Oklahoma State University Athletics
Making Improvements and Reaping Rewards
September 23, 2020 | Cowboy Football
WATCH: Cowboy Defenders Meet With MediaÂ
STILLWATER – The Oklahoma State defense was dominant in its season opener against Tulsa, giving up just seven points to a team that averaged over 26 points per game last season.
"It shows that we can put the game in our hands and put it on our back," linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez said. "We have veterans on the defensive side who can step up like that."
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Rodriguez sealed the game with a sack of Tulsa's Zach Smith on fourth and long late in the fourth quarter. When asked about the feeling of what it's like to have a clear and direct path to the quarterback, he made a culinary comparison.
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"Let's just say it's like a buffet at Golden Corral," Rodriguez said with a smile.
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Rodriguez's game-clincher was the only sack of the game for the Cowboys, which is something the coaching staff and defensive line have worked on this week in practice in preparation for West Virginia.
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"I feel like we have to win our one-on-one matchups," defensive lineman Cameron Murray said. "At times there were opportunities for me personally and as a whole defensive line that we could've won some one-on-ones better, but we're working on it for this game because West Virginia is going to throw the ball a lot more."
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Game day awaits on Saturday, but for now the Cowboy defense is focused on improving every day.
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"As a unit, I feel like we're just getting better," Murray said. "My unit, the defensive line, is taking it one day at a time and accomplishing the goals we have set. It's just sticking to the process and sticking to the plan that coach Knowles has and trusting it."
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STILLWATER – The Oklahoma State defense was dominant in its season opener against Tulsa, giving up just seven points to a team that averaged over 26 points per game last season.
"It shows that we can put the game in our hands and put it on our back," linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez said. "We have veterans on the defensive side who can step up like that."
Â
Rodriguez sealed the game with a sack of Tulsa's Zach Smith on fourth and long late in the fourth quarter. When asked about the feeling of what it's like to have a clear and direct path to the quarterback, he made a culinary comparison.
Â
"Let's just say it's like a buffet at Golden Corral," Rodriguez said with a smile.
Â
Rodriguez's game-clincher was the only sack of the game for the Cowboys, which is something the coaching staff and defensive line have worked on this week in practice in preparation for West Virginia.
Â
"I feel like we have to win our one-on-one matchups," defensive lineman Cameron Murray said. "At times there were opportunities for me personally and as a whole defensive line that we could've won some one-on-ones better, but we're working on it for this game because West Virginia is going to throw the ball a lot more."
Â
Game day awaits on Saturday, but for now the Cowboy defense is focused on improving every day.
Â
"As a unit, I feel like we're just getting better," Murray said. "My unit, the defensive line, is taking it one day at a time and accomplishing the goals we have set. It's just sticking to the process and sticking to the plan that coach Knowles has and trusting it."
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Players Mentioned
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