Oklahoma State University Athletics
Coach Gundy and Selected Players Speak to Media
September 12, 2006 | Cowboy Football
OSU Football
Monday, September 11, 2006
Media Luncheon Quotes
Head Coach Mike Gundy
On the Arkansas State Game
“The defense played very well. We got a lot of pressure from our down guys. We got to rotate our defensive lineman and keep those guys fresh. Offensively, other than two or three bad decisions by the quarterback we played pretty good on offense. Our offensive line play was still average. It was not anything great. The kicking game has been good. The kicker, punter and return guys continue to play well.”
On preparing for Florida Atlantic
“We are going to prepare for this game like we have every other game. As you guys know, there were time last year when we were on the short end of being the favorite. We understand that. There were also games where we played pretty good and people did not expect that. I am sure their coaching staff is going to regroup, work hard and prepare to come here and play lights out.”
On the defense
“Our defense is playing good, but with all do respect to Missouri State and Arkansas State, I am not going to say our defense has been challenged as much as I would like. I am not going to stand up here and say we are a lights out on defense. Our defense is playing good, do not get me wrong. When you play people who are not as good on offense as they would like, you should shut them out. We are getting very good effort. Guys are running to the football which makes a big difference. That is half the battle on defense.”
On Bobby Reid's running
“He needs to run. When he is on the perimeter like that with six to eight yards of nobody in front of him and one guy from the other team, he needs to pull the ball down, run and make that guy miss and get a bunch of yards. That is what I recommended to him. He has made good decisions when he has run the ball. I am looking forward to how he progresses through the season. Arkansas State has some speed on defense. He has run faster in space than he did last year.”
On where the team stands right now
“We are a better football team because we have more guys that can score with the ball in their hand and we have more speed on defense. I still have concerns about our back seven because of youth.”
Senior Defensive End Darnell Smith
On the depth of the Oklahoma State defensive line
“I think having depth is essential for our defensive line because we can rotate guys and have fresh legs in on each play. Especially at the end position because Nathan Peterson can come in and make big plays, along with Marque Fountain. So having fresh legs is essential because we can make big plays and keep the rotation going.”
On comparing this year's Oklahoma State defense to last year's
“This year we have more confidence. We are having a lot more fun and are more enthusiastic, players talk to each other and we understand our assignments. Compared to last year, I think we are more educated up front.”
Senior Defensive Tackle Ryan McBean
On the team
“I smile when the defense does something good. When I see Bobby Reid making plays or Adarius Bowman making receptions, I stay smiling You will see a lot that this year.”
On Arkansas State
“They were a good team. They played well, but I was confident that the defensive line would dominate and make big plays.”
On confidence
“I am confident in the whole team. We need to go out and make things happen. I am confident in our defense because you see guys like Larry Brown making plays. Some guys are at a different level this season.”
Junior Safety Donovan Woods
On preparation
“The coaches do a great job preparing us to play. If you do the things the coaches tell you to do, you will be in good shape.
On what he has brought from the quarterback position
“When I played quarterback, I obviously had to know what was going on, and that is something that I have taken from playing at that position. I just try to help the team in every way I can.”
