At OSU, Inc., mediocrity not tolerated
Published: 1/17/2007 11:50 AM
Last Modified: 1/17/2007 11:50 AM
Because of the stadium renovation, because of the money flowing into the program, because athletic director Mike Holder expects success and because home-game ticket prices were raised substantially, the stakes are higher than ever for the Oklahoma State football program.
At Oklahoma State, Inc., mediocrity will not be tolerated.
The first casualty of the new OSU standard was defensive coordinator Vance Bedford. When Mike Gundy announced last week that Bedford would not return for a third season on the staff, it was not a surprise.
Bedford was among the more likable guys at OSU, and he absolutely was the most quotable. After the loss at Houston, he likened critics of the defense to "rats and roaches." During the weekly Monday press conference, reporters flocked to Bedford because he was candid, informative and humorous.
Perhaps, in the opinion of Gundy, Bedford was too candid. During the final several weeks of the regular season, Bedford did not attend the weekly press conference.
In 2005, the Cowboy offense was terrible. In 2006, OSU ranked seventh nationally in scoring, seventh in rushing and 16th in total offense.
In 2005, the Cowboys ranked 95th nationally in total defense. In 2006, OSU was 89th. The O-State did show signs of improvement, but didn't keep pace with the considerable improvement that occurred offensively. And that's why Vance Bedford is a former Cowboy. At the new OSU, armed with unprecedented strength in money and resources, Gundy is determined to build a winner. Patience no longer is part of the plan.
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
