QB Zac Robinson a pass-run threat

If the statistics are any indication, the Hoosiers will go to the desert in Tempe, Ariz., for a shootout against the Cowboys. \nBut instead of pistols at dawn, it will be football at sunset as IU is set to face the Cowboys of Oklahoma State at 5:30 p.m. ET. After Sunday night’s announcement, IU coach Bill Lynch reflected on the opportunity for his team to play a 13th game against a team from the Big 12 conference.\n“It’s a great challenge for our football team,” Lynch said. “And a great reward for a bunch of kids who battled a lot this year and are very excited.”\nThe Cowboys’ (6-6) most dangerous weapon on offense is sophomore quarterback Zac Robinson, who, like IU’s Kellen Lewis, can beat teams both with his arm and his legs. \nRobinson has thrown for 20 touchdowns with only eight interceptions. He’s also second on the team in rushing with 777 and seven touchdowns. \nRobinson’s rushing ability complements Cowboy running back Dantrell Savage, who finished second in the Big 12 in rushing yards with 1,172 yards. The Cowboys led the Big 12 as a team in rushing yards per game averaging 246 yards a game.\nDefensively, Oklahoma State has struggled to complement its potent offense. The Cowboys have given up over 29 points a game and 35 points or more in seven of their 12 games this season. Hoping to stifle junior wide receiver James Hardy, the Cowboys will likely send junior defensive back Jacob Lacey, whose five interceptions lead the team and 62 tackles are fourth. \nHardy admitted that he hasn’t had time to thoroughly research the Hoosiers’ 13th opponent of the year, but said he would study film on the Cowboys as early as today. Lynch echoed what Hardy said, confessing that he too hasn’t had a chance to get to know Oklahoma State’s team. \n“It seems during the year you always watch a little bit of everybody when they’re on television or when they’re on SportsCenter or whatever,” Lynch said. “I know they are a very athletic team, I know their record … but that’s a great league they play in the Big 12. We know they’re going to be an awfully good football team.”