Oklahoma State University Athletics
Quotes from Mondays Media Luncheon
September 06, 2005 | Cowboy Football
Media Luncheon
Monday, Sept. 5, 2005
Mike Gundy Quotes
On the defense's performance against Montana State
“As we looked at the tape from last week, our staff saw a lot we can build on. We saw some things we need to work on. We have some concerns about getting pressure on the quarterback. He (Travis Lulay) did a good job of getting the ball out quick. That is an area we are going to work on this week in preparation for the next game.”
On the offense's performance against Montana State
“Offensively, we have to become a better passing team on third and medium. Some of the circumstances we were in in the last game were similar to last year. We have worked hard on that. We feel like it will pay dividends for us as the season progresses.”
On Florida Atlantic
“Florida Atlantic is going to be a good challenge for our football team to play on the road. The team they put together down there has a lot of speed on it. They got over the top a couple of times for big plays against Kansas. Their defense is not as big as what we will see in this league, but they have a lot of speed. They are using four or five guys standing up at the second level. They are running to the football. Their corners are quick. They played hard and they seemed to be in very good physical condition when I watched the Kansas game. He has got them playing hard. We are looking forward to traveling down their and playing on national television. “
On concerns
“We have to continue to improve in the secondary, but that is because of our youth. We always worry about that as coaches. If they make a mistake back there, it is usually for a big play. We have to throw the ball better and more accurate in situations when we have guys running open down the field. The other night, if we hit some of those deep throws and make them pay the price early, we are in a different game.”
On his first game as coach
“The only difference for me was being on the field. I did not notice anything different except I found myself looking ahead in the game because I knew decisions were going to have to be made. Most of that stuff came pretty natural to me. I felt comfortable on the field and found myself being a cheerleader more than anything. I really enjoyed it. I enjoy being a head coach. It is fun. I should be uptight and concerned about what people say or think, not kicking a field goal and going ahead by eight points, but I really don't care. I am having fun.
Player Quotes
Bobby Reid, redshirt freshman quarterback
Looking back at the first game as a team
“The offense played pretty well, the defense played pretty well, but we as a team felt like we should have done a whole lot better. It was the first game of new systems on both sides of the ball, so we corrected those mistakes at (Sunday's) practice.”
On his performance
“Basically, I was trying to get the first game jitters out of my body. I had to run the ball some, catch the ball some and throw the ball some. The more and more playing time I got, I kind of relaxed myself, and I felt confident as the game went on.”
D'Juan Woods, junior wide receiver
On watching his touchdown catch on game film
“I watched it on film, and it was crazy. I didn't realize the safety was that close to the ball.”
On getting the first game out of the way
“We had to get the first game out of the way and let it be a learning tool. We still have a long way to go, but we did come out with the ‘W,' which is great.”
On Florida Atlantic
“I watched their game against Kansas and a couple of games from last year, and I picked up on a couple of things already.”
Lawrence Pinson, senior linebacker
On Florida Atlantic's offense
“They've got a lot more speed from their skilled guys, and they like to play-action a lot. They'll get after you. They showed that against Kansas, so we'll have to bring our ‘A' game.”
On two games in five days
“With us trying to prepare, it helps us that this is a holiday weekend, because it gives us the opportunity to watch more film and focus more on football. I think we'll definitely be prepared when we go down there. We're done with Montana State, so it's all Florida Atlantic.”
Donovan Woods, sophomore quarterback
On Florida Atlantic's defense
“They definitely have a lot of speed, and they obviously have a great coach, so we know they're going to be in the right position.”
On playing in Miami
“It'll be cool when I look back on it one day, but right now all I want to concentrate on is Florida Atlantic and getting the ‘W.'”
Jamie Thompson, senior safety
On getting the chance to play in front of his family
“It will be great. Most people in Florida don't know about Oklahoma State, but now that I'm up here, they try to tune in and learn about Oklahoma State. Now, they get to understand Oklahoma State football and the history. Plus, they get to see me play for the school that I love. It's going to be exciting to see my dad and little brother holding up signs. I'm real excited.”
On Saturday's pregame ceremony for Vernon Grant
“It was to honor the late Vernon Grant Jr. It was emotional. I felt like he was out there with us. It was just a great honor to see his dad go out there and accept the picture and see the 10 on the kickoff. He's always out there for us. He's making peace for all of us out there.”
On Florida Atlantic's offense
“Basically, they like to run the ball a lot, but if they get behind or they have to, they will throw the ball deep. Their quarterback is really good and a lot like (Montana State's Travis) Lulay. They have some great athletes with a lot of speed, so we have to go out there and play our best.”
Xavier Lawson-Kennedy, junior defensive lineman
On winning the season opener
“A lot of people will say what they have to say, and we went out there and made some mistakes, but we came out with the ‘W.”
On facing a run-focused offense
“Coach told me they are going to run a lot, but they will pass it. I got amped up when he told me that yesterday.”
