Tulsa World: Cowboys seeking a month of success

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Cowboys seeking a month of success
A great November is important if OSU is to achieve its goals.

Texas' Brian Orakpo celebrates after the Longhorns defeated Oklahoma State on Nov. 3, 2007. In the past three seasons under coach Mike Gundy, the Cowboys are 3-8 in November. JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World

By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Published: 11/1/2008 2:18 AM
Last Modified: 11/1/2008 2:20 AM

A great November is important if OSU is to achieve its goals.

Oklahoma State's players, coaches and fans seem determined to have an extraordinary football season, but that will not happen unless the Cowboys are better in this November than in previous Novembers.

Mike Gundy-coached Cowboy teams are 3-8 in November games. November 2008 kicks off with Saturday's 2:30 p.m. home meeting with slumping Iowa State (2:30 p.m., KTUL, channel 8).

The Cowboys, ranked ninth both in the AP Top 25 and the Bowl Championship Series standings, have two road dates left — No. 6 Texas Tech on Nov. 8 and Colorado on Nov. 15 — before ending the regular season Nov. 29 with No. 4 Oklahoma in Stillwater.

Unprecedented achievements are available to the Cowboys. At 7-1 overall and 3-1 in the Big 12, OSU still has a shot at surpassing the 10-win mark for the first time, still has a shot at its first Big 12 South title and still has a shot at its first BCS bowl.

Those possibilities become reality only if the Cowboys have a successful November.

"I think the (fans) are really excited," OSU coach Mike Gundy said. "I know I'm excited. I'm just glad to be along for the ride."

During his Monday press conference, 25 minutes passed before Gundy was asked specifically about Iowa State (2-6, 0-4).

"This week, our players have to understand the importance of preparation and hard work and taking care of Oklahoma State," Gundy said. "Iowa State is coming down here (with the intention) of winning the football game."

In 2006 and again in 2007, OSU lost in three of its final four regular-season games. A lack of depth resulted in late-season fatigue.

"We've had some issues over the last few years with injuries and depth in November," Gundy said. "I feel like we're healthier now, and hopefully we can stay that way. Our depth has provided our players an opportunity to stay healthier."

Two years ago, on average, about 40 players saw game action. On average this season, 55 players are involved in various offensive, defensive and special-teams assignments.

"It's different this year," said quarterback Zac Robinson. "We're the ones who feel stronger in the fourth quarter."

Said tight end Brandon Pettigrew: "We're stronger and fresher, and we definitely have a better attitude."

If defensive tackle Jeray Chatham seems more effective this season, it is because he is on the field for fewer plays, defensive coordinator Tim Beckman says.

"I think the addition of a good recruiting class has helped us build some stability," Beckman said. "Guys aren't having to play 80 or 90 reps a game."

Chatham was on the field for 50 plays in last week's 28-24 loss at top-ranked Texas. In a comparable game last year, he would have had at least 70 plays. Backup tackle Swanson Miller performed well at Texas.

"We see how close we are to our goals," Chatham said. "This November is going to be very, very important — and very great. Our bodies are fresh and we all feel good."

Pettigrew says he is not aware of Iowa State's record or statistics (the Cyclones are 11th in the Big 12 in total offense and 10th in total defense). Pettigrew does, however, have a vivid memory of the most recent OSU-ISU game. On Oct. 22, 2005, OSU was hammered 37-10 at Iowa State. Pettigrew was a freshman starter at tight end. OSU committed five turnovers.

"It was not a good time," Pettigrew says. "The whole team knew we wanted bigger and better things. This — what we have going on now — this is what we wanted.

"We've got a different swagger now. A different Cowboy swagger. We want to keep it going on."

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

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