Oklahoma State University Athletics
Gundy, Cowboys Preview Texas Tech Game
November 03, 2008 | Cowboy Football
Opening Statement:
“Back to work this week. Our team is very excited about the game this week. They're looking forward to playing Texas Tech out there. It will be a great challenge for us on both sides of the ball. Everybody is aware of what they have been able to accomplish offensively. I don't think we need to talk a lot about what they're doing on offense. The quarterback is playing very well and Crabtree is obviously playing well. I think they have four or five guys that are averaging over four catches a game. So they're doing a nice job of spreading it out offensively. Defensively they're very similar to the scheme they've used the last few years. They're running to the ball more and, in our opinion, they're tackling better and are more aggressive up front. They're doing very well and deserve to be ranked where they're at."
On number of top-ranked opponents:
"When I was playing in the Big Eight there were going to be two or three teams that would maybe be in the top 25 in our league. As a coach I can't remember playing this many teams from one division that have been ranked in the top 10."
On recruiting Michael Crabtree:
"I think we were one of the first to make an offer to him. He was playing quarterback and running back and some defense. I remember seeing him in spring ball. We projected him as a wide receiver. But I don't think anybody could have predicted he'd be as good as he is. But I remember seeing him at Carter and seeing him in the spring and the coaches talking about him. He was very athletic. He was playing two or three different positions and he was having success. I think he wanted to play college basketball but then Tech signed him. "
On road wins helping team's confidence:
"I hope so. I think our team is more mature. You never know what's going to happen in games like this. Nobody does. But do I feel better about our approach and where we're at as a team right now and the maturity? Yes."
On Brandon Pettigrew:
"He's getting close to being back to his old self. He's not quite there yet. If you watch him when he gets in space and takes off and runs he drags that foot some. But he's certainly playing at a much higher level than he was two weeks ago. They say it could be another two weeks before he really gets back to full speed. But he's been doing very well and he's been productive for us. We didn't use him as much in the passing game this last week because of the scheme that was presented to us. But he was a very good blocker for us and that was the main reason we were able to get the ball in the perimeter last week."
Co-Offensive Coordinator Trooper Taylor
On facing No. 2 Texas Tech on the road this weekend:
“Obviously it is going to be a big game because of where they are ranked. The excitement of that crowd takes it to another level at night at that place. Even when I played at Baylor, when we went there at night, it was always a tough place to play. They are a really good team. I even watched some of their offensive plays in preseason just because I like some of the things they have done. When I was at Tennessee, we looked at some of their offense as well. They have some guys on defense that run really well. Their defensive line does a great job at putting some pressure on opposing teams' quarterbacks. From the Texas game, you were able to see that. They are solid back there in the secondary. I watch them and they do a great job communicating in and out routes. When you see a team physically pointing out where they are supposed to be on tape,that is pretty impressive for those young guys.”
On if this is the toughest game of the Cowboys' season to date:
“It is by far the toughest game of the season, because they are on a roll. We are going to their place, and that's a tough sled when you play a team like that on the road, especially when they have the crowd behind them, the momentum going their way and two Heisman Trophy candidates on the same team. That's pretty impressive. Coach Leach has done a great job, along with his staff. We have a lot of respect for those guys.”
Co-Offensive Coordinator Gunter Brewer
On Texas Tech's offense:
“They throw the ball tremendously well. Their difference is that they are running the ball really well. We will see both teams try to do what each does best. The defenses will do what they do and hopefully give us an opportunity if it does become that way.”
On an improved Texas Tech defense:
“You see the same people playing at a different level. You saw them play better against Texas because of the magnitude of the game. That is a huge rivalry for them. Anytime you have one of those games, it really means something to those kids who are from that area. When you look at last year's game compared to some of the stuff this year, you see a lot of the same guys flying around and really hustling well. You've got to give credit to their defensive staff and what they have been able to do. The attitude is there. They believe in themselves. They are keeping it simple and executing what they do best.”
Defensive Coordinator Tim Beckman
On Michael Crabtree and Dez Bryant:
“I've been with some programs that had (Ted) Ginn and (Anthony) Gonzalez and those types of players that were very much impact players. There is no question about it. Michael Crabtree makes plays and is definitely a threat wherever he is on the football field. Dez too. If there is a player in this country that can take over a game and take his game to the next level to make your team a winner or a champion, then there is no question about that.”
On using a three man line known as a “speed package”:
“We were doing it quite a bit, and we did do it a bit last year. It is the same package we had last year, but it's just a few tweaks and our players are playing well. They believe in the system. They have to believe in it. It can be any system, but they have to believe in it.”
Offensive Lineman David Washington
On recovering from a broken leg:
“I had to do a lot of working out. They told me my leg strength would come back, and I worked on some upper strength in the offseason. I had gotten out of shape from sitting around all the time. I had to take some extra steps and come out early to work. Coach Glass did an incredible job with us. I actually feel stronger than I was before the injury. I just thank God for the ability to play again.”
On defending Texas Tech's quarterback pressure:
“I think they are a really good defensive line, and it is just going to be another big test for us. We just have to prepare well, watch a lot of tape and just get back to hard work.”
On playing in Lubbock:
“There will be a lot of rowdy fans. It's a crazy environment. With the success they are having right now, it is going to be even tougher. We have been in these types of positions this season, and it hasn't been much of a factor.”
