Oklahoma State University Athletics
Gundy, Players Preview Upcoming Game Against Texas
October 20, 2008 | Cowboy Football
Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy, quarterback Zac Robinson, defensive coordinator Tim Beckman and co-offensive coordinators Trooper Taylor and Gunter Brewer met with the media in Boone Pickens Stadium Monday to preview this week's game at Texas. Here are some of the highlights of what they had to say:
Head Coach Mike Gundy Quotes
Opening Statement:
“It's back to work for us. It was a good win on Saturday. Following the game we talked about the defense and their performance in the first half which was very good. Our tackling was good. They met all the criteria and their goals. Offensively, after the first series or so, we kind of got on a roll. We were able to score enough points and put the game out of reach. Special teams was good. Orie Lemon made a bad decision on a clip that took away a return by Dez (Bryant). But, for the most part, the team played very well. Second half we were able to run the ball effectively and we contained their quarterback.”
“I'm looking forward to this week. It's a big game, we're playing the No. 1 team in the country. Our players and coaching staff are excited. We'll get everybody over here this afternoon, get back to work and get ready to play Texas.”
On defensive changes at Texas:
"There are a lot of similarities in their style of play: they play a lot of man coverage, they're very skilled, they're fast, they've got some girth inside, they can get some pressure off the edge and they have a lot of speed at linebacker. From a talent standpoint they are very similar. My personal opinion is that they run to the ball better and are more effective this year than they have been in the past."
On bad memories from last year's Texas game:
"There are some games that never leave you. Whatever side of your brain that records information and data, I'd like to be able to get some of it out. But it never goes away. But there's nothing you can do about it because it's never going to change. I don't think that it's much of a factor right now. We will have a good plan on both sides of the ball and Coach DeForest will have a good plan on special teams. Our players will practice well and we'll ask them to play hard and give great effort."
On differences in team from this time last year:
"I like the way our defense is playing, but it's hard to predict what will happen if we ever get in that situation again. But I think we're a little further along as a team, we're a little more mature and we have more continuity. We feel like the players are more seasoned in situations like this. But it's college football and you never know what's going to happen."
On Brandon Pettigrew:
"Brandon is a very good player. He's a good blocker. He's a threat to catch the ball down the field. But his greatest trait is his leadership ability and what he does for the team and with the team when he's in there. It was nice to have him back because it lifts the spirits of the team. We're pretty open in our offensive schemes anyway, we can do a lot of things. But he gives us another threat on the offense."
Quarterback Zac Robinson
On Texas:
“Texas looks pretty good. They have a good offense. Colt McCoy is playing really well. Their defense is really fast. They fly around and they are doing some different things. After seeing what they did to Missouri, we definitely know it is going to be a big challenge, and hopefully we will be ready.”
On whether Texas has changed its approach this year:
“Scheme-wise, they are a totally different team. They are doing some different things. Of the little film I have watched, they are doing a great job. They have slowed some offenses down big time, which is tough to do in the Big 12. We know it is going to be a big challenge, and we look forward to watching some more film this week to get a good feel for them.”
On confidence in running the ball effectively:
“I feel great with our running game and the way our offensive line is playing, and with Brandon Pettigrew coming back, it will help us that much more. Kendall Hunter and Keith Toston are making some big plays. I feel good about the running game and hopefully we can keep it going.”
On Brandon Pettigrew's return:
“It is great to have him back. From the leadership standpoint, he is the one that gets everyone fired up and leads the team as we go out on the field. It is also just good to see him out there. It is just reassuring to look over and see 87 out there. He just makes big plays when he has the ball in his hands. Even when he doesn't he's out there blocking hard. We are excited to have him back, and we are looking forward to having him in the lineup this week.”
Defensive Coordinator Tim Beckman
On exacting revenge on Texas from last year:
“I don't think our players are that way. I think our players are focused on what they have to do to win football games, and that is what has created some success for us this year. We are concerned about what we do and not about revenge factors or anything like that. They understand how important this football game is, and they have achieved enough to put them in this type of football game. The credit goes to the kids and their maturity level and the way they have practiced. We have practiced hard, and that is one thing that Coach Gundy preaches to our players. They are excited about it, and they are getting better each and every week.”
On being fired up for such a big game:
“We are excited for the program, for Oklahoma State, for the state of Oklahoma and for everybody. This is why you play the game. This is why you try to be as successful as you can be. The kids have that opportunity now. It is a great time for them personally and for this university.”
Co-Offensive Coordinator Trooper Taylor
On thinking about what would happen if OSU beat Texas:
“Coach Gundy is not going to let that happen. You would think we were 0-7 after some of the meetings we have had. He doesn't let anything slide, whether you are a coach, player, manager or trainer. He goes over everything in detail. He expects things to be done a certain way. We had enough bad things in the last game that we need to fix and focus on this week in practice.”
