Oklahoma State University Athletics
Gundy, Cowboys Preview Texas
November 10, 2014 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER - Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy and selected members of the football team visited with the media Monday in Boone Pickens Stadium to preview the Cowboys' matchup with Texas. Their comments:
Head Coach Mike Gundy
Opening statement:
"We had a good week last week. Practice took three days and then brought the team back last night, then practiced as always. We're on a normal routine - off today and back at it Tuesday and looking forward to the game. We've got a lot of work ahead of us. We've got some quality reps in over the last week. We're obviously playing a team that's completely different now, in our opinion, than in September. They've improved in a lot of different areas and so it'll be a real challenge for us, but the excitement in the players has been really good. We're looking forward to the preparation and to the game on Saturday."
On handling an open week:
"I thought it was as good as it can be. We got three practices and let them off a couple of days. We got to go on the road recruiting, so if you have to have an open week that is the way you want to spend the time."
On Texas:
"From an outsider looking in, their quarterback has gained some experience. They have good players. They're still big, strong and fast, and can run and make plays. They look very similar to what they have been over the past few years. I think they're playing hard on defense and running to the ball and I think they have good players."
On the biggest challenge for Saturday:
"I think they'll be the most physical team that we've faced up front, from size and strength and what it looks like they're trying to accomplish on offense."
On the team's improvement:
"We're working through a new quarterback and a young offensive line and little bit of inexperience. It just takes a little bit longer than what most people would want. They're improving. They are getting a little bit better, but it just takes some time."
On Senior Night:
"It's like always. You know, it's hard to see the guys go. It's one the few times, days or moments during the year that actually affects me emotionally. Most of everything else that we do or I do is pretty much routine and I've been doing this for 25 years, but to have players that have committed themselves and paid the price and gone through everything it takes to be a college football player - to see those guys leave is hard at times, and it's one of the few days that's actually emotional for me."
Offensive Coordinator Mike Yurcich
On what the offense accomplished during the open week:
"Working on the basics. We worked on polishing up our pass protections and getting the quarterback to throw the ball quicker and get it out of his hand. If the first read's not there, if the second read's not there, throw it away. All of those things combined. (We worked on) our basic run-blocking schemes, our route-running versus man, recognizing coverage versus certain types of zones, picking up their most typical blitzes. Trying to really rep those looks to a small amount of plays offensively is what we're trying to do so that we give ourselves the best chance of success come Saturday."
On if the team was fatigued going into the open week:
"I'm sure there was both mental and physical (fatigue). It's good to have a week off. It was a good week for it. I think our guys took some time off, but at the same time, they worked hard in the weight room and had some quality practices last week. I think we'll be focused from a mental standpoint. They were able to relax a little bit on the weekend and get their mind off things for just a minute before getting focused on the task at hand and being refreshed for a week of preparation heading into the Texas game."
On how much coaches judge effort and body language in the players:
"It's huge because you can control it. For us, right now we're such a young team, and we're continuing to establish leadership and see leadership grow within our offensive unit. That's where it starts with that effort, body language and having that positive outlook. That's really important for us with us being so young."
Defensive Coordinator Glenn Spencer
On the off week:
"We got two really physical practices last week. We got to concentrate on Texas's favorites and their run game. We put a lot of emphasis on playing physically, so I think it was a good fundamental week."
On if the players got a good mental break on the open week:
"Yeah, it's kind of a double-edged sword. You want to get back on the field as soon as you can and compete again, because the last time we were out there we weren't successful, but in the long run, I think they benefitted from it."
On if the Texas offense is playing better:
"They are (playing better). They're getting confident in what they're doing. They didn't abandon their run game. They stuck with it. You see them getting movement up front and finding creases, and to be honest with you, a lot of times there are guys there to make plays and they have good running backs that will make you miss. They'll power through you or around you. I think the play of (Malcolm) Brown and (Johnathan) Gray have really picked up, and I think those guys are saying, 'We're going to put this on our shoulders to grind this out.' Those are two really good tailbacks."
Defensive End Emmanuel Ogbah
On what he wants to see on Saturday:
"I think the perfect thing that would take place when Texas comes in, is playing hard and beating Texas. That's what it's about right now."
On the final home game:
"This is the last home game of the season and the last one for the seniors. We just have to play hard for them and give it our all."
On preparing for Texas:
"Texas has a good run game and that's how they beat West Virginia. West Virginia couldn't tackle so that's what we're working on in practice. Just tackling drills and running to the ball."
On what the defense needs to do:
"Defense wins big games and defense wins championships. That's how it's going to go this week. We have to make some stops on defense."
Linebacker Seth Jacobs
On the open week:
"This open week was really nice. It gave me and our other players that are fighting injuries the chance to come back and rehabilitate and rest and get quality reps for guys who don't play a lot. It was a productive week. The weekend was very relaxing and it was just good."
On battling injuries:
"It's just one of those things that you have to do. You have to look to the guys next to you. There are guys hurting as well. It's more about everybody else rather than just myself. That's what it comes down to."
On becoming bowl eligible:
"We go into every game knowing that it's important. These last couple of games, we haven't been as successful and executed as well as we wanted to. Each game is very important, and that's been stressed throughout the year."
Receiver David Glidden
On trying to become bowl eligible:
"That's always the focus around here. Playing in the postseason is what it's all about, get to a bowl game and have an extra chance to go play and compete at the end of the year. It's a focus, but at the same time were going out there and it's another chance to go compete."
On the impressive win by Texas over West Virginia:
"From what I saw, they had a great offensive game plan. They were pounding the ball and really moving it well. Their defense is holding really strong, West Virginia has a great offense and the defense looks to me like there flying around and having a good time."
On the benefit of having a bye week this late in the season:
"I feel like a break this late in the season is always a positive. Anytime you can get some time off, get some guys that are banged up some extra time to heal is always a good thing to have. The mental aspect of it helps to, you kind of get to regroup and get to sit back and watch some games and see the overall picture of what's going on around you."
Fullback Jeremy Seaton
On the team's practices:
"I'm not going to say that we're up or down, but you can definitely tell that everybody out there practicing is just grinding. They're wanting to win, and they're working their butts off. That's all you can ask for."
On the effort from the team:
"We're a team wanting to win. Guys are working and putting in a lot of effort. I saw guys downstairs ready to work on our day off."
Safety Tre Flowers
On the comfort level of the team on the road:
"Every time at an away game all the fans are booing. No matter what, it's always going to be a little tough, but as long as you focus you can get the job done."
On facing Texas:
"It' going to be a big challenge. They're an opponent in the Big 12, just like any other opponent they're going to come out ready to play."
On the mindset of the team:
"I think we can bounce back from anything. I know people say we are young, but I think we are all ready to play."
