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Oklahoma State Football

Spring Football Review: Kirkland Is a Difference Maker at Nose Tackle

April 26, 2023
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STILLWATER – Defensive line is a position group where there were only three new players this spring, but one of those newbies is a huge difference maker. The other two are both really good and will be important for the defense this fall. 

Let’s start with the huge difference maker.

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Spring Football Review: Kirkland Is a Difference Maker at Nose Tackle

5,125 Views | 11 Replies | Last: 1 yr ago by Robert Allen
Joe Khatib
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9:22p, 4/26/23
If this defensive front can go into most games next year with a good chance to control the line of scrimmage against opposing offenses that will be HUGE! We were able to do that in 2021 under Knowles with 320 pound Israel Antwine, who is now with Jacksonville, though it looked a little different!!!
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RodeoPoke
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9:45a, 4/27/23
I'm more excited and interested in this season, than I've been in 4-5 years.

This year seems to bring hope with it, which I've not experienced for a few seasons now.

The offensive changes are the very thing that I've been clamoring for the past seasons.... some type of movement on the OLine (pulling, etc.) and use of TEs or FBs to get extra bodies at the point of attack.

The RB group seems to be decent this year, maybe even very good. The QB position has hope (other than wait for SS to get injured and watch the season fold, like the last few). The OLine has some potential depth so that we might get through injury, and has some new nasty. The WR group has some potential real difference makers again.

The defense is as solid on the front as I've seen in a while, and the rest of the positions have solid potential. I'm hopeful on the impact of the new defensive alignment, but I'm still a bit "wait and see", regardless it should be decent to down right good.

Special teams have all the tools they need for us to succeed.

I can't wait.
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texastornado
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11:08a, 4/27/23
It's a simple formula that OSU has failed in previous seasons: Win both line of scrimmages. Really excited to see how our OL does this year as having a dependable running game will help whoever starts at QB. Oh yeah - I love everyone sleeping on OSU...
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RodeoPoke
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In reply to texastornado • 11:30a, 4/27/23
texastornado said:
It's a simple formula that OSU has failed in previous seasons: Win both line of scrimmages. Really excited to see how our OL does this year as having a dependable running game will help whoever starts at QB. Oh yeah - I love everyone sleeping on OSU...
LOL - a bit too simple for me. e.g. - have the better players = win more!

we did start out 7-0 last year before the injuries blew the wheels off..

I think we have many of the pieces we need to be very successful, but we have to have some other factors to carry us to the finish line, like health, and schemes, and moxie, and such
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AspenPoke
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1:58p, 4/27/23
Haven't followed since Dec, but where is Collin Oliver?

Also, didn't we lose to TCU to start out like 5-1 or 6-1 before Texas? I don't remember being 7-0 last year.
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Zach Lancaster
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In reply to AspenPoke • 3:18p, 4/27/23
Staff
AspenPoke said:
Haven't followed since Dec, but where is Collin Oliver?

Also, didn't we lose to TCU to start out like 5-1 or 6-1 before Texas? I don't remember being 7-0 last year.
Collin's still here and they've moved him back to a hybrid linebacker position. Everything we've heard out of camp is he's an absolute menace at that spot. Robert's written about him a few times throughout spring football.
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Imapoke
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6:46p, 4/27/23
Also throw in that we probably have the easiest schedule in the conference. I also feel like we absolutely upgraded everyone that left. The team that went 1-6 is now healthy.
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Imjustmslb@yahoo.com
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3:37p, 4/30/23
Can't wait to see DeSean Brown get to work!!
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Robert Allen
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In reply to AspenPoke • 4:21p, 5/1/23
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Oklahoma State was 6-1 to start last season. The lone loss after that homecoming win over Texas had come previously in double overtime to TCU. Oklahoma State opened 5-0 before the TCU loss.
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Orangeheart72
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12:25p, 5/3/23
Too bad we last a potentially impacful DE to OU, as moving Collins back to LB and Ford going out removes our most proven outside rush/sack guys. But, perhaps someone like DeSean steps up. We also seem a bit thin there with 2 & 3 respectively. Maybe a middle guy can give someone some help/break (like Ross.) And I agree, not just because of us but the whole conference, this is a fun year coming up!
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Robert Allen
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3:04p, 5/3/23
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You are forgetting Anthony Goodlow, who I think will also team with Collin Oliver as a tandem, sometimes on the same side. Goodlow is relatively healthy going into his graduate season. Ford, I hope will be healthy, but has two ACL injuries and a patella in his rearview mirror. Also, I have high hopes for not only Brown, bu Jaleel Johnson has made great strides and I want to see what Nathan Latu gets with more opportunities.
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