Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Bedlam Is Senior Day for the Cowboys
Levy Adcock - OL
- 2010 first-team All-Big 12...All-America candidate
Hubert Anyiam - WR
- Despite injuries, will end his career among OSU's all-time leading receivers
Jamie Blatnick - DE
- Three-year starter having his best season
Colton Chelf - WR
- Originally a walk-on who has become a contributor on record-setting offenses
Josh Cooper - WR
- One of the top receivers in OSU history
Jarrod Fields - DB
- Special teams contributor and a player favorite
Grant Garner - C
- Two-year starter and team's most underrated player
Kyle Hale - S
- Becoming a big special teams contributor
Ryan Howard - QB
- Completing his only season in Stillwater
Richetti Jones - DE
- Four-year contributor in his first year as a starter
Casey LaBrue - OL
- Has performed well as Garner's backup
Markelle Martin - S
- Ringleader of the Cowboy defense the past two seasons
Nick Martinez - OL
Versatile o-lineman who started at two different spots
Nehemiah Mundy - DB
- Transfer from UNLV
James Thomas - LB
- Playmaker for the defense and part-time starter
Brandon Weeden - QB
- Record-setting Cowboy
Wilson Youman - DL
- Contributor on both sides of the ball during his career
** Justin Blackmon - WR
- Record-setting Cowboy and 2010 Biletnikoff Award winner
** Blackmon has been with the OSU program for four years and will likely participate in the NFL draft this spring.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Soldiers Fly OSU Flag in Afghanistan
Bedlam - a scene or state of wild uproar and confusion.
The Bedlam matchup between #3 Oklahoma State and #10 Oklahoma Saturday has long been a must-see event with BCS hopes on the line. This year is no exception! The rivalry runs deep in the heart of Oklahomans and stretches all around the world. This photo was taken in Afghanistan by two OSU fans Stuart Cook (Stillwater native) and Jared Marsh.
Cowboy Football thanks all the military for their service and dedication to our country.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
#3 Oklahoma State Has Eyes On OU Saturday
ESPN.com -
Can Oklahoma State catch No. 2 Alabama in the BCS standings?
The Pokes, who didn't play this past weekend, moved to No. 3 in the BCS standings released on Sunday night, after then-No. 3 Arkansas was walloped 41-17 at No. 1 LSU on Friday. The Cowboys still trail the Crimson Tide by .0839 points, which is a little bit less than last week's .1083-point deficit.
But if you look deeper into the BCS standings, you'll see that the Cowboys made even more progress in the Harris Poll and USA Today coaches' poll. A week ago, the Crimson Tide had a 748-point advantage over the Pokes in total votes in the two human polls. Alabama's lead was trimmed to 508 points this week, which is still a pretty big advantage with only one week to go in college football's regular season.
The human polls make up two-thirds of the BCS formula and a team's average in six computer polls make up the other one-third. The top two teams in the final BCS standings released on Dec. 4 will play in the Jan. 9 Allstate BCS National Championship Game in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.
OSU In The Hunt For BCS Title Game
Oklahoma State Slides into Third in BCS Rankings
LSU (1.000) remained No. 1 in the BCS standings two days after whipping Arkansas, which slipped from No. 3 to No. 8.
Alabama (.955), fresh off trouncing rival Auburn, stayed at No. 2. The Tide, whose regular season is over, will watch LSU face Georgia in the SEC Championship Game this week.
Oklahoma State (.871) replaced Arkansas at No. 3, while No. 4 Stanford (.856) moved up to pass No. 5 Virginia Tech (.781).
Unbeaten Houston (.740), led by record-breaking quarterback Case Keenum, jumped two spots to No. 6, passing No. 7 Boise State (.703) and Arkansas (.700).
No. 9 Oregon (.686) passed No. 10 Oklahoma (.671) to round out the top 10.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Mike Gundy Featured in Distinctly Oklahoma Magazine
When Oklahoma State University recruited Mike Gundy to lead their football team as quarterback in the 1980s, few could have imagined he would lead the program to even greater heights as head coach over 20 years later.
Gundy wasted little time displaying his football skills and smarts once he donned the pads back in his playing days. Only midway through his freshman year, he took on the role of starting quarterback. While performing that job from 1986 to 1989, the former Midwest City Bomber helped prove that Oklahoma State could achieve great things on the gridiron even while shackled with the barnacles of inferior athletic facilities, perpetual coaching turnover, and sub-par commitment to the program from the university administration and donors.
Learning “How to Gundy!” in Stillwater
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Todd Monken Up for OC of the Year
At times this season, Todd Monken’s offense at Oklahoma State has looked unstoppable. The Cowboys are averaging nearly 50 points per game. Through 11 games, they have 82 plays that went for over 20 yards (#2 in the nation). Even went they don't explode for big plays, it’s hard to stop them (#7 in 3rd down conversion %). Monken’s quarterback (who he also coaches) Brandon Weeden has completed 73 percent of his passes for 34 touchdowns and averages nearly 375 yards per game in the air. On the receiving end, Justin Blackmon has nearly 1,250 yards receiving and 15 TDs. Protection wise they are very sound as well, with the offensive line only allowing 1 per game. Oh, and on the ground, his top back is 30th in the nation in rushing. Solid.
Previous winners of the Offensive Coordinator of the Year award are Kevin Wilson (Oklahoma, 2008), Bryan Harsin (Boise State, 2009) and Gus Malzahn (Auburn, 2010).
FootballScoop.com - OC of the Year Nominations
Kicker Dan Bailey continues hot streak
LANDOVER, Md. -- There seemed to be a lot of confusion toward the south side of FedEx Field on Sunday afternoon.
There was the holder, Tony Romo, trying to call a timeout.
On the sidelines, Washington Redskins veteran coach Mike Shanahan tiptoed down the sideline calling one. The referees granted Shanahan his timeout as the play clock read zero.
The Dallas Cowboys avoided an embarrassing moment with Romo as the holder again.
And while this was getting sorted out, Dan Bailey, the rookie kicker, was waiting. When Bailey finally got his chance, he booted a game-winning 39- yard field goal in overtime to give the Cowboys a 27-24 victory over the Redskins.
The way Bailey is going -- 24 consecutive made field goals -- he might never miss.
ESPN.com Video - Bailey Hits the Game Winner for Dallas
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
OSU Clinches Share of Big 12 Title
Oklahoma State has clinched a share of the 2011 Big 12 Conference Championship. The Cowboys are 10-1 on the year and 7-1 in league play. It's the first shared conference title for OSU since 1976 and will have an opportunity to be named outright champions with a win on Dec. 3 against in-state rival Oklahoma. OSU has never won an outright conference title in school history.
The Cowboys earned a share of the 1976 Big Eight Championship under head coach Jim Stanley. OSU was 9-3 that season with a 5-2 league record. The Cowboys won their last four games that season including a 49-21 victory over BYU in the Tangerine Bowl.
Oklahoma State 10-1 with Goals Still Alive
The Oklahoma State Football program has reached new highs in 2011 and all the goals originally set prior to the season are still alive for the Cowboys. OSU is 10-1 and nationally ranked in the top 10 in every major poll. The Cowboys are coming off a heart breaking loss at Iowa State but have two weeks to prepare for a monumental game with in-state rival Oklahoma on Dec. 3. Set your calendars for a Bedlam showdown at 7 p.m. CT inside Boone Pickens Stadium. OSU has already clinched a share of the Big 12 Conference title but win on Dec. 3 and it belongs to the Pokes.
The Cowboys are faced with adversity for the first time this season but it's how you respond that measures a teams true character. Expect the Oklahoma State program to persevere and continue to build on an already great season.
The 2011 has a been a season of firsts for OSU. Here is a list of accomplishments to this point.
- Clinched a share of the Big 12 conference title - first time since 1976
- 10-1 overall record - including a school record 10-0 start
- 7-1 in Big 12 play - 7-0 conference start for first time in school history
- 11-game winning streak - second longest in school history
- Highest BCS ranking (2nd) in school history
- Highest National Ranking in School History (2nd)
- 39 wins over last 3 1/2 years
- National Coach of the Year Nominee
- 7 league wins is an Oklahoma State record
- 9 Student-Athletes Named Academic All-Big 12
- Lead the nation in turnovers gained
- Top 5 nationally in Scoring, Total Offense, Passing and First Downs
- Second time in school history OSU has 10 wins in regular-season
- Won 10 games in two straight seasons for first time since 1987-88
- Second time in school history with 20 or more wins in two-year period (1987-88)
- 9 wins in four straight season for first time in school history
- 29 consecutive appearances in the BCS standings, tied for second in the FBS
- Ranked among Top 10 nationally throughout the season
- Highest associated press ranking (2nd) in school history
- Set New Single-game attendance record vs. Kansas State
- Five of the largest crowds in school history
- Set new records for most points in a game (70), most touchdowns (10), most points in a half (56), most points in a quarter (35)
- First team to beat Texas in Austin back-to-back years since 1910
- 3 wins over Top 25 Opponents (Texas A&M, Texas, Kansas State)
- Top 10 road win in 2011 (Texas A&M)
- Top 25 road win in 2011 (Texas)
- Heisman Candidates (Brandon Weeden & Justin Blackmon)
- Fred Biletnikoff Award semifinalist (Justin Blackmon)
- Doak Walker Semifinalist (Joseph Randle)
- Jim Thorpe Semifinists (Markelle Martin & Brodrick Brown)
- Rimington Trophy Watch List (Grant Garner)
- Lou Groza Semifinalist (Quinn Sharp)
- Davey O’Brien Award Semifinalist (Brandon Weeden)
- Lott IMPACT Trophy Semifinalist (Brodrick Brown)
- First Back-to-Back wins vs. Texas Tech in Lubbock since 1942 and ‘44
- 10 straight road victories
- OSU scored 66 against the Red Raiders - Most ever allowed by Texas Tech
- Most points ever scored by OSU at Texas (38)
- Snapped Missouri’s 10-game home winning streak
- 9 straight wins against Texas members of the Big 12 Conference
- 11-1 against Big 12 Texas schools since 2009
OSU football: Cowboys back in the title hunt
On Saturday night (actually Sunday morning), driving from Waco to Dallas, I did the same. And came up with a scenario by which the Cowboys could be back in the Big Bowl.
That was the result of the Saturday Night Massacre. A day that began with North Carolina State’s upset of seventh-ranked Clemson continued into Saturday night, when Baylor stunned No. 5 Oklahoma and Southern Cal beat No. 4 Oregon. And suddenly, the BCS rankings released later Sunday likely are to look like this: 1. LSU; 2. Alabama; 3. Arkansas; 4. Oklahoma State; 5. Stanford.
OSU Still Controls Destiny
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
#2 OSU Faces Iowa State Friday on ESPN
#2 Oklahoma State (10-0, 6-0) will play its 55th nationally televised game under head coach Mike Gundy Friday in Ames, Iowa, when the Cowboys face Iowa State (5-4, 2-4) at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN. OSU hopes to build upon its historic season and brings an 11-game winning streak into the contest. The Cowboys will be looking to go undefeated on the road for the second straight season and tie the school's all-time win record with 11 victories.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN by Joe Tessitore, Rod Gilmore and Samantha Steele. The game will also be broadcast on the Cowboy Radio Network with Dave Hunziker, John Holcomb and Robert Allen calling the action.
Oklahoma State Game Notes vs. Iowa State
Oklahoma State Sets Aim on Iowa State
"We've played so well to this point, there's no reason to take someone for granted," said quarterback Brandon Weeden, who has emerged as a leading Heisman Trophy candidate heading into Friday night's contest between OSU (10-0, 7-0 in Big 12) and Iowa State (5-4, 2-4) in Ames, Iowa.
"We respect Iowa State. In college football today, if you overlook an opponent, bad things happen ... and all the goals we've set for ourselves are no longer attainable."
OSU, which secured the first 10-0 football record in school history with last week's 66-6 rout of Texas Tech, can clinch an opportunity to play Dec. 3 for a berth in the BCS National Championship Game by knocking off the Cyclones. But Iowa State, which had a bye last week, averages 183 rushing yards per game and leans on the contributions a dual-threat quarterback to make it happen.
Oklahoma State focused on perfection, BCS title game
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
DE Ugo Chinasa Signs with the Detroit Lions
Former Oklahoma State standout Ugo Chinasa was signed to the practice squad Thursday by the Detroit Lions. Chinasa, who spent time with Carolina during the summer, is in his rookie season in the NFL.
He is joined in Detroit by two former OSU stars. First-round draft pick TE Brandon Pettigrew and OL Corey Hillard are on the active roster for the Lions this season.
Chinasa had 32 tackles for Oklahoma State in 2010, with 25 solo stops to lead OSU's down lineman in both categories. He had three sacks during his final season in Stillwater.
Current Cowboys In The NFL
- Dan Bailey (Dallas Cowboys)
- Billy Bajema (St. Louis Rams)
- Dez Bryant (Dallas Cowboys)
- Ugo Chinasa (Detroit Lions)
- Corey Hillard (Detroit Lions)
- Kendall Hunter (San Francisco 49ers)
- Charlie Johnson (Minnesota Vikings)
- Jacob Lacey (Indianapolis Colts)
- Orie Lemon (Dallas Cowboys)
- Ryan McBean (Denver Cowboys)
- Russell Okung (Seattle Seahawks)
- Juqua Parker (Philadelphia Eagles)
- Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit Lions)
- Zac Robinson (Cincinnati Bengals)
- Antonio Smith (Houston Texans)
- Kevin Williams (Minnesota Vikings)
ESPN.com - OSU Special Teams Making Impact
The difference? For the second consecutive season, a gimme kick gone haywire.
Freshman Dan Goodale pushed a 39-yard kick wide right from the center of the field, cueing a wild celebration from the TCU sidelines as disappointed fans filed out the exits.
A week later, Alabama's perfect season ended on its home field, too, making just two-of-six field goals in a 9-6 overtime loss to LSU.
"That was a heck of a situation. That’s the worst possible situation for a kicker. Especially with Boise, it’s happened two years in a row now, but it’s just one of those things, you really are either the hero or the zero," Sharp said. "You never want to see that happen to somebody like that, but unforuntately, that’s the nature of the game."
OSU special teams play is especially Sharp
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Justin Blackmon Named Biletnikoff Semifinalist
Monday, November 14, 2011
Weeden Takes Over No. 1 Spot in Heisman Rankings
OSU's Brandon Weeden takes over the No. 1 spot in this week's Heisman rankings after another excellent performance. The senior threw five more touchdowns, giving him 31 on the season. He also threw for 423 yards, the third time this season he's thrown for more than 400. Weeden and Oklahoma State have a huge game on the horizon that can make or break their season.
The Heisman race is really tight now with Brandon Weeden, Trent Richardson and Andrew Luck locked in a huge battle. Oklahoma State's Weeden takes over at No. 1 this week, but the other two are right behind him.
Heisman Hopefuls
Blackmon Among Best WR at Any Level
Justin Blackmon is the best receiver in college football. In fact, he might be the best receiver in all of football. While fans of Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson will certainly disagree with my opinion, the Oklahoma State star is one of the best receiving prospects in years.
At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, Blackmon is an athletic playmaker with size and ball skills. He tracks and adjusts well to errant throws, and provides quarterbacks with a big target who can go up and get the ball. Although he is only a junior, he's extremely polished as a route runner and is an explosive threat with the ball in his hands. His running skills evoke images of Terrell Owens in his prime. Part of that assessment is based on Blackmon's dominance over the past two seasons. He had 111 receptions for 1,782 yards with 20 touchdowns in 2010, and has snagged 93 balls for 1,142 yards with 14 scores so far this season. He has 18 games with 100-plus receiving yards and 10 games with 10-plus receptions over the past two years.
By: Bucky Brooks | NFL.com
Read his full report here
Brandon Weeden is Heisman Front-Runner
Oklahoma State senior quarterback Brandon Weeden has emerged as the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy.
STILLWATER — As ESPN finished its weekly “BCS Countdown show,” where the updated Bowl Championship standings are revealed each Sunday night, the conversation between analysts turned to the Heisman race.
Brandon Weeden was listed as Kirk Herbstreit's new front-runner for the award.
Brandon Weeden catching up in race for Heisman
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Boston Herald - OSU Looks Like Championship Team
And forget about the possibility of these Cowboys being too uptight to seize a historic opportunity Saturday in Jones AT&T Stadium.
OSU manhandled Texas Tech on both sides of the ball, holding the high-scoring Red Raiders without an offensive touchdown during a 66-6 rout that established all kinds of historic precedents.
Oklahoma State has championship look in rout of Texas Tech
Saturday, November 12, 2011
ESPN.com - Oklahoma State's Defense States Case
At game's end, Mike Gundy had every right to rip his shirt off, grab a microphone and scream, "Are you not entertained?"
Texas Tech hadn't been shutout since 1987. It's defense had never given up more than 65 points. Oklahoma State, thanks to a second-half gift fumble returned for a touchdown, beat Texas Tech, 66-6.
Despite any devilish pleasure Gundy took in the gladiator-like win, he declined any postgame theatrics.
"It got started with our defense -- a three-and-out," he said. "They played with a lot of energy and ran to the football. Even when [Texas Tech] did make a play, we tackled and we were very physical when we tackled."
Oklahoma State's defense states case
Oklahoma State Rolls Past Texas Tech, 66-6
LUBBOCK, Texas -- Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy trusts his second-ranked Cowboys can handle the mounting pressure as they approach their final two games.
After beating Texas Tech 66-6 on Saturday, No. 2 Oklahoma State is likely two more victories away from playing for the national title.
"There is pressure. Each week I know you can feel it" said Gundy, whose team is 10-0 for the first time in school history. "But it's our responsibility to manage it."
"But I believe in the leadership of this team, that they feel the importance of getting ready for the next game."
Brandon Weeden threw for 423 yards and five touchdowns and Joseph Randle ran for three more scores to lead Oklahoma State.
The Cowboys, second in the BCS standings this week, next (7-0 Big 12) play at Iowa State before closing their season at home against Oklahoma in the Bedlam game.
No. 2 OSU puts Texas Tech away early with big first half
Cowboys at Texas Tech
Oklahoma State will wear while helmets, white tops and gray bottoms today against the Red Raiders. It's the 10th different combination this season for the Cowboys.
The weather in Lubbock is perfect for college football. It's mostly sunny with a little wind. The high is expected to be in around 75 today.
OSU is playing at Tech for the second consecutive season. The Pokes pulled out a 34-17 victory last year and won their first game in Lubbock since 1944.
The Cowboys have won two in a row against Tech and three of the last four meetings. However, Texas Tech leads the all-time series 21-14-3.
Check the Cowboy Huddle after halftime for a photo gallery from today's game.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Playmaker James Thomas is Big Time
The Cowboys defense desperately needed a big play.
The Cowboys needed Big Game James.
And as if on cue, James Thomas popped up to pick off K-State quarterback Collin Klein near midfield, then barreled along the sideline all the way to the Wildcats 5. Soon enough, Brandon Weeden found Tracy Moore for a touchdown, and the Cowboys were breathing again, back in a game they'd eventually win 52-35.
“They call me Big Game James,” Thomas said matter-of-factly this week.
'Big Game James' comes off the bench and delivers for Cowboys
Thursday, November 10, 2011
DE Richetti Jones is a Cowboy Leader
“God, we come to you in this circle,” Jones always says, “because a circle has no beginning and no end. We come together, in unity, as brothers to lift your name up.”
He will finish off the ritual, too, before the Cowboys huddle up and head to the locker room.
It's those types of acts that make Jones such a critical piece of the No. 2 Cowboys. He's more than the starting defensive end that makes life tough on opposing quarterbacks.
Richetti Jones is Cowboys' circle of faith ringleader
#2 OSU Battles Texas Tech Saturday at 11 a.m.
Oklahoma State is 9-0 on the season, and the only undefeated team in conference as well at 6-0. The Cowboys, who have matched the best start in school history, have beat up on most opponents this year, but last week they were involved in a shootout with visiting Kansas State, prevailing 52-45. Including this matchup with Texas Tech, the Pokes have three games remaining in the regular season, the biggest of which will be the finale at home against bitter rival Oklahoma. The winner of that bout will likely win the Big 12 and earn the league's automatic bid to a BCS bowl game.
KC Star - OSU vs. Texas Tech Preview
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
OSU Defense Creates Turnovers
Oklahoma State is testing the theory that defense wins championships.
The Cowboys, according to BCS analysts, will play for the national title if they win their final three games at Texas Tech on Saturday, at Iowa State on Nov. 18 and home to Oklahoma on Dec. 3.
They will be heavily favored to win the first two and a slight favorite to beat the Sooners in Stillwater.
If the season ended today, the BCS title game would match a team (LSU) that scored nine points Saturday against a team that allowed 45. What has football traditionalists shaking their heads in disbelief is that second-ranked Oklahoma State could get this far with a defense that ranks 110th overall, 99th against the run, 100th against the pass and 77th in points allowed.
"We would all like to have a shutdown defense ranked in the top 10 or 20. But you make the best of what you've got,'' Cowboys coach Mike Gundy said. "We've found other ways to get the job done.''
Oklahoma State defense is stronger than you think
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
2011 Accomplishments for OSU under Mike Gundy
#2 Oklahoma State has reached levels never imagined in Stillwater but the ultimate goals have not been reached. The Cowboys have dreams of a BCS game and being crowned National Champions. A lot has been said about OSU controlling its own destiny but only time will tell. However, these Cowboys have already left a mark on the program and shown why they are considered one of the best teams in school history.
- 38 wins over last 3 1/2 years
- National Coach of the Year Nominee
- Highest BCS ranking (2nd) in school history
- Highest National ranking in school history (2nd)
- 9-0 record - Ties best start in school history
- 10-game winning streak is second longest in school history
- 6-0 in conference play for the first time in school history
- Second time in school history with 20 wins in two-year period (1987-88)
- Second longest active winning streak in the country
- Nine wins in four straight season for first time in school history
- 28 consecutive appearances in the BCS standings, tied for second in the FBS
- Ranked among Top 10 nationally throughout the season
- Highest associated press ranking (2nd) in school history
- Set New Single-game attendance record vs. Kansas State
- Five of the largest crowds in school history
- Set new records for most points in a game (70), most touchdowns (10), most points in a half (56), most points in a quarter (35)
- First team to beat Texas in Austin back-to-back years since 1910
- Three wins over Top 25 Opponents (Texas A&M, Texas, Kansas State)
- Top 10 road win in 2011 (Texas A&M)
- top 25 road win in 2011 (Texas)
- Jim Thorpe Semifinists (Markelle Martin & Brodrick Brown)
- Rimington Trophy Watch List (Grant Garner)
- Lou Groza Semifinalist (Quinn Sharp)
- Davey O’Brien Award Semifinalist (Brandon Weeden)
- Lott IMPACT Trophy Quarterfinalist (Brodrick Brown)
- Nine straight road victories – second most in the country
- Most points ever scored by OSU at Texas (38)
- Snapped Missouri’s 10-game home winning streak
- 10-1 against Big 12 Texas schools since 2009
Mike Gundy Wants To Be A Cowboy For Life
STILLWATER, Okla. -- Mike Gundy has elevated Oklahoma State's program to its highest point ever and he doesn't plan on leaving anytime soon.
Gundy, who has led the Cowboys to the No. 2 ranking for the first time, said Monday that he hopes to coach at his alma mater until he retires.
"I would prefer to be here for a long, long time and hopefully the powers (that) be will make that decision for me," Gundy said. "I really enjoy the people here, I enjoy the situation. We've obviously gotten to a level here that has not ever been accomplished. I don't know that anybody ... would have ever thought it could have happened."
Even him?
"I think that the honest answer to that question is probably no because I never even thought about it. I just thought that, look, here's what we need to do, here's how we need to do it," Gundy said. "We need commitment, we need this, this and this and then I don't think I ever thought about could we win the whole thing or could we get ranked that high?"
Gundy Has Led Oklahoma State to No. 2 in the National Rankings