Cowboys return from true time off
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State made the most of its off week, as in sincerely taking time off.
The Cowboys practiced through Wednesday, then were released by coach Mike Gundy and told to return Sunday for the regular start to the next week and Saturday’s game against Baylor.
Gundy hinted at the short week following the team’s 41-34 win at Texas Tech, where OSU was again forced to shuffle its offensive line. Tackle Zach Crabtree played through a turf toe, after missing the previous game, but center Brad Lundblade went out with a foot injury.
Along with Crabtree and Lundblade, other players with aches and pains figured to benefit from some down time. Linebacker Kenneth Edison-McGruder has been playing at less than 100 percent and safety Tre Flowers and receivers Dillon Stoner and Chris Lacy have been slowed as well.
“We’ve got some guys that are beat up for us, need a little bit of a break,” Gundy said. “See if we can get some guys and get off our feet for a little while.”
Martin has surgery
True freshman defensive end Brock Martin performed well enough in the preseason to put himself in the conversation for playing time.
With veteran depth stacked at the position, however, Martin instead slid into a redshirt role.
Now, he faces recovery, after surgery for an undisclosed injury.
Martin revealed the surgery on Twitter, posting: “I’m doing well after surgery. I thank God for all my setbacks, because of Him able to get back.”
Opponent watch: Bears suffer hits during off week
Like OSU, Baylor had the weekend off.
For the Bears, however, things didn’t go smoothly, as coach Matt Rhule dismissed offensive lineman Ish Wilson and cornerback Jourdan Blake. Wilson was a former starter, while Blake was a reserve.
Wilson’s 44 games played were the most on the Baylor roster. Blake is the son of former Oklahoma player and coach John Blake.
Rhule didn’t offer specific reasons for the dismissals but did say neither was involved in anything criminal, which is especially relevant for a Baylor program trying to dig out from serious scandal.
“It’s just really about our program as we move forward,” Rhule said. “We wish them the best as they stay here and graduate.”
Running back Terence Williams, a 1,000-yard rusher a year ago, remains with the Bears following a favorable vote from the team’s leadership council. Williams’ status for Saturday’s game in Stillwater is uncertain.
Records watch: Mason Rudolph
Still one game shy of the season’s halfway point, Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph remains on the hunt for more school records.
Already holding 28 career OSU records – including passing yards, total offense and 300-yard passing games – Rudolph is closing in on four more of prominence:
* Touchdowns responsible for (Rudolph has 83, record is 88).
* Pass completions (714; 767).
* Passing touchdowns (71; 75).
* 400-yard passing games (6; 7)