Oklahoma State and Stanford Show How Far They Have Come

  In his corner on the far right side of the Stanford sideline, kicker Jordan Williamson ran through the routine at least a half-dozen times in the moments before he took the field. Two steps back. Two steps left. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Kick. Between two of the practice runs, Williamson, who had made seven of nine attempts between 30 and 39 yards, knelt to pray. The Fiesta Bowl stood tied. The Cardinal had moved down the field, but this time, quarterback Andrew Luck — the likely top pick in the 2012 NFL draft — couldn’t lead them into the end zone before time expired. Williamson, a sophomore from Austin, Texas, would have to boot a 35-yard game-winner. With eight seconds remaining, Williamson dropped his practice tee and walked toward the field. A Stanford timeout stopped the clock with three seconds remaining. Williamson took the field. Two steps back. Two steps left. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Timeout. While his teammates huddled near the sideline, Williamson stood alone betwe...