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Gundy, Cowboys Preview Final Road Game with Houston
November 13, 2023 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – Head coach Mike Gundy and several players met with the media Monday in Stillwater to preview the Cowboys' upcoming game at Houston. Here are some of their comments:
Head Coach Mike Gundy
On adjustments after Saturday's game:
"We didn't play good, they played good. We got caught in a bit of a perfect storm, as soon as they got ahead it started pouring, we couldn't function offensively. They were still running the ball, their quarterback did some good things and then we got into an all-out, sellout defense and offense and it snowballed on us. But, it's not like that we're still not a good football team, we just have to rally and understand the mistakes we made. But also, learn from that and then move forward, and that's what I told (the players)."
On minimizing big plays on defense:
"Big plays have been a problem for us. In the last month, we stabilized it pretty good against some good football teams. Good football teams are going to make plays, you're not just going to go into the game and stop them. We just have to minimize it the best we can."
On the importance of scoring first and playing from ahead:
"We were rolling pretty good on the first two drives before we had that fumble and a doink interception, we actually started the game pretty good. I was pleased with the first 10 plays. It's easier to play from ahead, we know that. Does it guarantee it one way or the other? No, but it helps just because then you know that you're in control of what's going on, and maybe you have the chalk last. You get a chance to kind of make decisions because things are working. We don't do this because we have quite a bit of maturity on the staff, they've been with us a long time, but sometimes coaches get into a panic mode early in the game when they don't need to. They need to stick to the plan. That's what can happen if you rely too much on scoring first."
On the team's attitude:
"The guys are good. I was thrilled with the way the team stayed together. They did a really good job of rallying together. At halftime (of the UCF game), they were awesome and we get out and drove right down the field. We stall out at the nine, we get a turnover, we throw an interception. What if we get two touchdowns right there? At least it'd change the complexion of the game. The team, they were really good, they were great."
On the advantages of playing in an area like Houston:
"People see who you are. It's marketing, right? When people see your logo places, it's beneficial, it can help. There were several prospects that were in the Orlando area that wanted to come to the game. We can't give them tickets or anything, but they had contacted us… The point being – because we were going there and playing there, there was interest in watching us play."
Wide Receiver Rashod Owens
On the matchup with Houston:
"They're a pretty good team. Just because their record doesn't show it, they're still going to give us a fight. So, we got to come prepared and play like how we usually play and come out there and conquer our win."
On bouncing back following the loss:
"You just got to keep consistency and that's the only thing that you got to have in your head. You can't always be too up, or you always can't be to down on yourself, you just got to stay and maintain the same attitude and same motivation that you have every week."
Kicker Alex Hale
On his confidence in the kicking team:
"They're doing a great job. I couldn't be any more confident (in them). Zeke gives good snaps, Wes is a good holder, great protection up front. So, no complaints at all. Great confidence in them and myself."
On being named a Lou Groza Award semifinalist:
"It's nice to get some recognition, but I just take it one kick at a time. Go out there when the team calls for a kick, go out there and kick to the best of my ability. So, it's nice to get recognition, but that's not the focus."
Cornerback Cam Smith
On learning from the UCF game:
"I feel like coming into the meeting the next day, watching our film, we all knew it wasn't our best game. We kind of already have an understanding of what needs to be fixed moving forward."
On finishing the season strong:
"It's just keeping the same mindset, staying motivated, even though it's getting late in the season. Everybody's tired. The leaders are still being leaders, even though it's late into the season, and holding the young guys accountable."
Fullback Braden Cassity
On keeping a good attitude in practice:
"That's not the culture around here (to lose focus after a loss). It's not like us to lose, but it's also not like us to dwell on it. So, everyone's (mad) and ready to come back again and go down to Houston. We're excited to just do what we do."
On practicing harder this year:
"I'm a firm believer in preparing thoroughly throughout the week, not taking any days off. Obviously, there's a fine line between hitting and keeping guys safe, but I feel like the practices this year, compared to years in the past, we're definitely getting after it. I do think it has been beneficial for us."
On Ollie Gordon II sharing the love:
"It's good all around. During the game this weekend, I was sitting across from him and I was sitting there getting locked in on the game. And I was like, 'man, when you truly love somebody as a brother, as a teammate, things like that. You'd do anything for him.' That's just kind of the mindset I have for Ollie. I would do anything to get this guy in the end zone."
Linebacker Xavier Benson
On the team's mentality:
"Very positive. We're still together as family. We realize there's not much to be said. It wasn't acceptable, we have to own up to that, be men and take accountability of actions. I like how everyone's responding in more of a positive manner, realizing we got to start from ground zero again because we got to earn what we lost. It starts with the simple things."
On staying focused on the game ahead:
"One game at a time. We know what's ahead of us and we know what could happen, but if you look too far, you'll stumble. We got to take every day as serious as Saturdays, because they are as serious as Saturdays. This is a really good conference and people are trying to beat us every week. Nobody is going to let up just because of your name. Football is football at the end of the day, you show up or you don't."
Head Coach Mike Gundy
On adjustments after Saturday's game:
"We didn't play good, they played good. We got caught in a bit of a perfect storm, as soon as they got ahead it started pouring, we couldn't function offensively. They were still running the ball, their quarterback did some good things and then we got into an all-out, sellout defense and offense and it snowballed on us. But, it's not like that we're still not a good football team, we just have to rally and understand the mistakes we made. But also, learn from that and then move forward, and that's what I told (the players)."
On minimizing big plays on defense:
"Big plays have been a problem for us. In the last month, we stabilized it pretty good against some good football teams. Good football teams are going to make plays, you're not just going to go into the game and stop them. We just have to minimize it the best we can."
On the importance of scoring first and playing from ahead:
"We were rolling pretty good on the first two drives before we had that fumble and a doink interception, we actually started the game pretty good. I was pleased with the first 10 plays. It's easier to play from ahead, we know that. Does it guarantee it one way or the other? No, but it helps just because then you know that you're in control of what's going on, and maybe you have the chalk last. You get a chance to kind of make decisions because things are working. We don't do this because we have quite a bit of maturity on the staff, they've been with us a long time, but sometimes coaches get into a panic mode early in the game when they don't need to. They need to stick to the plan. That's what can happen if you rely too much on scoring first."
On the team's attitude:
"The guys are good. I was thrilled with the way the team stayed together. They did a really good job of rallying together. At halftime (of the UCF game), they were awesome and we get out and drove right down the field. We stall out at the nine, we get a turnover, we throw an interception. What if we get two touchdowns right there? At least it'd change the complexion of the game. The team, they were really good, they were great."
On the advantages of playing in an area like Houston:
"People see who you are. It's marketing, right? When people see your logo places, it's beneficial, it can help. There were several prospects that were in the Orlando area that wanted to come to the game. We can't give them tickets or anything, but they had contacted us… The point being – because we were going there and playing there, there was interest in watching us play."
Wide Receiver Rashod Owens
On the matchup with Houston:
"They're a pretty good team. Just because their record doesn't show it, they're still going to give us a fight. So, we got to come prepared and play like how we usually play and come out there and conquer our win."
On bouncing back following the loss:
"You just got to keep consistency and that's the only thing that you got to have in your head. You can't always be too up, or you always can't be to down on yourself, you just got to stay and maintain the same attitude and same motivation that you have every week."
Kicker Alex Hale
On his confidence in the kicking team:
"They're doing a great job. I couldn't be any more confident (in them). Zeke gives good snaps, Wes is a good holder, great protection up front. So, no complaints at all. Great confidence in them and myself."
On being named a Lou Groza Award semifinalist:
"It's nice to get some recognition, but I just take it one kick at a time. Go out there when the team calls for a kick, go out there and kick to the best of my ability. So, it's nice to get recognition, but that's not the focus."
Cornerback Cam Smith
On learning from the UCF game:
"I feel like coming into the meeting the next day, watching our film, we all knew it wasn't our best game. We kind of already have an understanding of what needs to be fixed moving forward."
On finishing the season strong:
"It's just keeping the same mindset, staying motivated, even though it's getting late in the season. Everybody's tired. The leaders are still being leaders, even though it's late into the season, and holding the young guys accountable."
Fullback Braden Cassity
On keeping a good attitude in practice:
"That's not the culture around here (to lose focus after a loss). It's not like us to lose, but it's also not like us to dwell on it. So, everyone's (mad) and ready to come back again and go down to Houston. We're excited to just do what we do."
On practicing harder this year:
"I'm a firm believer in preparing thoroughly throughout the week, not taking any days off. Obviously, there's a fine line between hitting and keeping guys safe, but I feel like the practices this year, compared to years in the past, we're definitely getting after it. I do think it has been beneficial for us."
On Ollie Gordon II sharing the love:
"It's good all around. During the game this weekend, I was sitting across from him and I was sitting there getting locked in on the game. And I was like, 'man, when you truly love somebody as a brother, as a teammate, things like that. You'd do anything for him.' That's just kind of the mindset I have for Ollie. I would do anything to get this guy in the end zone."
Linebacker Xavier Benson
On the team's mentality:
"Very positive. We're still together as family. We realize there's not much to be said. It wasn't acceptable, we have to own up to that, be men and take accountability of actions. I like how everyone's responding in more of a positive manner, realizing we got to start from ground zero again because we got to earn what we lost. It starts with the simple things."
On staying focused on the game ahead:
"One game at a time. We know what's ahead of us and we know what could happen, but if you look too far, you'll stumble. We got to take every day as serious as Saturdays, because they are as serious as Saturdays. This is a really good conference and people are trying to beat us every week. Nobody is going to let up just because of your name. Football is football at the end of the day, you show up or you don't."
Players Mentioned
LB
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FB
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RB
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K
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WR
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CB
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