Tulsa World: Up close: Tim Beckman

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Up close: Tim Beckman

OSU safety/linebacker Andre Sexton was named Big 12 defensive player of the week after grabbing one of three Cowboy interceptions against Missouri. Sexton says defensive coordinator Tim Beckman deserves praise after OSU's win over Missouri. JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World

By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Published: 10/15/2008 2:11 AM
Last Modified: 10/15/2008 3:38 AM

STILLWATER — After descending from the Faurot Field press box, Oklahoma State second-year defensive coordinator Tim Beckman was anxious to celebrate last Saturday's upset victory over Missouri.

After entering the crowded, chaotic locker room, Beckman jumped into a tub filled with water, ice and Gatorade bottles.

"I couldn't wait to get down there," the 43-year-old Beckman said. "It's a family atmosphere at Oklahoma State, and I'm so happy to be involved in it."

Beckman's defense was unexpectedly outstanding against the Tigers, who entered with averages of 53.4 points and 568.8 yards per game. In addition to holding Missouri to 30 points and more than 100 yards below those averages, the Cowboys intercepted three Chase Daniel passes.

Last year, Beckman's first OSU defense was 101st nationally. This season, the eighth-ranked Cowboys are 62nd in total defense.

"(Beckman's) style and charisma and ability to recruit kind of fit what we look for on our staff," OSU head coach Mike Gundy said. "We're in the process of doing something very special here. We felt like he was a good hire, and it wasn't just me — it was the other guys on the staff."

Safety-linebacker Andre Sexton, the Big 12 defensive player of the week, had one of the three OSU interceptions at Missouri. He said he was as happy for Beckman as for himself and teammates.

"He deserves the success," Sexton said. "People were doubting him last year. This year, he shows that it really does work."

Tim Beckman is the son of Dave Beckman, who coached in the NFL and Canadian Football League. Tim Beckman's son Tyler is a quarterback on the Stillwater High School team.

The Cowboys are only 15 games removed from allowing 718 yards in a victory over Texas Tech. Did you expect this type of turnaround in a relatively brief amount of time?

"We just try to get better each week. It's just a blessing that these players can do that. Last year — that's why I'm gray now (referring to his hair color)."

Before last week, Missouri had not had a three-and-out offensive possession all season. Your defense forced a three-and-out on Mizzou's second possession of the game. Did you immediately recognize the significance?

"Heck, yeah. That was one of our goals going into the game. Let's be the first. As soon as (OSU defenders) came to the sidelines, our coaching staff gathered them together and said, 'That's our first one. Now, we've got to do it again.' And we did it again (in the third quarter)."

After beating Missouri and jumping to No. 8 in the AP poll, do you worry about your players losing focus?

"We celebrated properly (during) the plane flight home, which was 48 minutes. We landed, and then it was time to start thinking about Baylor."

What possessed you to jump in an ice tub after the Missouri game?

"You've got to celebrate with them. Seeing the look in the eyes of 18- to 21-year-olds it was fun. That's what it's all about."

BECKMAN FACTS

Position: Defensive coordinator

Coaching history: 2007-08, OSU; 2005- 06, Ohio State (cornerbacks); 1998-2004, Bowling Green (defensive coordinator); 1996-97, Elon (defensive coordinator); 1990-95, W. Carolina (secondary); 1988-89, Auburn (graduate assistant).

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

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Rhymeister, Tulsa (10/15/2008 6:07:14 PM)

Incredible victory, great job. Keep it up!

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