Oklahoma State University Athletics
Gundy, Cowboys Look Ahead to Road Test at TCU
November 04, 2024 | Cowboy Football
Head Coach Mike Gundy
On freshmen David Kabongo and Landyn Cleveland:
"I loved in the (Arizona State) game how they would come in and hit. When we play young players, we want to see them fight, we want to see them compete, we want to see them be physical and not let the game get bigger than it should. Now, they made mistakes, there was times they weren't in the right gaps… So, there's some risk and reward when you're playing true freshmen, but what I liked about it was they came in and stuck their face in there. (Kabongo) hit (ASU's Cam Skattebo) two or three times pretty hard, and I got a lot of respect for (Skattebo) as a football player. (Cleveland) came in there and smacked him a time or two. So, that's what they did in the game that I liked, and hopefully we can get them to continue on over the next three or four games to compete at the same level."
On his message to the team this week:
"(Our staff) have been working over the last two days and put a lot of time and effort in to give you guys a plan. Now, we're asking you to buy in and execute this plan. Then on Saturday, they'll play, turn it loose, have some fun and compete. That's the message I'll give them."
On the TCU offense schematically:
"We need to put a good plan together each week, but this style of offense is not anything that's unusual. They're going to run it, they're an RPO team… I don't know that they're going to be as quarterback-run heavy, just from a base as maybe what we've seen over the last month."
On similarities between Brennan Presley and Rashaun Woods:
"(Woods) was a long, tall outside guy and, obviously, (Presley) is more of a jitterbug inside guy. Not a lot of similarities. They were very trustworthy in critical situations. (That) would be one area that I would say they would be similar."
Wide Receiver Kyler Pearson
On his big game against Arizona State:
"It was a big moment for me. It was special for me and my whole family being able to watch. If you guys kind of know my story, I'm a fifth-year walk-on just waiting for my chance, doing whatever I got to do to help the team. That was a big opportunity for me and made the most of it. It made it all worth it turning around, celebrating with my teammates and seeing how happy they were for me."
On his first year at Oklahoma State:
"I think I just feel at home. Being here, being so close to my family, being around a lot of people that I grew up with on the team that I played against in high school. I've known them for a long time, so it really is a brotherhood here and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love the culture and what Coach Gundy has built here."
Offensive Lineman Isaia Glass
On spending time at left and right tackle:
"You could look at it being difficult, but I think it's been really fun. I mean, just having to stay to versatile, having to play both sides, having to flip your brain and kind of flip techniques. It's been really fun, and I feel like it's making me a better football player overall. Make me not so one-dimensional."
On if he prefers playing on the left or right side of the offensive line:
"I thought I liked left, but after a couple of games at right, I started to get my footing under myself and get pretty comfortable over there. Honestly, if I can get pretty comfortable on both sides, I don't care where I'm at."
Defensive Lineman Iman Oates
On focuses against TCU:
"I would say the biggest focus from the defensive standpoint is they like to get the ball to (Savion Williams) a lot. They find many different ways to get him the ball, so just trying to do what we can to execute our gameplan. Stopping the run, as always. That's key number one, so we can earn the right to rush the passer."
On stopping TCU's rushing attack:
"It's been a big emphasis from Coach Gundy to the defense. Just 11 guys flying to the ball, having relentless pursuit to the ball. Whether it's getting off the ball, getting off a block, just running to the ball, you need that on defense definitely. Everybody doing their assignment, doing your job, (be) within your job and dominate your job."
Cornerback Cam Smith
On his mindset coming down the stretch:
"Naturally as a competitor, you're down when you lose, but you know not to get too down because no matter what, we've still got a game this Saturday (and) the Saturday after. You just can't get too down… Play with good effort, run to the ball. That's just really been the focus these past couple of weeks."
On what he's seen from some the younger defensive players recently:
"Maturity as a freshman playing, that's not easy. Trying to play that fast and, definitely when you get into the game, it's a different speed. So, I'd say the maturity (is what stood out to me)."
