Oklahoma State University Athletics
Gundy, Players Talk to Media at Weekly Luncheon
October 02, 2006 | Cowboy Football
Head Coach Mike Gundy
On the off week
“We had a good week of practice last week. It was physical. We were able to get a lot done. We stayed healthy and gave the players the weekend off.”
On the Kansas State defense
"We a looking forward to traveling up to Kansas State to play. I think it will be an interesting game. They have played well on defense throughout the season. They are fundamentally sound on defense. They run to the ball well. They tackle well in space. We will have our work cut out for us there. It will be the best defense we have played up to this point.”
On the Kansas State offense
“Offensively, they probably have not done as well as they think they should have. They are better than what they are actually showing statistically. We are just preparing to go up there and play.”
On the importance of special teams
“They are always important to us. We spend a lot of practice and meeting time on special teams. Their gunners and destroyers do a nice job. In fact, they do such a good job I cut up the tape and showed it to our guys. We will have our hands full in defending those guys. I think everybody realizes how important special teams are.”
On Adarius Bowman's impact
“We were hopeful he would eliminate the safety over D'Juan Woods and that has happened. Bobby's (Reid) ability to run the ball has also brought a safety down. That is where he impacts the total scheme of things more than anything. His ability to run with the ball after he catches it has really helped our offense. He has big play capability.”
Jeremy Nethon
On the off week
“We had an extra week to prepare for this game. We practiced hard, did a lot of hitting drills and went back to the fundamentals. This week is mentally, as well as physically, just getting our stuff right.”
On seeing a conventional offense this week
“It is good. It is a lot easier on the eyes being able to pick up the reads and stuff, but that is (Houston's offense) not an excuse for last game. It goes back to the fundamentals, when you're there to make the play and you don't tackle then you don't win.”
On the state of the defense
“There's no doubt in my mind that we're a good defense. Everyone falters a little bit. I know the people we have on the defense, they make plays. All we have to do is actually make the plays. I have no doubt in our defense.”
On not reading into Kansas State's offensive struggles thus far
“You cannot look at things like that. Kansas State is a quality team; they have always been a quality team to me. You cannot look at a prior game and think that is how it is going to be for the rest of the season. I think they are a great team and we are really going to have to step up and play Cowboy football.
Martel Van Zant
On being nominated for the FedEx Orange Bowl FWAA Courage Award
“I was really surprised. I am really excited about it and we will see what happens at the end of the season when they announce it”
On being a role model for kids in the deaf community
“All these kids look up to me as a role model. I have received letters from deaf kids in Florida and when I went to the state fair the other night I met some deaf kids out there and they recognized me. They recognize me from TV and they think it is pretty cool.”
On if he was ever told he couldn't play Division I football because he was deaf
“No one ever really told me that, they never told me no. I could play, I could go out and do whatever I wanted to. Just because I am deaf does not mean I am not capable. Everyone focuses on the deaf, but I am an athlete first because I am part of a team here at OSU.”
On other teammates learning sign language
“A few of them know sign language, but not a lot. There are a lot of them that are taking the sign language class. A lot of them start out with the alphabet and the basics. Some of the players have learned some signs, especially on the defensive side. I help them a lot with their homework and things like that.”
Larry Brown
On the off week
“It was good but me, personally, after a loss I want to get back out there and get a win. I was ready for another game.”
