Oklahoma State University Athletics
Gundy Looking for Continued Improvement as Pokes Prepare for Arkansas-Pine Bluff
September 12, 2022 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy discussed the Cowboys' performance in a 34-17 win over Arizona State on Saturday and began looking ahead to Arkansas-Pin Bluff during his weekly media luncheon on Monday afternoon. Here is some of what he had to say:
Opening Statement:
"Alright. Back at it. Not really much on the last game to go over. It was pretty clear after the game with what I said and I was pretty dead on. Moving on. We improved in a few areas. We still have a long ways to go. I was encouraged by the improvement we had in certain areas. We'll continue to work hard this week at Oklahoma State. We'll come up with a good game plan and get started when the guys get back to work tomorrow."
On preparing to play an FCS opponent:
"I told the team that overall, on paper – whatever paper means, it didn't mean a lot last week – but on paper, people are going to say you're more athletic and a more talented team. I'm okay with that. I'm stressing the importance of focus. I'm stressing the importance of us improving in all three phases and also we understand we always respect whoever we play. We talk about in this culture for year here. They are averaging about 67 points a game; sometimes that's hard to do when you're playing air. Our players are aware of that. They've got some guys that run around and make plays. We need to be held accountable for ourselves as individuals and our three units and then line up and go play hard. That's what I told them last night."
On continuing to improve:
"We've got a lot of sharpening to do. We're a long ways away from being a sharp tool, as you know. We need practice. We need to practice. We still have youth. We have inexperience. We cut down mistakes considerably but we still have more mistakes than what we would have all year on a very productive year. We've identified those. We've come up with plans that we think helps us to eliminate those as we move forward. We need good practices this week. We'll worry about the next one later. For the most part, I told them the truth, 'This is where we're at. This is who we are. This is who they are. This is what they've accomplished. This is what we've done this year. This is what we need to get accomplished this week, all while having a gameplan for these guys like we would anybody else.'"
On the progression of Dominic Richardson:
"He's a big, physical runner. He's maturing some, we know that. He actually made some guys miss in space, which was encouraging. But, you know, Arizona State had skill and so, I was encouraged by that. I think we understands the type of runner he is and I think we need to work around his skillset, and then I think we need him to improve a little bit in each one of those areas."
On the improvement of the defense:
"We were better at communicating. You guys watched the game. In the first game, we left gaps open multiple times and turned guys loose in the red zone. In coverage, we were much better. We still have a ways to go, but we were improved. I'm pleased with the improvements we've made from week one to week two, but those improvements aren't to the point now that we can be successful for the remainder of the year. We need more improvements this week."
On managing the workload of his running backs:
"Well, all these guys get hit. Quarterbacks are going to get hit on Saturdays and not deliver blows, there just a freebee shot. Running backs takes the most punishment because, in most cases, they're getting hit in all different areas from guys that could potentially get a running head-start. So, it's always a concern and that's why we've had to play three running backs most every year that I've been here."
On the leadership of the older players:
"I talk to our team a lot about our DAT. Our discipline and toughness and explain to them and define that for them so they understand what that means, right? So most young people that we communicate with today, you can tell them something and they shake their head but they have no idea what you're talking about unless you question them and ask them. The other day I talked to the team about it and the way this culture was built and when we were done Brock [Martin] walked up and put his arm around me and said, 'coach all I really have is discipline and toughness but I'm really not that good.' He goes, 'I just kind of live of discipline and toughness.' I said 'well there's two things. One, that's true but two, you are pretty good because you choose to do that and you are tougher than most people that step on the field.' So yes, those are throwback guys."
On Preston Wilson becoming a leader of the offense:
"He's doing well. Preston is learning to navigate that particular position which is not easy. They kind of control everything so you've heard me say a lot of times that this offense is simple, except for the quarterback and it's simple somewhat except for the center. Those two guys really thrive on experience, and he's not had as much at that position. I'm pleased with where he's at at this point and not having a lot of experience navigating the offensive line because we rely on them to do a lot so I'm pleased with where he's at but he studies all the time. When I walk the halls, yesterday and today, he's there studying and watching tape on his own. He's dedicated to the concept."
On grading the offensive line's performance:
"I give them every bit of a 'B' this week because in the second half they were physical and covered guys up in the run game. I might've said this after the game, but our defensive line took over the game in the second half and our offensive line and running backs took the game over in the second half. It was a much different than what we did in the first game."
On Samuela Tuihalamaka:
"He's growing up in maturity and experience. Last year we had so many guys that he didn't get as many reps as he would've. We had a really good and deep defensive line last year. Now, he's playing more and learning to push through a little fatigue. His technique is better, shoulders are getting squared and he's not getting turned as much. What you're seeing is right. He is improving and getting better. He should be considerably better in a month."
Opening Statement:
"Alright. Back at it. Not really much on the last game to go over. It was pretty clear after the game with what I said and I was pretty dead on. Moving on. We improved in a few areas. We still have a long ways to go. I was encouraged by the improvement we had in certain areas. We'll continue to work hard this week at Oklahoma State. We'll come up with a good game plan and get started when the guys get back to work tomorrow."
On preparing to play an FCS opponent:
"I told the team that overall, on paper – whatever paper means, it didn't mean a lot last week – but on paper, people are going to say you're more athletic and a more talented team. I'm okay with that. I'm stressing the importance of focus. I'm stressing the importance of us improving in all three phases and also we understand we always respect whoever we play. We talk about in this culture for year here. They are averaging about 67 points a game; sometimes that's hard to do when you're playing air. Our players are aware of that. They've got some guys that run around and make plays. We need to be held accountable for ourselves as individuals and our three units and then line up and go play hard. That's what I told them last night."
On continuing to improve:
"We've got a lot of sharpening to do. We're a long ways away from being a sharp tool, as you know. We need practice. We need to practice. We still have youth. We have inexperience. We cut down mistakes considerably but we still have more mistakes than what we would have all year on a very productive year. We've identified those. We've come up with plans that we think helps us to eliminate those as we move forward. We need good practices this week. We'll worry about the next one later. For the most part, I told them the truth, 'This is where we're at. This is who we are. This is who they are. This is what they've accomplished. This is what we've done this year. This is what we need to get accomplished this week, all while having a gameplan for these guys like we would anybody else.'"
On the progression of Dominic Richardson:
"He's a big, physical runner. He's maturing some, we know that. He actually made some guys miss in space, which was encouraging. But, you know, Arizona State had skill and so, I was encouraged by that. I think we understands the type of runner he is and I think we need to work around his skillset, and then I think we need him to improve a little bit in each one of those areas."
On the improvement of the defense:
"We were better at communicating. You guys watched the game. In the first game, we left gaps open multiple times and turned guys loose in the red zone. In coverage, we were much better. We still have a ways to go, but we were improved. I'm pleased with the improvements we've made from week one to week two, but those improvements aren't to the point now that we can be successful for the remainder of the year. We need more improvements this week."
On managing the workload of his running backs:
"Well, all these guys get hit. Quarterbacks are going to get hit on Saturdays and not deliver blows, there just a freebee shot. Running backs takes the most punishment because, in most cases, they're getting hit in all different areas from guys that could potentially get a running head-start. So, it's always a concern and that's why we've had to play three running backs most every year that I've been here."
On the leadership of the older players:
"I talk to our team a lot about our DAT. Our discipline and toughness and explain to them and define that for them so they understand what that means, right? So most young people that we communicate with today, you can tell them something and they shake their head but they have no idea what you're talking about unless you question them and ask them. The other day I talked to the team about it and the way this culture was built and when we were done Brock [Martin] walked up and put his arm around me and said, 'coach all I really have is discipline and toughness but I'm really not that good.' He goes, 'I just kind of live of discipline and toughness.' I said 'well there's two things. One, that's true but two, you are pretty good because you choose to do that and you are tougher than most people that step on the field.' So yes, those are throwback guys."
On Preston Wilson becoming a leader of the offense:
"He's doing well. Preston is learning to navigate that particular position which is not easy. They kind of control everything so you've heard me say a lot of times that this offense is simple, except for the quarterback and it's simple somewhat except for the center. Those two guys really thrive on experience, and he's not had as much at that position. I'm pleased with where he's at at this point and not having a lot of experience navigating the offensive line because we rely on them to do a lot so I'm pleased with where he's at but he studies all the time. When I walk the halls, yesterday and today, he's there studying and watching tape on his own. He's dedicated to the concept."
On grading the offensive line's performance:
"I give them every bit of a 'B' this week because in the second half they were physical and covered guys up in the run game. I might've said this after the game, but our defensive line took over the game in the second half and our offensive line and running backs took the game over in the second half. It was a much different than what we did in the first game."
On Samuela Tuihalamaka:
"He's growing up in maturity and experience. Last year we had so many guys that he didn't get as many reps as he would've. We had a really good and deep defensive line last year. Now, he's playing more and learning to push through a little fatigue. His technique is better, shoulders are getting squared and he's not getting turned as much. What you're seeing is right. He is improving and getting better. He should be considerably better in a month."
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Cowboy Football
DT
/ Cowboy Football
OL
/ Cowboy FootballConfidence is Contagious - Inside OSU Athletics with Josh Holliday
Friday, April 10
Cowgirl Equestrian Big 12 Champs! - Inside OSU Athletics with Larry Sanchez
Friday, April 03
Title Talk | Landon Robideau Breaks Down His NCAA Championship vs. Defending Champ Antrell Taylor
Tuesday, March 31
Title Talk | Sergio Vega Breaks Down His NCAA Championship Win vs. 2x Champ Jesse Mendez (141 lbs)
Monday, March 30
