Team well rested after off week
With back-to-back losses to start October, Oklahoma State players’ frustration seemed to be growing, particularly after the embarrassing 31-12 loss at Kansas State on Oct. 13.
But with a week off to refocus on the remaining five games, Cowboy players appeared more positive when they spoke to the media following Tuesday’s practice.
“I think some guys got a little bit healthier,” defensive end Jordan Brailford said. “We had some banged-up guys. Guys were out here flying around a lot more. People look a lot more fresh than they did last week, so I think that’s gonna help a lot.”
Oklahoma State hosts sixth-ranked Texas at 7 p.m. Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium. The Longhorns pose some specific challenges to the Cowboy defense.
“The dual-threat of the quarterback (Sam Ehlinger) — he likes to pull it down and run a lot,” Brailford said. “They have a nice tight end that they use in a lot of different ways. And we’ve seen some trick plays they like to utilize once they get past a certain point of the field.”
Texas coach Tom Herman said he hopes to know by Thursday if Ehlinger, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, can play against the Cowboys. If not, backup Shane Buechele will take his place.
Nike releasing Barry Sanders-themed shoes
Oklahoma State's week of Barry Sanders celebrations continued Wednesday with the announcement special Sanders-themed Nike Air Zoom Turf Jet shoes.
The white sneakers feature OSU's throwback brand logo and Sanders' No. 21 on the straps. On the back is 1988, the year Sanders won the Heisman Trophy, with his signature and the quote "Out of Nowhere," reflecting Sanders' sudden rise.
Sanders, who along his offensive line will serve as OSU's homecoming grand marshals for Saturday's game against Texas, said on Twitter that 250 pairs of the shoes will be available to be purchased in the OSU Union Store on Thursday.
Monday, OSU announced the Cowboys will wear 1988 throwback uniforms for their game against the Longhorns as part of the university's celebration of the 30th anniversary of Sanders winning the Heisman Trophy.
Quoteboard: Players excited about 1988 throwback uniforms
Oklahoma State players had a lot of thoughts on Saturday’s 1988 throwback uniforms. Most of it was pure excitement.
Here’s a look at what some OSU players had to say about the uniforms:
Brailford: “I like ‘em a lot. I seen ‘em and I got something in my head already for what I’m gonna look like.”
Defensive tackle Enoch Smith Jr.: “I think they’re dope. I like the little patch they have with Barry Sanders commemorating the 30th anniversary. Then when I looked closer at it, he’s wearing the same exact uniform. It’s very detailed, because of all the stitching on it. I was like, wow, that’s pretty dope. It’s gonna be nice. I think the fans are gonna enjoy it. We’re gonna build off their energy and just have fun.”
Offensive lineman Johnny Wilson: “I never get to see the uniforms until they day of the game anyway, so when I saw ‘em early, I was like, are you sure we’re gonna wear these? Is there gonna be something different? I’m betting that something’s different. It’s not those exact ones that they put on Twitter. Mark my words, when we come out here and these things are white or black, that I was the first one to say it wasn’t gonna be the same jerseys.”
Receiver Dillon Stoner: “I like the throwback aspect of it. Something new, something different. I’m excited to wear them.”
Running back Justice Hill: “They’re nice. Gonna be a good fit. Nice little touch on it.”