Oklahoma State University Athletics
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl Press Conference Quotes
December 30, 2008 | Cowboy Football
SAN DIEGO — Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy fielded questions from the media at a press conference Monday as his Cowboys prepare to take on Oregon in Tuesday's Pacific Life Holiday Bowl.
The following is a partial transcript of Gundy's remarks during the press conference.
On being in San Diego
“We're having a great time out here. We'd like to thank all our sponsors and tremendous hosts. Our players are really enjoying San Diego. The people of San Diego have been tremendous. It's been a great experience for us and a lot of fun. A lot of practice and preparation goes into the bowls, and I think the players are ready to play.”
On Oregon
“We're excited about playing Coach (Mike) Bellotti and the University of Oregon. They're a good football team. To a certain extent, they're one of the best kept secrets even though in the last 10 to 12 years they've been ranked in the Top 15 in the country almost every year. We have a lot of respect for them and their staff and what they've accomplished.”
On OSU's success in its previous two bowl appearances
“Good players usually play better than players that aren't as good. You're only as good as the players on the field, and I'd like to think that our players enjoy being around each other. The team chemistry and their attitude is very important during bowl season.”
On concerns about the grass playing surface at Qualcomm Stadium
“(I'm not concerned) because if we were concerned, we couldn't do anything about it anyway. Both teams teams have to play on the same surface, and I'm sure the grounds crew will do a very good job and will have the field in the best playing conditions possible.”
On the offenses of the two teams
“It's a great game because people want to see offense. We have a lot of respect for what they do on offense. We like balance, and it seems that Oregon wants to be balanced. They rush the football very well. You see a lot of teams now that spread people out and their goal is to throw more. But the interesting thing about this game is both teams want to run the football and be balanced in the passing game.”
On Oregon's defense
“We have a lot of respect for Oregon's defense. They've got an end that's a Walter Camp All-American. And I'm not so sure that this group in the secondary is as good a group as we've faced in the back end. They tackle very well and run to the football. They're very diverse and disguise well.”
On Oregon's rushing attack
“They have different styles of backs that run the ball for them, and it's a very good rushing offense with the ability to take advantage of it.”
On bowl preparation this year compared to the last two
“Our routine has stayed the same the last three years. We practice anywhere from 14-16 times back home depending on the weather. We were able to practice 15 times this year. We didn't change much. Sometimes as coaches you get in that routine and you like it and you're comfortable with it. We think it's worked. Hopefully, you keep your players fresh and tuned in to what's going on.”
On OSU's less talked about offensive players
“We have over 150 combined starts by our offensive linemen. We're very proud of those guys. Our left tackle (Russell Okung) is a guy who is gonna have an opportunity to go on and play in the NFL someday. The other guys that we have are tough guys who enjoy playing college football and working together, and they've accomplished a lot.
“DeMarcus Conner is a wide receiver who hasn't had the opportunity to get as many catches as some of the other guys, but he's been a great role player for us. When we've thrown the ball to him, he's caught it, and he's been a great blocker for us.”
The following is a partial transcript of Gundy's remarks during the press conference.
On being in San Diego
“We're having a great time out here. We'd like to thank all our sponsors and tremendous hosts. Our players are really enjoying San Diego. The people of San Diego have been tremendous. It's been a great experience for us and a lot of fun. A lot of practice and preparation goes into the bowls, and I think the players are ready to play.”
On Oregon
“We're excited about playing Coach (Mike) Bellotti and the University of Oregon. They're a good football team. To a certain extent, they're one of the best kept secrets even though in the last 10 to 12 years they've been ranked in the Top 15 in the country almost every year. We have a lot of respect for them and their staff and what they've accomplished.”
On OSU's success in its previous two bowl appearances
“Good players usually play better than players that aren't as good. You're only as good as the players on the field, and I'd like to think that our players enjoy being around each other. The team chemistry and their attitude is very important during bowl season.”
On concerns about the grass playing surface at Qualcomm Stadium
“(I'm not concerned) because if we were concerned, we couldn't do anything about it anyway. Both teams teams have to play on the same surface, and I'm sure the grounds crew will do a very good job and will have the field in the best playing conditions possible.”
On the offenses of the two teams
“It's a great game because people want to see offense. We have a lot of respect for what they do on offense. We like balance, and it seems that Oregon wants to be balanced. They rush the football very well. You see a lot of teams now that spread people out and their goal is to throw more. But the interesting thing about this game is both teams want to run the football and be balanced in the passing game.”
On Oregon's defense
“We have a lot of respect for Oregon's defense. They've got an end that's a Walter Camp All-American. And I'm not so sure that this group in the secondary is as good a group as we've faced in the back end. They tackle very well and run to the football. They're very diverse and disguise well.”
On Oregon's rushing attack
“They have different styles of backs that run the ball for them, and it's a very good rushing offense with the ability to take advantage of it.”
On bowl preparation this year compared to the last two
“Our routine has stayed the same the last three years. We practice anywhere from 14-16 times back home depending on the weather. We were able to practice 15 times this year. We didn't change much. Sometimes as coaches you get in that routine and you like it and you're comfortable with it. We think it's worked. Hopefully, you keep your players fresh and tuned in to what's going on.”
On OSU's less talked about offensive players
“We have over 150 combined starts by our offensive linemen. We're very proud of those guys. Our left tackle (Russell Okung) is a guy who is gonna have an opportunity to go on and play in the NFL someday. The other guys that we have are tough guys who enjoy playing college football and working together, and they've accomplished a lot.
“DeMarcus Conner is a wide receiver who hasn't had the opportunity to get as many catches as some of the other guys, but he's been a great role player for us. When we've thrown the ball to him, he's caught it, and he's been a great blocker for us.”
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