Tulsa World: 'Horns find themselves in similar spot

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'Horns find themselves in similar spot

Texas head coach Mack Brown cheers on his team after a touchdown during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Missouri. AP PHOTO

By JOHN KLEIN Senior Sports Columnist
Published: 10/27/2009 2:22 AM
Last Modified: 10/27/2009 6:29 AM

Go to John Klein's Blog

Texas coach Mack Brown figures Oklahoma State is in the same position as last year's Texas Tech team.

A year ago, the Longhorns went to Tech as the undefeated No. 1 team in the nation. This year, they come to Oklahoma State unbeaten as the No. 3 team.

In many ways, it is the same situation.

"Everything is similar," Brown said.

Oklahoma State hopes the result is similar. Tech upset the Longhorns, and it cost Texas the chance to earn a spot in the national championship game.

Texas has had a year to stew over that loss and the ensuing BCS title game snub.

So, Brown has challenged his team.

"It is a chance to recapture something we lost last year," he said.

Oklahoma State and Texas had easy victories last week, both on the road.

Now, it is a game for the Big 12 South lead in Stillwater on Halloween night.

In recent years, this has been a wild game. A year ago, OSU was in it to the end of a one-touchdown game. Two years ago, the Cowboys blew a 21-point lead.

Brown believes having a number of Texans on the OSU team gets the Cowboys geared up for the Longhorns. OSU has about 50 players from Texas.

"So, I think they get really excited to play this game," Brown said. "Maybe we haven't matched that excitement."

That won't happen this year because Brown believes the 'Horns know this will be a big challenge.

"Our guys will be excited to play this game," he said.

Is OSU a better team than the past two years against Texas?

"Those were pretty good teams," said OSU coach Mike Gundy. "I'm not sure this is a better team."

But, this might be a more confident team.

The Cowboys have played and won big games in recent years. The program has made giant strides.

"He's (Gundy) done a great job," Brown said. "Each year they are in the mix in not only in the Big 12 but on the national scene."

OSU will need all of that confidence, gained from things like beating Georgia in the opener this year, to beat the 'Horns.

"I hope so," said Gundy about any help from the Georgia game. "Each week is different. There was a tremendous amount of hype for that game. It lasted for about a month."

State has been able to handle a wide variety of issues leading up to this game.

The Cowboys have lost key players to injuries, dealt with off-the-field issues and an NCAA suspension. It has left them without two of their best offensive players in Dez Bryant and Kendall Hunter.

"I think it's a good sign for the players, and part of developing a college football program and trying to consistently keep it at a level that we want it to be at is to be able to handle adversity and distractions and injuries." Gundy said. "Hopefully, we have put in place the structure to allow this program to continue to grow.

"Our team continues to improve each week. Our inexperienced or younger players have been making plays to help us win."

That certainly bodes well for the Cowboys.

"I think our team has continued to improve each week, and our somewhat inexperienced players or younger players that are making enough plays for us is really encouraging," Gundy said.

This game will not lack for drama.

Brown believes there are three reasons why this will be a huge game. He said OSU is a "very good team" and the game will be at night and on national television.

"This will be a game they've been looking forward to for a long time," Brown said. By JOHN KLEIN Senior Sports Columnist

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DontHaveToGuess, (10/27/2009 8:09:39 AM)

When was the last time an elite 9 1/2 favorite lost a road game in the Big XII ? OU at Colorado a couple of years ago ? It doesn't happen much. Hope the Pokes play hard, smart and proud to the end, whatever the score. Play well in this game, it gets them ready to play in Norman when that comes around. Go Pokes !

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