Challenges lie ahead, but OSU is 3-0 and stress-free
Published: 9/21/2010 9:17 PM
Last Modified: 9/21/2010 9:17 PM
STILLWATER – For anyone associated with the Oklahoma State football program, Tuesday had to qualify as a good day.
If it’s possible to actually have fun during a practice session, Cowboy coaches and players seemed to do exactly that. Mike Gundy seemed more at ease than at any time during any of his previous five seasons as head coach.
Having covered OSU football for seven seasons, I have never before sensed such stress-free confidence. In 2009, OSU was No. 9 in the preseason poll and driven by stars like Zac Robinson and Dez Bryant. But that team seemed saturated with tension.
Not much was expected from a 2010 OSU squad that had to replace nine defensive starters, four offensive linemen and a three-year starter at quarterback. In starting 3-0, the Cowboys have done exactly what they were supposed to do – they won home games over underdog opponents. But what suggests that 2010 could be interesting is the success with which OSU has gotten yardage and scored points. The Cowboys lead the nation in passing and rank No. 2 both in total offense and scoring.
Until OSU faces Big 12 opposition, no one really has any idea how good this team might be. Can the Cowboys sustain such impressive offensive productivity? Can they compete with Nebraska, Texas and Oklahoma? Can they get road wins at Texas Tech and Kansas State?
During a two-hour period on Tuesday, none of that seemed to matter. Gundy and his players just seemed to enjoy being on the practice field.
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
