OSU isn't expecting any Purdy surprises

STILLWATER — Iowa State freshman quarterback Brock Purdy trotted onto the turf of Boone Pickens Stadium in October of 2018 to little fanfare.

That's what happens when virtually no one knows who you are.

In Oklahoma State's eyes, Purdy was a true freshman third- string quarterback, taking over for the benched second-teamer who had only become the starter because of injury.

Three hours later, Purdy had led Iowa State to a 48-42 upset of OSU.

“We didn't know anything

about him,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said. “We had him on our radar from a recruiting standpoint, in that we liked him. But we had Spencer (Sanders). We felt like he was gonna be a good player.

“When he (Purdy) came in, that was the first time anybody had seen him. But he's off and running and has had a really good career at Iowa State.”

That day, not even Iowa State coach Matt Campbell was totally sure of what he had in Purdy, who he sent onto the field for the Cyclones' second possession of the game.

“Our football team was a little bit in search of an identity that year,” Campbell said. “One of the things Brock had done in practice through fall camp and the early part of the season had really been impressive. I think

it earned him the right to get in the football game. Knowing what might transpire, I think we were pretty confident that Brock could go in and function.

“But he played really well, and I think that gave him confidence for the rest of the season.”

Purdy brings with him no element of surprise this time when he visits BPS, leading his No. 17 Cyclones against No. 6 Oklahoma State at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

Though the Iowa State offense was dormant in a 31-14 loss to Louisiana to start the season, it has been alive and well in the three games since — victories over TCU, Oklahoma and Texas Tech.

For the season, Purdy has thrown for 912 yards with four touchdowns and one interception, completing 62.4% of his passes.

“He makes plays,” OSU linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez said. “That's what you need from a quarterback. He moves around the pocket pretty good and scrambles and makes plays.”

Purdy has rushed for another 81 yards and a touchdown, providing the perfect complement to the rushing attack of Breece Hall, who leads the Big 12 in rushing yards (531), touchdowns (8) and yards per game (132.8).

But Purdy makes the rushing attack possible. Gundy referred to him this week as a “future NFL quarterback” and the rest of the Cowboys are well aware of the damage he can do.

“He's a really good player,” defensive tackle Cameron Murray said. “You just gotta keep him rattled and contained. You gotta put a lot of pressure on him, make him uncomfortable. Make sure the pressure's on him all the time.”

Of course, the Cowboys had the key to solving their Purdy issues last season in Ames, when OSU intercepted him three times in the fourth quarter. Rodriguez returned his pick for the game-winning touchdown.

It was a performance that sparked the OSU defense into a strong finish last season, and a stronger start to this year.

“We're gonna have to play good,” Gundy said. “Iowa State has been very sound offensively. They don't get out of their box much with what they believe in.

“Defensively, we have to rally at times. We have to be really good in the score zone. They're gonna get down in there some. They're good. They understand how to move the ball. Hopefully, we can hold them to field goals instead of touchdowns, which could be a big factor in the game.”