OSU Q&A: Crabtree reflects on gutsy performance against Texas Tech
STILLWATER — Recognized as the team’s Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the 41-34 win at Texas Tech last Saturday, Oklahoma State senior Zach Crabtree’s most impressive accomplishment was simply staying on the field.
Playing with a sprained toe on his left foot that had caused him to miss nearly two full games, Crabtree gutted his way through all 82 offensive snaps of a game in which he was only expected to be available for a half or less.
But with an injury to center Brad Lundblade, and two young players — Johnny Wilson and Teven Jenkins — in the lineup next to him, Crabtree helped anchor the makeshift line.
Now, he’ll focus on trying to get healthy for the Cowboys’ next game, Oct. 14 at home against Baylor, set for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff on FS1.
Q: How close were you to 100 percent?
A: "Good question. I can’t really judge it. But it was as good as it could
be. Coach (Mike) Gundy always says you gotta figure out a way to get it done. That’s what we did. We went out there and figured it out."
How did you feel the line held up without Lundblade?
"Johnny and Jenkins both did a heck of a job. They came in, did their jobs, did what was asked of them. That’s all that matters. Johnny’s been practicing at that position (center). He did a good job. We have a lot of trust in him."
How tough was it watching from the sidelines against TCU?
"You’re a competitor. That’s what you’re paid for, to compete. They pay for your school to compete. It’s not fun, sitting on the sidelines. It sucks. I got out there today. I got to play and I was thankful."
Was this performance a big step for the offensive line?
"Absolutely. Coach (Josh) Henson’s prepared us. Coach Henson’s done a heck of a job, making sure we’ve got depth, being able to flip some guys around. Those guys got after it. Those other four, thankfully. Wasn’t always pretty on my part,
but those guys played a heck of a game around us."
How satisfying is it to play a gut-it-out game like this?
"I don’t know if it’s a different feeling. You play with pain all the time. Adrenaline kicks in. You’re at the Jones (Stadium). It’s sold out, blacked out. I remember watching the game here when I was kid, watching Michael Crabtree make a big play to win a game. At the Jones, sold out, blacked out, you don’t even think about it. You just find a way to get the job done."