Tulsa World: Up close: Dan Bailey

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Up close: Dan Bailey

Dan Bailey, kicking an extra-point attempt at Pickens Stadium last Saturday versus Troy, has made all his point-after attempts — 26 — so far this season. Bailey, who had switched to white shoes for the first few games of the season, went back to his orange pair for the Troy game. Stephen holman/Tulsa World

By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer
Published: 10/1/2008 2:10 AM
Last Modified: 10/1/2008 2:56 AM

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State kicker Dan Bailey has been perfect on all 26 extra-point attempts this season and is 5-of-6 on field goal attempts.

But instead of commanding attention for his kicking prowess, he has been noticed more for what he had on his feet rather than what he did with his feet.

During spring and preseason practices, Bailey wore bright- orange shoes. After enduring kidding from teammates, the sophomore from Yukon changed to white shoes for the first three games.

But Bailey went back to the orange shoes for last Saturday's 55-24 win over Troy.

The shoes were different, but there was no slippage in performance.

He was 7-of-7 on point-after kicks and connected on two field goals.

At the start of the season, why did you change from the orange shoes?

It was a game-time decision. I had them with me, but I decided to go with the white ones. Everybody was giving me a hard time in practice, asking if I was going to wear them in the (opener against Washington State). I just decided at the last minute to wear the white ones.

So why did you change back to the orange shoes for the Troy game?

It was kind of a bet, to see how long I could go without them. The players were giving me a hard time, so I figured I would break them out either last week or this week for A&M.

With all the different playing surfaces, what is your decision-making process in determining what shoe to wear?

When you have firmer ground, I use a softer cleat. It's really not too much different from turf to grass. There are a few little issues, but nothing too major to totally change my mind. I just make a couple of little adjustments and then I'm good to go.

You are a walk-on — a nonscholarship player. Last winter, OSU signed a nationally ranked high school kicker, Quinn Sharp, and gave him a scholarship. How much did that motivate you to keep the kicking job?

Competition is good for anybody. Everybody has to compete for their job every day. Quinn is a great kicker and he has been pushing me every day.

What do you do to stay focused on the sideline during the game?

I try to stay loose and kick into the net every once and a while. I don't like to sit down. I tried to walk up and down the sideline just to try to keep my mind clear.

In the fourth quarter last week, the crowd booed as you took the field to kick a 19-yard field goal. Did you take that personally?

No, I was with the crowd. I wanted to see the offense punch it in for the touchdown. But an opportunity came up for me and I took advantage of it.

BAILEY FACTS

Position: Kicker

Class: Sophomore

Height: 6-0

Weight: 205

Hometown: Yukon

Matt Doyle 581-8316
matt.doyle@tulsaworld.com By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer

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	Report Comment OSUArthur, Fayetteville (10/1/2008 8:56:10 PM) I love it. "I was with the crowd. I wanted to see the offense punch it in for the touchdown." I love it from a kicker.
	Report Comment Ken3, ... (10/2/2008 6:19:07 AM) Dan is truly "THE MAN"

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