OSU Notebook: Late night with the Gundys
BY MIKE STRAIN World Sports Editor
Thursday, September 09, 2010
9/09/10 at 5:55 AM
Mike Gundy said he wanted to chat with OSU fans tailgating after the Washington State game, which has become a postgame tradition for the coach and his wife, Kristen. But the Gundys went to two locations and fans were already gone.
Gundy had taped his television show and that resulted in an 11:46 p.m. exit from the stadium, he said. Tailgaters had headed home. He and his wife tried a restaurant, but it was packed and no parking spot was available. So, they went home.
"Unfortunately, our kids were still up," he said.
Gundy said he plans to find tailgaters after this week's game against Troy.
"We've had a hard time finding people at midnight, which is understandable," he said. "I'm sure I'd know where to find everybody, but I'm not sure Kristen and I have enough energy to go to those locations."
Love of the game: Kendall Hunter has talent, but he's got something extra.
"Kendall loves to play football and it's important to him," Gundy said. "So when he didn't get the opportunity to do it last year, he's been very excited about playing the game this year."
Not all college players love the game, Gundy said. But Hunter's talent and his desire are an effective combo.
"I'm not afraid to say that if Kendall stays healthy, Kendall can play this game for a long time," Gundy said. "Because he can make you miss. He doesn't run his mouth. He plays football for the right reasons, and he's a tough guy."
Holgorsen's philosophy: OSU used a powerful ground game featuring Hunter to blow out Washington State. Was all the running a surprise in the new spread attack of offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen? Not to Gundy.
"I researched him a little bit more than what people I think gave me credit for," Gundy said of the hiring process with Holgorsen. " ... I was told by enough people that he's not necessarily interested in statistics and throwing the football. He's interested in scoring points and ultimately winning games."
Lemon's return: Senior linebacker Orie Lemon missed last season with a knee injury, but returned last week against Washington State. He had five tackles, including half a sack.
"Orie played very fast - similar to the way Kendall played on offense," Gundy said. "(Lemon) played really well side to side. Limited number of mistakes and played very aggressive."
Original Print Headline: OSU Notebook: Late night with the Gundys
Associated Images:
Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter rushed for 257 yards and four touchdowns last Saturday against Washington State. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World
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