Amid drama, coach Gundy keeps his cool
STILLWATER — OSU is developing a reputation for playing entertaining games, with recent weeks only adding to the perception.
Over their past four games, the Cowboys have won in overtime at Texas; led, faded, and pulled away again in a win at West Virginia; lost a Bedlam game Mike Gundy likened to Rocky 8; and rallied from an eightpoint, fourth-quarter hole to win at Iowa State.
Twice, at Texas and Iowa State, OSU needed interceptions in the end zone to survive at game’s end.
Through it all, Gundy keeps calm on the sideline; at least on the outside.
“I have been here and done this,” he said. “Word on the street is if you want to see a hell of a game and have a lot excitement, just come to an Oklahoma State game. I’m excited for the game. Obviously we want to win for the team. I have done it a lot, so I think I’m able to stay calm and think.
“To me that’s important ... not that I can help either side of the ball. I should do the best I can to stay calm and think.”
Cowboys prepping for all K-State QBs
Kansas State, once considered a contender for the Big 12 title, has seen its season derailed by quarterback issues.
Injuries and inconsistencies.
Due to injuries, the Wildcats have been forced to use three quarterbacks this season. Even when healthy, none of the three have been true difference makers. And none rank among the Big 12 leaders in passing or total offense.
With the Wildcats headed for Stillwater, questions remain at the position.
Jesse Ertz, K-State’s starter to open the season, hasn’t played in five weeks due to a knee injury. Alex Delton, who replaced Ertz, was knocked out of consecutive games with concussion-like symptoms, and like Ertz is questionable to play again.
That leaves redshirt freshman Skylar Thompson, who has played in five games, and made his first career start in last week’s close loss to West Virginia. While Wildcats coach Bill Snyder isn’t hinting at who will be behind center Saturday, all signs point to Thompson.
“For the most part,” Gundy said, “it’s the same plays. I understand they’re injured, or were injured, but all we can do is go out there and play who is out there.
“We have to stop the run and we have to rally and defend the pass, as well as (run-pass options) and such.”
Rudolph makes Unitas cut
Mason Rudolph has made the cut.
The Cowboys senior remains in the mix for the 2017 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented to the nation’s top college quarterback based on accomplishments on and off the field.
Candidates must be a college senior or fourthyear junior on schedule to graduate with their class, as well as “strong leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and worked hard for themselves and their teams.”
Rudolph is one of five finalists for the award, which will be presented Dec. 8 in Baltimore, where Unitas starred as the leader of the old Baltimore Colts.
Along with Rudolph, Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield, Ohio State’s J.T. Barrett, North Carolina State’s Ryan Finley and Penn State’s Trace McSorley make up the finalists.