Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Defense Highlights Spirited Practice
August 10, 2006 | Cowboy Football
“It was a really good practice today,” said head coach Mike Gundy. “There was a lot of hitting. The defense forced two turnovers and looked really good tonight.”
While the offense started the practice with several big plays, highlighted by the ground game, it was the defense who turned it on late. Overall, Gundy was pleased with the day's workout.
“Anytime you go as long as we did and you had as much contact as we did it was a really good practice. The players are getting a lot better,” said Gundy. “The offense made some plays and the defense made some plays. Early in practice the offense was gashing them in the running game. Later, the defense picked it up.”
The practice ended with an intense goal line drill that saw several key stops by the defense, including a long interception return by freshman linebacker Chris Collins.
“There was a great goal line stand by the defense at the end,” said Gundy. “The offense needs to really work hard there.”
Overall, Gundy thinks the team is improving in three critical aspects of the game.
“We saw some big plays by the offense. We also saw the defense tackle well in space, at times and create turnovers,” said Gundy. “We really believe the game has to do a lot with creating turnovers, big plays and tackling in space and we are improving in those areas.”
Gundy also was happy with the team's attitude and intensity.
“Our intensity is good. We have some guys who get after it,” said Gundy. “I told the team we are in our last segment of three-hour practices and everybody is still excited, having fun and talking. I see a group of guys who are enjoying playing football.“
The Cowboys are scheduled to return to the practice field Thursday at 10 a.m., and then again at 5:45 p.m., later that afternoon.
