. NEVER. Hell, Gundy broke his long standing rule several times this year for Sanders benefit. Heretofore, if you don't practice, you don't play. Sanders rarely if ever practiced after the TT game.

Why is he leaving? Probably like most every highly rated player in the portal - $$$$$.
Ding, Ding, Ding, we have a winner $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
PaloDuroPoke
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$$ very likely contributes in most cases. I can't help to think and maybe very naive on my part that Sanders is different. He gave his all for this team, this university, every time he stepped on the field. He sacrificed his body for 5 years. This was his team. By putting himself in the portal he gave up things that most of us only dream of like his legacy. Another year here and he has a chance to put himself above every QB to play here. There are things that money can't buy. He was the picture of cowboy culture. You don't walk away from those things if you are happy. It was obvious vs ou he was upset with the coaches. Doesn't matter at this point but I'm not ready to say money was the only thing contributing or he would have found a team already. Just my thoughts and speculation. I know nothing in terms of facts just observation.
Joe Khatib
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PaloDuroPoke said:

$$ very likely contributes in most cases. I can't help to think and maybe very naive on my part that Sanders is different. He gave his all for this team, this university, every time he stepped on the field. He sacrificed his body for 5 years. This was his team. By putting himself in the portal he gave up things that most of us only dream of like his legacy. Another year here and he has a chance to put himself above every QB to play here. There are things that money can't buy. He was the picture of cowboy culture. You don't walk away from those things if you are happy. It was obvious vs ou he was upset with the coaches. Doesn't matter at this point but I'm not ready to say money was the only thing contributing or he would have found a team already. Just my thoughts and speculation. I know nothing in terms of facts just observation.
Certain schools in the SEC, ACC, Big 10 and a few in the PAC are willing to shell out upwards of $750,000 to $1,000,000 for an experienced signal caller who has received all conference honors and can help a team get to the championship game if that is the one piece they are missing!!! Caleb Williams reportedly received upwards of nearly $2,000,000 from USC in various NIL deals!
GumbyFromPokeyLand
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Athletes used to play "for" the university when there was no path to play for another.

Star athletes used to play "for" the university even after the advent of the portal because they could still be stars at their university.

Star athletes no longer play "for" the university when it pays more to play for any ol' university.

There is a long history of pro athletes abandoning their homes, friends, teammates and adoring fans for more $$$$. Why should we think college athletes are any different?

I'll never again make the mistake of thinking (most) athletes play for the university. It took NIL to prove how naive most of us were.

Heck, if Rice University could magically convert their $8billion endowment into NIL $$$, we'd see them in the CFP within 4 years.


PaloDuroPoke
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I admit I'm holding on to that fantasy and honestly I wish we would spend as much time celebrating those that do (Jason Taylor, Tyler Lacy, Brock Martins, many others) and spend less time fawning over the ones that leave for other reasons. Just our world but I do think the culture is alive and maybe we should embrace and support those that love this place as much as we do. I maybe a NIL for those guys that are here because they are loyal and true. Just venting I guess.
CaliforniaCowboy
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Thanks for that story Robert. that is definitely a fun angle that I will keep my eye on all game.

That is actually about the only thing that interests me in that game.... thanks again for pointing out the fun angle to watch.

Pokes4158
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Don't get permabanned.
Joe Khatib
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Pokes4158 said:

Don't get permabanned.
At least he doesn't threaten people Cowboy Red!!!
Pokes4158
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Yeah I said I'd smack y'all silly. You threatened gun violence. Either way it's confirmed to me all along what y'all are especially cali. Keyboard warrior trolls. Hopping forum to forum causing havoc for regular people that just want to talk about ball. Now I have the all the proof I need to know I wasn't wrong. Dude gets banned in multiple or sites. Going on almost 3 years I think of cali being a major pain for everyone and crying wolf and come to find out I'm not the only one that didn't think it was right. Such satisfaction it is.
Joe Khatib
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Pokes4158 said:

Yeah I said I'd smack y'all silly. You threatened gun violence. Either way it's confirmed to me all along what y'all are especially cali. Keyboard warrior trolls. Hopping forum to forum causing havoc for regular people that just want to talk about ball. Now I have the all the proof I need to know I wasn't wrong. Dude gets banned in multiple or sites. Going on almost 3 years I think of cali being a major pain for everyone and crying wolf and come to find out I'm not the only one that didn't think it was right. Such satisfaction it is.
You need to read the definition of assault including the threat you f***ing moron! Maybe I can have my OHP Troop Commander Cousin come and explain it to you!!!
CanadianCowboy
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Knock it off. Skirting the edge of reasonability in opinions is tolerated on this board, but hijacking the topic just to point out your objections to other posters is wearing thin and presenting all the "facts" as to why someone should be banned or justifying their existence shouldn't be tolerated on this board because they've been banned from other sites is getting really close to being over the edge. An idea - take care of your own business and stay out of other's. Go Pokes!
CanadianCowboy
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You, too, Joe
Pokes4158
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Take your own advice and my your own business. I brought it up because they deserve it. I've been on this site for a long time now and these dudes and been savage for so long. Believe me I wouldn't have brought it up if they hadn't. Defend them if you want man. I got my satisfaction so I'll be back to ignoring them.
CaliforniaCowboy
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Pokes4158 said:

Take your own advice and my your own business. I brought it up because they deserve it. I've been on this site for a long time now and these dudes and been savage for so long. Believe me I wouldn't have brought it up if they hadn't. Defend them if you want man. I got my satisfaction so I'll be back to ignoring them.
rich.... big red telling the board moderator to "mind his own business"...

hollywood couldn't make this stuff up
Pokes4158
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If I was your cousin I'd laugh my ass you that you wanted me to try to scare a poster on a forum lol sad
Pokes4158
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So saying cali has been kicked off other forums is skirting the edge? Presenting facts is skirting the edge? Cali cries for the mods all the time. Are you all friends? This is starting ti make sense. If I have skirting the edge for getting a little payback on a guy that has crossed the line a thousand times than it's clear to me you are playing favorites or you have some vested interest not to kick others off. How long have you been a mod? How much have you let slide? But I'm skirting the edge? Lol I am starting to wonder if you and cali and joe and Robert Allen are like old school buddies or something because the bias is insane
Pokes4158
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Actually that would make perfect sense because cali said a mod on another site told him he couldn't save him this time. So it's like a buddy system right? The buddies get to say and do whatever they want be they got mod friends? But everyone better walk the line? I'm super interested in all of this now
OT
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Back to RA and Zach's Gundy lineage Coordinators topic:
- Remember Yurcich, the D2 coach that everyone whined and whinged about for his entire oSu tenure while fielding top 15 offenses. Can you imagine what he would be doing with a roster fully of 4 and 5 star offensive talent in Austin? No way no how would I want to face him every year.
- Monken was a great play caller, but hardly a "program builder". His resume looks like a roughnecks chasing drilling leases living out of a travel trailer.
- Knowles took how many years to build our Defense? If memory serves his first couple of years were far from impressive, but oh that last one was soooo sweet (pounding chest as I type).
- Gundy compromised on his hard and fast rule of having an OC/QB coach with Dunn's promotion. Dunn sure does build and coach awesome WR rosters. I think safe to say his WR coaching is a level above his OC'ing ability. He's also working the race angle for a head coaching position according to his public statements.

And then all the ones that Gundy passed over that were "sure thing" fan favorites:
- Wickline was a helluva OL coach.
- Meacham seems to be doing very well now that he's back coaching Inside Receivers and Tight Ends. The OC jobs didn't seem to stick. Looks like Meacham has settled in at TCU after living the gypsy life.

CanadianCowboy
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"Take your own advice and my your own business."

Take MY advice and knock it off. Since you're so interested, I was asked to be a moderator in Dec 2020. I let a LOT slide in the spirit of free speech, but this is getting out of hand.

2nd warning
Pokes4158
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Yeah you would clearly ignore what they have done. I bet you are buddies.
Pokes4158
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I have a screen shot of where cali called a guy a dumbass. You want it or na?
CanadianCowboy
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No, I've seen it. He was warned. Your help is not needed to prove your right to exist.
Pokes4158
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Also you gave me a warning because you thought I was trying to determine who should be allowed on the forum or get kicked off. Cali asked the mods (you) just earlier to do the same about me but he got zero warning. So are the rules just for me or for everyone?
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