Oklahoma State University Athletics
Oklahoma State Football Postgame Quotes
September 03, 2006 | Cowboy Football
Mike Gundy Quotes
On the game
“Obviously, we are very pleased with the effort of our team. We were looking to play a clean game and to limit penalties. We wanted to take care of the football, and we wanted guys on defense to chase the football. We wanted guys to make big plays on both sides of the football. We wanted to set the bar high on special teams. We feel like we have some guys that have the potential to make big plays on special teams. Without watching the tape, we obviously feel good about it. We had the game under control, and we got to play a lot of players. Our coaches will get a chance to watch the tape and evaluate a lot of players. It was a good day for us.”
On sophomore quarterback Bobby Reid
“He had a couple of bad throws early in the game, but I think he had two or three drops, too. I'll watch the tape and see how he did. I don't think there is any question that he handled himself completely different than he did last year. He ran the ball better. We wanted him to do that. That is something we talked about. There were times last year when he was close to a first down, and he would dance around a bit. He got hit and looked terrible. Tonight, he lowered his head, took care of the football and converted some third downs. I think he made good decisions. He is more mature. He has a lot of work ahead of him, but he was better tonight.”
On Missouri State
“Coach (Terry) Allen went through a bit of what we went through last year. You have a new staff, a new offense and a new defense that they were not accustomed to. Athletically, we were a much better team. The good thing is that we went out and performed that way.”
On his team
“We have more playmakers this year than what we had last year. We have more guys that have a chance to make somebody miss when they touch the football. We have more speed on defense and when they show up, guys make hits. We still have a lot of football ahead of us, but we are a different football team than we were.”
Junior Linebacker Jeremy Nethon
On the opening kickoff
“I was running, and I figured we were going to make it to the house on the first play of the game. I was trying to run beside him (Perrish Cox), but he's a little bit faster than me.”
On this year's team
“We know we have the potential, and we just want to prove to the critics that we are here and we are here to play.”
Junior Wide Receiver Adarius Bowman
On his first touchdown reception
“It felt good, but I was more excited about the win. There was nothing that was going to stop me from getting that touchdown.”
Sophomore Running Back Mike Hamilton
On the difference between this year and last year
“Last year, I was thinking a lot, but this year I'm comfortable and it feels like high school again.”
On changing his running style
“It has helped me a lot. I just go out there run hard and play hard. I feel a lot more comfortable, and it just comes naturally to me now.”
Sophomore Quarterback Bobby Reid
On this year's team
“It's like night and day compared to last year. Last year, we were really young, but this year guys are more focused and poised.”
On managing the offense
“I noticed the team looking for me to get them in the right direction, and I think I did.”
On his expectations for the season
“I feel my guys will go wherever I take them, and I'm just here to take them to the promised land.”
Junior Linebacker Rodrick Johnson
On the defensive performance
“I am really proud of the defense. We handled our responsibilities. We made some mistakes, but they are correctable mistakes. I feel good about the way we played.”
On the improved defense
“We did a good job of stopping the run tonight. They hit a couple of passes on us. They were mainly caused by mistakes we made on defense. I feel like we have improved a lot. Once we get a few things corrected, I feel like those things will not happen anymore.”
On the new faces at linebacker
“Today, I feel like everybody did very well. We communicated really well. Everybody was lined up where they were supposed to be and meshed well. The linebacking corps is getting stronger as a family.”
Junior Wide Receiver Tommy Devereaux
On the offense
“I think we were a lot better. The kickoff return by (Perrish) Cox boosted the team's spirit. It got our adrenaline going. I think the offense overall, even though Bobby (Reid) did not play the whole game, is a lot further along than we were last season.”
On an improved special team's play
“Missouri State had a new coaching staff so they were working on some things. It is going to get harder and harder every game. Tonight was the first step. With coach DeForest, we have either had the best special teams or at least a top five unit. We are going to try to get it back up there. That is all (DeForest) talks about. When I get my chance I am going to make the most of it.”
Missouri State head coach Terry Allen
On game opening kickoff return
“When you start off in a situation like that it puts you on your heels. The one thing that always scares you is the numbers, the A versus the double A, and it came so apparent in the special teams tonight. We had a guy that had a shot to make a tackle, but they were better than we were and he (Perrish Cox) took it back all the way.”
On missed tackles
“We missed some tackles early, and we became tentative out there. It was a tough start obviously with the kickoff and some things that happened offensively, which caused our defense to be on their heels. We missed tackles, and that is never good.”
On offensive performance
“We didn't do the defense any favors, but there is some potential there. They did okay in pass protection, and we need to rush the football a little bit better. Jonathan Davis came in and gave us a little spark. Our quarterbacks didn't perform for us, but I think they did okay.”
Freshman Quarterback Matt Krapfl
On facing Oklahoma State
“I personally was awestruck really. I just tried to do the best I could. They are really good, they are a lot bigger than us and they are a real physical team. They were good.”
On first big game
“I thought I did a lot of good things, but I know I should have done a lot better. I don't like losing, especially when it is that bad. I just need to get a lot better.
On splitting time
“It is tough because you get stiff and you have to loosen back up. Then you have to get back out there and then sit down. But when you get in there you just have to make something happen. You have to show that you are supposed to be on the field.”
Sophomore Quarterback Garrett Congdon
On team's performance
“I came out slow at the start, but we came on strong at the end. We learned a lot about ourselves. We didn't quit and fought it out till the end. That is something to build on. No one expected us to come in here and win so you just have to stay relaxed, do what you can do and see what happens.”
