If we’re ranking most unlikely paths to a road upset over a top 10 team, the Longhorns picked one of the unlikeliest. Texas gained just 3.8 yards per play, gifted OSU 142 penalty yards, ran 16 fewer plays, and finished 2-of-15 on third down. Texas somehow escaped in overtime even though it was plus-four in turnovers.
Finding focus areas from a second watch of last Saturday’s steal in Stillwater isn’t difficult. Bijan Robinson again stood out as the clear lead back option; Sam Ehlinger was again off the mark as a passer for a significant amount of the game; the corners committed penalty after penalty in what appeared to be a costly error in coaching technique; Jake Smith came alive and Ehlinger turned into a playmaker at the perfect time; effort and competitiveness were generally good from kickoff to walk-off. A player stood out above the rest, though.
When I watch games again and grab clips for this weekly feature, it’s not often I’m presented with an opportunity to highlight a non-quarterback for the entire story. Joseph Ossai was that guy against Oklahoma State. I can’t recall the last time seeing a defensive performance as productive, impressive, determined and consistent as Ossai’s was. Let’s shine a spotlight on what makes him special:
1) Oklahoma State did what Oklahoma State does on offense, which meant leaving Ossai unblocked at times in the run game opposite his side in hopes the action would keep him honest. So, he was able to make tackle…
after tackle…
after tackle…
And here’s what separates Ossai from 99% of other college football players: his motor never stops. As you’ll see illustrated more powerfully below, it doesn’t matter what happened to Ossai the previous play. Yes, he was blocked at times throughout the Oklahoma State game even a couple occasions when he was planted on his ass. However, even when Ossai is blocked, he still finds ways to make plays.
This is a good example of engaging a lineman, quickly diagnosing the play while keeping arms extended and using strength to rip away from the block as the ball carrier approaches. Notice how Ossai engages the lineman near his numbers before then using his length and strength to push upwards and prevent himself from being handled.
2) There was a three-play sequence that defines who Ossai is on the football field, and let’s keep in mind while watching he wasn’t 100% healthy heading into this contest. The first play could have been a flag because we’ve seen this crackback blocks called more often, and you can see the Texas sideline pointing and pleading for a flag; Brock Huard agreed during the broadcast. This is a pretty vicious hit, which causes Ossai to land awkwardly and you can tell he felt it:
On the very next play, Ossai doesn’t anticipate a cut block coming, and takes a helmet to the lower leg. Oklahoma State threw a little of everything at Ossai, which also included chipping him on occasion and doing whatever it could to slow him down.
Oh, and earlier on this drive Ossai was actually pushed into the Texas sideline because he lost his battle against an offensive lineman. He was gassed and probably in some pain. So, what does he do after taking that crackback block and cut block? He whips a lineman with a quick inside move, makes a tackle for a loss, and then his body feels the effects, which led to him taking some time to bring himself off the turf.
Instead of take a blow off or give in to the mental and physical effects of previous plays, Ossai showed why he’s a special competitor and player. That’s who he is.
3) Enough of the run game stuff. It matters. But watching Ossai terrorize quarterbacks, cause turnovers, and show his freak athleticism in coverage is more appealing to the eyes.
Notice how quickly Ossai is able to turn his hips, get deep into coverage, and turn around and diagnose what’s happening. Big guys his size aren’t supposed to be able to do that, and it’s the type of thing that helps make his skill set so well-rounded and appealing to NFL evaluators.
Speaking of freak athleticism and well-rounded skill set, this is one of my favorite plays of the season, and we’ve seen Ossai do similar earlier this season. He breaks down; reads the quarterback and running back run element; takes one quick jab step inward towards the running back before changing direction and darting towards the quarterback; runs down a pretty quick and athletic quarterback and then slams him to the turf. Impressive.
This isn’t the most glamorous sack, but Ossai will take it.
Ossai mixes up his moves too, and Texas also does a good job of mixing its stunt usage. Although the junior doesn’t get the sack here, it’s a dominant rep.
Another inside move by Ossai and another near sack.
Probably wouldn’t surprise me if this is the last time someone runs this type of screen towards Ossai’s side. It’s simply too big of a risk.
It might look like Ossai is blocked sometimes, but the longer a play is extended, the more likely he’s about to rip through and cause some pressure.
Ossai is probably fortunate this wasn’t flagged as a late hit, but it’s another great example of his relentless motor.
Before the guard can notice Ossai looping around, it’s too late. Sanders takes a huge hit, the ball comes out, and Ta’Quon Graham nearly rumbles for a score.
Graham helps return the favor, and Ossai is able to scoop and possible score if his teammate didn’t trip him up.
I really don’t understand how Spencer Sanders held onto this ball after DeMarvion Overshown delivered the first big hit, which resulted in Sanders turning and taking another huge hit.
And, of course, the walk-off sack.
The immediate reaction from the players, coaches, everyone is one of those organically awesome moments college sports can only present. Treasure what you have left to watch of Ossai in a Longhorn uniform. Players like him don't come around very often.
Finding focus areas from a second watch of last Saturday’s steal in Stillwater isn’t difficult. Bijan Robinson again stood out as the clear lead back option; Sam Ehlinger was again off the mark as a passer for a significant amount of the game; the corners committed penalty after penalty in what appeared to be a costly error in coaching technique; Jake Smith came alive and Ehlinger turned into a playmaker at the perfect time; effort and competitiveness were generally good from kickoff to walk-off. A player stood out above the rest, though.
When I watch games again and grab clips for this weekly feature, it’s not often I’m presented with an opportunity to highlight a non-quarterback for the entire story. Joseph Ossai was that guy against Oklahoma State. I can’t recall the last time seeing a defensive performance as productive, impressive, determined and consistent as Ossai’s was. Let’s shine a spotlight on what makes him special:
1) Oklahoma State did what Oklahoma State does on offense, which meant leaving Ossai unblocked at times in the run game opposite his side in hopes the action would keep him honest. So, he was able to make tackle…
after tackle…
after tackle…
And here’s what separates Ossai from 99% of other college football players: his motor never stops. As you’ll see illustrated more powerfully below, it doesn’t matter what happened to Ossai the previous play. Yes, he was blocked at times throughout the Oklahoma State game even a couple occasions when he was planted on his ass. However, even when Ossai is blocked, he still finds ways to make plays.
This is a good example of engaging a lineman, quickly diagnosing the play while keeping arms extended and using strength to rip away from the block as the ball carrier approaches. Notice how Ossai engages the lineman near his numbers before then using his length and strength to push upwards and prevent himself from being handled.
2) There was a three-play sequence that defines who Ossai is on the football field, and let’s keep in mind while watching he wasn’t 100% healthy heading into this contest. The first play could have been a flag because we’ve seen this crackback blocks called more often, and you can see the Texas sideline pointing and pleading for a flag; Brock Huard agreed during the broadcast. This is a pretty vicious hit, which causes Ossai to land awkwardly and you can tell he felt it:
On the very next play, Ossai doesn’t anticipate a cut block coming, and takes a helmet to the lower leg. Oklahoma State threw a little of everything at Ossai, which also included chipping him on occasion and doing whatever it could to slow him down.
Oh, and earlier on this drive Ossai was actually pushed into the Texas sideline because he lost his battle against an offensive lineman. He was gassed and probably in some pain. So, what does he do after taking that crackback block and cut block? He whips a lineman with a quick inside move, makes a tackle for a loss, and then his body feels the effects, which led to him taking some time to bring himself off the turf.
Instead of take a blow off or give in to the mental and physical effects of previous plays, Ossai showed why he’s a special competitor and player. That’s who he is.
3) Enough of the run game stuff. It matters. But watching Ossai terrorize quarterbacks, cause turnovers, and show his freak athleticism in coverage is more appealing to the eyes.
Notice how quickly Ossai is able to turn his hips, get deep into coverage, and turn around and diagnose what’s happening. Big guys his size aren’t supposed to be able to do that, and it’s the type of thing that helps make his skill set so well-rounded and appealing to NFL evaluators.
Speaking of freak athleticism and well-rounded skill set, this is one of my favorite plays of the season, and we’ve seen Ossai do similar earlier this season. He breaks down; reads the quarterback and running back run element; takes one quick jab step inward towards the running back before changing direction and darting towards the quarterback; runs down a pretty quick and athletic quarterback and then slams him to the turf. Impressive.
This isn’t the most glamorous sack, but Ossai will take it.
Ossai mixes up his moves too, and Texas also does a good job of mixing its stunt usage. Although the junior doesn’t get the sack here, it’s a dominant rep.
Another inside move by Ossai and another near sack.
Probably wouldn’t surprise me if this is the last time someone runs this type of screen towards Ossai’s side. It’s simply too big of a risk.
It might look like Ossai is blocked sometimes, but the longer a play is extended, the more likely he’s about to rip through and cause some pressure.
Ossai is probably fortunate this wasn’t flagged as a late hit, but it’s another great example of his relentless motor.
Before the guard can notice Ossai looping around, it’s too late. Sanders takes a huge hit, the ball comes out, and Ta’Quon Graham nearly rumbles for a score.
Graham helps return the favor, and Ossai is able to scoop and possible score if his teammate didn’t trip him up.
I really don’t understand how Spencer Sanders held onto this ball after DeMarvion Overshown delivered the first big hit, which resulted in Sanders turning and taking another huge hit.
And, of course, the walk-off sack.
The immediate reaction from the players, coaches, everyone is one of those organically awesome moments college sports can only present. Treasure what you have left to watch of Ossai in a Longhorn uniform. Players like him don't come around very often.
