Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Football Report, Aug. 18
August 18, 2016 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – The Oklahoma State football team finished up a two-hour practice session Thursday afternoon at the Sherman E. Smith Training Center. After practice, head coach Mike Gundy met with the media:
Opening statement:
"We had a good workout today. The defense was really aggressive, and I think they've improved considerably over the last couple of days. It's good for us to get out and practice in the heat. We're going to have a scrimmage tomorrow, about 100 plays, and then practice Saturday and Sunday. Monday will be their day off, just in-school routine. We're just moving along as normal. I like where our team is at right now, but we certainly need the next few weeks of practice."
On how the team has adjusted to being back in school:
"They're okay. The first day is never perfect, but they've been fine. They're in a routine now. I think it's probably an advantage that we start school early so they can get in that routine. Then you still have two weeks after being in school to get adjusted before the first game."
On practicing in the heat:
"We need to practice in the heat. We have three games in the afternoon, and I'm guessing the turf will be 130 degrees for each one of those games. Maybe not so hot for the 11 a.m. game, but it could be. We need to practice in the heat. It's a big different. We don't practice as much in the heat during preseason, but we need this prep time to get players adjusted. It takes six or eight practices to adjust to opening up in the heat."
On getting to know the freshmen:
"(I get to know them) on the field. I don't see them much during the day. They live in their own world. They're in class, study hall, lifting and such. I see them every once in a while in the hall or at a meal, but most of the time it's out here. It takes time for me to get to know their personality based on the limited amount of time that I'm with them during the season."
