One day after his team's pulsating 49-45 victory over Texas Tech, Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy was still concerned over the play of his defense.

The Cowboys allowed 718 yards of offense, the most ever surrendered by OSU. The Cowboys were able to stop the Red Raiders on their final two offensive possessions. Tech's final possession played out when standout receiver Michael Crabtree was unable to corral a potential winning touchdown pass in the final seconds.

Still, Gundy has valid concerns about a defense that ranks 103rd out of 119 (Division I) in total defense at 464.8 yards per game.

"When you stand back there for 5-6 seconds, it's difficult to defend people. It's difficult to cover the pass in the secondary when you can't get pressure on the passer," Gundy said. "We have to continue to work hard and try to find ways to get pressure on the passer. We blitzed a lot (Saturday) and went after them some. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it didn't. That's what you get when you blitz a lot."

The task does not get any easier for the Cowboys' defense this week.

Up next is Sam Houston State. While it is an NCAA

Matt Doyle 581-8316
matt.doyle@tulsaworld.com