OSU Notebook: No pain, no gain
BY JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
10/31/12 at 3:43 AM
OSU will take a three-game winning streak to Manhattan, Kan., for a game against third-ranked and unbeaten Kansas State. The Cowboys, tied for second in the Big 12 standings, reached this point because sacrifices were made.
"We have had a number of players in the last two weeks who have given us something in a game when they are hurt and injured," coach Mike Gundy said. "We have shared with them how much we appreciate what the team has given us."
Gundy said there are two types of players. Some guys can play with pain. Some guys can't. He also said it's important to clarify the difference between being injured and playing with pain.
"Unfortunately, for guys that have to play the game of football, you have to play with pain," he said. "The chances of finishing your career without going through some kind of pain are very slim."
Gundy mentioned J.W. Walsh (who finished a game against Iowa State despite a season-ending knee injury), Cooper Bassett, Isaiah Anderson, Jeremy Smith, Lyndell Johnson, Tyler Johnson and Wes Lunt as Cowboys who played despite being hurt.
"I could go on and on," Gundy said.
Offensive tackle Daniel Koenig was held out of practices last week, but played against TCU. Receiver Josh Stewart continued playing after he hurt a hand and finished with six catches for 120 yards.
From the archives: Gundy once played hurt against Kansas State. As a senior in 1989, he came off the bench and ignored an injured knee in directing OSU to a come-from-behind victory. He finished 8-of-8 for 120 yards, including a game-winning TD pass to Brent Parker with 1:37 left.
Big test: OSU's defensive linemen have gotten their share of compliments lately. They will have to play great this week, according to defensive coordinator Bill Young, who said K-State's offensive line is the best he has seen this year.
"Their tackles are giants," he said. "Their left guard (Cody Whitehair), who is only a freshman, he might be the strongest offensive lineman we have played against. He just grabs the guy in front of him and just throws him around and dominates him. It's going to be a great challenge for us."
Looking forward to it: Kansas State is led by a smashmouth quarterback, Collin Klein. The Wildcats can't be accused of using a finesse offense.
Said OSU linebacker and leading tackler Alex Elkins, "I respect that they want to play the tough game that football really is rather than spread everything out (like) typical Big 12 offenses."
