Oklahoma State University Athletics
Special Teams To Be Key To Oklahoma State Success
December 31, 2003 | Cowboy Football
IRVING, Texas – The No. 21 Oklahoma State Cowboys worked out for two hours under clear skies at Texas Stadium Tuesday as they continued preparations for the 68th SBC Cotton Bowl Classic.
After three days in full pads, the Cowboys spent their fifth day in Dallas in shells and shorts.
Oklahoma State continued to install the game plan for Friday's game against No. 16 Ole Miss, including some concentrated work on special teams.
“I think in every game we play special teams helps us win or helps us lose,” head coach Les Miles said. “I think in this game we will have some advantages and they will be key, just like they are in every game.”
One of those advantages is the return of Darrent Williams. The junior from Fort Worth, Texas, finished the year with a 17.9 yards-per-punt return average and two touchdowns despite missing the final two games of the season against Kansas and Baylor.
“Obviously he gives us an element in the return game that is really exciting,” Miles said. “I think special teams will give us what they have given us all year long – a great opportunity to win.”
Additionally, punter Cole Farden and place kicker Luke Phillips will contribute heavily to the Cowboys' success. Both players garnered second-team All-Big 12 mention this year.
Farden finished the season ranked second in the Big 12 and 20th nationally with a 43.5 yards-per-punt average. He also placed 55 of his 75 kickoffs in the end zone for a touchback.
Phillips led the Big 12 in field goal percentage and was Oklahoma State's leading scorer with 99 points. After missing his first attempt in the season opener at Nebraska, Phillips connected on 16 consecutive attempts, including three over 50 yards.
As a team, the Cowboys finished the year ranked second in the nation in yards-per-return (16.02) and 17th in net punting (38.7).
Kickoff for the 68th SBC Cotton Bowl Classic is slated for 1:10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2. The game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports.
After three days in full pads, the Cowboys spent their fifth day in Dallas in shells and shorts.
Oklahoma State continued to install the game plan for Friday's game against No. 16 Ole Miss, including some concentrated work on special teams.
“I think in every game we play special teams helps us win or helps us lose,” head coach Les Miles said. “I think in this game we will have some advantages and they will be key, just like they are in every game.”
One of those advantages is the return of Darrent Williams. The junior from Fort Worth, Texas, finished the year with a 17.9 yards-per-punt return average and two touchdowns despite missing the final two games of the season against Kansas and Baylor.
“Obviously he gives us an element in the return game that is really exciting,” Miles said. “I think special teams will give us what they have given us all year long – a great opportunity to win.”
Additionally, punter Cole Farden and place kicker Luke Phillips will contribute heavily to the Cowboys' success. Both players garnered second-team All-Big 12 mention this year.
Farden finished the season ranked second in the Big 12 and 20th nationally with a 43.5 yards-per-punt average. He also placed 55 of his 75 kickoffs in the end zone for a touchback.
Phillips led the Big 12 in field goal percentage and was Oklahoma State's leading scorer with 99 points. After missing his first attempt in the season opener at Nebraska, Phillips connected on 16 consecutive attempts, including three over 50 yards.
As a team, the Cowboys finished the year ranked second in the nation in yards-per-return (16.02) and 17th in net punting (38.7).
Kickoff for the 68th SBC Cotton Bowl Classic is slated for 1:10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2. The game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports.
Tuesday, July 07
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