Oklahoma State Preparing for Home Game Against TCU
STILLWATER -- Oklahoma State is fresh off a thrilling 34-27 upset of No. 23 Iowa State on the road in Ames, Iowa and will be going up against a tough TCU team that's coming off a 37-27 upset of No. 15 Texas.
"We played well," said head coach Mike Gundy. "Defensively, we made big plays in the fourth quarter. We won the turnover battle and minimized penalties and it gave us the best chance to win. I was really proud of our team. We are back to work. The guys were in a good frame of mind last night and had good practice. We are looking forward to the next one where we are playing probably the best defense we've see all year. They are really good on defense solid up front. Maybe the best front six that I can remember them having. I think they have NFL players in the secondary. This will be a real challenge for our team but we are excited and looking forward to it. Their offense has been playing better. Their quarterback has been playing better with a little more experience. Obviously, we need to know where Jalen Reagor is, he is a difference-maker and a really special talen. Looking forward to the week and looking forward to playing on Saturday afternoon."
This game is going to be a tough one for both sides as they're both riding highs from upsetting ranked opponents, but probably more so for Oklahoma State because there's a couple of variables.
The Pokes started the year rather hot starting the season 3-0 and playing a tough Texas team in Austin to just six points. They then came home and beat a ranked, undefeated Kansas State team, but that's when the wheels feel off so to speak.
They lost two-straight to Texas Tech and Baylor, both games in which they should've won and had a couple of collapses on both sides of the ball that contributed to both losses.
Now the Pokes are coming off the win over Iowa State and will have an open week following the TCU game. So, it's really imperative that Mike Gundy and the Cowboys enter next week on a two-game winning streak.
Even with how explosive the Oklahoma State offense has been at times this season, it's still going to be a tall task as TCU enters this game with the No. 18 ranked total defense in the country.
"[Gary Patterson's] gone back to his traditional style [of coaching] now," coach Gundy said. "He experimented with a little three-down defense last year, might have been because of injuries...He has gone back to what I think he believes in. I'm sure he knows that they are really good inside and that backer can run and make a lot of plays. So, we have a good feel for them. He knows us too, I don't think there are any secrets there...I don't think there is anybody in the country that has a better defensive mind than him...The one issue you see on tape with them is that they don't miss tackles. In my opinion, that's why they are playing well. They are extremely good against the rush. We will have to have a really good plan and work hard."
