Don’t forget about defense
Oklahoma State’s high-powered offense can humble defenders, including Cowboys defenders in practice. But the defense has its days, too.
Mike Gundy is an offensive coach at heart.
Former quarterback owning a slew of old Big Eight passing records. Former offensive coordinator, both under Les Miles and while calling his own plays during an early stage of his head coaching gig at Oklahoma State.
Still, Gundy has learned to appreciate defense. And when his latest defense has a good day against this Cowboys offense, featuring Mason Rudolph as the triggerman of so many explosive options, that’s a good day.
And the OSU defense has had some of those days.
“Forever I was so zoned in on the offense that I would get upset if they weren’t doing well,” Gundy said. “And then about six to eight years ago I realized that I would prefer that the defense do better.
“I’ve always felt like we could scheme our offense to be able to find ways to score, but on the defensive side, the speed and talent part of it is so important. It’s nice when we go through a practice and the defense can just kind of shut our guys down.
“It makes us feel a little better, but it has been back and forth so far and I’m pleased with that side of practice.”
Hill considers Baylor his takeoff
For Justice Hill, last year’s Baylor game was memorable, both good and bad.
That was Hill’s first career start, a 35-24 loss in Waco in OSU’s fourth game. He ran 20 times for 122 yards and a touchdown, but also fumbled twice, once as he was slashing toward the goal line at the Bears 2 with the Cowboys ready to take their first lead.
In the aftermath, however, Hill took off, becoming OSU’s first freshman 1,000yard rusher and earning Freshman All-American honors, all while taking care of the ball.
“It was my first game really playing serious,” Hill said. “That game I was able to learn a lot. And I made sure I learned from the experiences I had there and carried them on throughout the season.”
Quotable
Gundy on the impact his various sideshows have on his team:
“All the stuff that’s gone on with me and the marketing and all that, that stuff only works when you’re winning. If my hair is long, and we’re losing, it’s not near as fun. People are gonna say, ‘Cut your hair’ all the time. It’s all based on (the team’s) success, and I think they understand that side of the game.’”
Ateman recovered, ready
Marcel Ateman had big plans for 2016.
And the Cowboys had big plans for their big wide receiver, after a breakout 2015 that saw him start 12 games and catch 45 passes for 766 yards and five touchdowns.
Then plans changed. Ateman suffered a preseason foot injury that eventually sidelined him all of last season. So being back on the field — healthy and again running full speed — he senior from Dallas is appreciative.
“It’s a blessing from God,” Ateman said. “I really feel that way. I had something taken away from me, but I have another chance. I have another opportunity. It’s just a great feeling to know I can be back out here.”