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OSU aims for end to Aggie wins
 
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Published: 9/30/2008  2:08 AM
Last Modified: 9/30/2008  3:31 AM

Listen to Mike Gundy talk about the OSU program during the Big 12 teleconference. Gundy says “there’s a strong commitment for the first time in the history of Oklahoma State football. That’s just a fact.”



STILLWATER For Mike Gundy-coached Oklahoma State football teams, meetings with Texas A&M have resulted in painful memories.

In 2005, OSU simply did not have the personnel to compete at A&M's Kyle Field. In a 62-23 defeat, OSU committed seven turnovers and gave up 694 yards.

In 2006, at Pickens Stadium, the Aggies blocked OSU's point-after kick in overtime and won 34-33.

And last year, again at College Station, the Cowboys squandered a 17-0, third-quarter lead. OSU was flagged for a late roughing-the-punter foul. A&M got another one-point win (24-23) over the Cowboys.

Recalling the 2007 setback, Cowboy running back Keith Toston said, "It left a little sickness in our stomach."

Said OSU guard Andrew Lewis: "I remember it being loud, I remember us being up by 17, and I remember losing. It was a heartbreaking loss. I didn't even want to talk to anybody for like a week. I don't know if (teammates) get motivated by it, but I am definitely motivated by it. It makes me mad to think that we should have beaten them."

The Aggies have defeated OSU in four straight games. If that streak is extended to five, it will be because of an upset.

At 6:05 p.m. Saturday, in a non-televised Big 12 opener at Boone Pickens Stadium, the No. 21 Cowboys (4-0) face an Aggie team (2-2) that lost at home to Arkansas State, lost at home to Miami (Fla.) and nearly lost at home to Army.

Against A&M, OSU is a 24-point favorite. If OSU wins, it will be 5-0 for only the eighth time in school history.

"We're in league play now, and everybody is aware that from this point on, the teams get bigger and faster and stronger, with much more depth," Gundy said.

OSU leads the nation in rushing and ranks No. 3 in scoring and No. 4 in total offense. The Aggies are 115th in rushing defense. In the Big 12, Texas A&M ranks last in scoring and total offense.

Referring to the Cowboy offense that averages 51.8 points and 562.5 yards, first-year Aggie coach Mike Sherman said, "You have to be able to defend everything with them. Also, their ability to score a lot of points may change how you play the game offensively. I think that's enough to keep me awake at night."

In games against A&M, Gundy's teams have been cursed at quarterback.

In 2005, because Bobby Reid had been injured one week earlier against Missouri, OSU backup QB Al Pena started against the Aggies. He was intercepted four times.

During the 2006 A&M contest, Reid sustained a concussion. Zac Robinson, then a redshirt freshman, played the entire second half and overtime.

It was the first significant action of his career.

Last year at Kyle Field, there was a reversal. Robinson was the starter. With 13 minutes left to play, he was knocked out of the game with a slight concussion. Reid played well in relief, but OSU allowed A&M to score two fourth-quarter touchdowns.

Saturday, Gundy said, the Cowboys hope to avoid drama or injuries at quarterback.

"I'd like to keep it settled," he said.



Bill Haisten 581-8397
bill.haisten@tulsaworld.com
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer

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COMMENTS 
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Dave in Houston, (9/30/2008 8:35:36 AM)
This has all the makings of a classic Cowchoke: 1) OSU entering the rankings, 2) opponent who is traditionally good but is down and desperate for win, 3) looking ahead to the first 'big' opponent next week. A&M wasn't bad last year so they haven't forgotten how to play, they've been adjusting to new coach. I see OSU winning but they won't have as high a margin as in past weeks - probably more like 17pt win.
Report Comment
MexiMike, tulsa (9/30/2008 12:00:46 PM)
So let me get this straight, Dave in Houston. It's a "cowchoke" if OSU only beats A&M by 17? First, you insinuate that they are going to lose (what else does choking mean?) and then you turn around and guess that they'll win by double digits. Can you even tell me the last time OSU was ranked and didn't beat a team they were favored to beat?

You have all the makings of a classic baffoon that spews non-sensical prattle.
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Dave in Houston, (9/30/2008 12:36:53 PM)
MexiMike...no insinuation was made, merely an observation based on a team's past performance. By all means they should win but, don't pretend to not know what I'm talking about. Year in and year out OSU falls short just as expectations begin to rise and gain national attention.

To answer your question: 2004. Coming off 2003 Cotton Bowl season, OSU entered the poll @ 25. Spent 3 weeks in polls climing to 21 and 16 and then abruptly lost to #23 Texas A&M 20-36 at Homecoming in true Cowchoke fashion.

Not nonsense...FACT
Report Comment
FIRE GUNDY, TULSA (9/30/2008 2:22:50 PM)
Sadly I agree with Dave, but hopefully we pull it off this weekend, should be 5-0 after Saturday but Gundy is capable of anything.....
Report Comment
MexiMike, tulsa (9/30/2008 4:15:43 PM)
I see where you are coming from Dave but I really don't see OSU choking in this game. For no other reason I would say it is because they are playing A&M. The same A&M they have barely lost to the last couple years in games they were capable of winning and should have won. With that being said, I don't think OSU is going to overlook them in view of Mizzou.

Good catch on the ranked loss though. Forgot about that one...ironic that it was against A&M as well.
Report Comment
Have that, America (10/1/2008 8:45:24 AM)
Im thinking a 45-28 pokes win, which is 17 points, but 21 of A&M's points coming in the late 3rd & 4th.
 

 
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