Oklahoma State University Athletics
Gundy Previews Missouri State Game
September 08, 2008 | Cowboy Football
OSU Football
Media Luncheon
Monday, September 8, 2008
Head Coach Mike Gundy Quotes
Opening Statement:
“I would like to thank the Oklahoma State fans and the students. Last Saturday was tremendous; opening the season with the sea of orange. I looked over to that section on that side and I don't know what the number of students was but it looked like it has doubled since we'd been here before. I was really proud of the Oklahoma State people. The stadium looks terrific and the Oklahoma State people are very proud. I know as a coaching staff, myself as a graduate, and the players are very thankful for the turnout. It was loud and a lot of fun for the players so it did make a difference."
On the Houston game:
"Just a recap of the game. The post-game interview was pretty accurate. Offensively we turned the ball over three times in the first half and didn't really give ourselves a chance. Defense kept us in the game and we put their backs against the wall a few times. In the second half we made some adjustments on offense and some big plays and we kind of got on a roll. Defensively we didn't get enough pressure on the quarterback in the second half but we did tackle better."
On getting catches for more receivers:
"We have plays designed to spread it out to everybody on our offense. But if you check our track record over the last three of four years, we've got receivers that play a role. Some of them have been great blockers and we'll go to them in crucial situations and they'll make plays. Then there are other guys that specialize in catching passes down the field. I think as a coach it's important to get the ball in the hands of the guys that can really make a difference in the game. Other guys make a difference in their role. DeMarcus Conner had 12 knock-downs. That's unbelievable for a wide receiver to have 12 knock-downs in one game. I continue to talk about this because I'm a little concerned about all the press that Dez Bryant and Kendall Hunter get. We had 89 knock-downs in the game. So yes we will spread the ball around some but only if the defense allows us to."
On Dez Bryant maturing:
"Dez has matured some. I tease Dez because he's one of my favorite players. Not because some of the things he does that drives me crazy but because he loves to play football. He's very competitive. Guys that like to play football, I have a lot of respect for. Dez is learning. For the first time he's out there in the real world and he's got a lot of things going for him. He's got some structure and discipline and things. He's learning to play that role of college football player and going to class. He's making that adjustment."
On preparing for Missouri State:
"Offensively they look a lot like us. They do read zone, one back power, some counter, draw and some controlled passing. Defensively the same as what everyone else does: four down, three down, zone pressure. Quarterback is a returner and he's gotten better. They use two running backs and those guys are playing well. They had some turnovers last Thursday that cost them some points that I'm sure they'd like to have back from that first game. They've got six returning starters on defense: two guys in the secondary, two guys up front and one and a half guys at linebacker, one guy was hurt. Our team understands the importance of practice every day this week and that we need to play well. We've go a lot of areas that need to be corrected on offense like taking care of the football. Defensively we need to put more pressure on the quarterback."
