OSU’s Lacy has extra motivation vs. UT
STILLWATER — Oklahoma State defensive end Tyler Lacy grew up in Sachse, Texas, rooting for the Longhorns.
He even hoped they would offer a scholarship when his recruitment was building. But it wasn’t until the 11th hour that arrived.
And it was too late.
“They didn’t really pull the trigger until the last day before signing day,” Lacy said. “So, they kinda got me a little upset.
“But I’m here, I love it here and I’m glad to be here.”
As the 12th-ranked Cowboys prepare to face Texas at 11 a.m. Saturday, there will be more emotions for several players.
OSU recruits Texas heavily, but only less than a handful of Cowboys received a scholarship offer from the Longhorns.
“That’s why a lot of people look at it as a big game,” said OSU linebacker Devin Harper, who is from Knoxville, Tennessee, “because they want to prove, ‘I didn’t get an offer from y’all, so we’re trying to show why y’all should have offered us and it’s your loss.’”
Lacy was one. He has developed into a force for the Cowboys with 13 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and five quarterback hurries this season.
But the last-minute opportunity for Lacy didn’t even register a consideration. He committed to OSU as a junior.
“Oh no, there was no thought at all,” Lacy said. “I was fully go all the way. Give me the papers and let me sign them. It was a done deal.”
Sanders anxious to make up for Baylor struggles
Nearly two weeks ago, quarterback Spencer Sanders threw three interceptions in a win over Baylor.
He’s spent the time since working on fixing some fundamentals, primarily with his footwork. And he’s ready to get back on the field.
“I’m just anxious,” Sanders said. That’s a common feeling for the third-year starter, too. But it’s heightened after games he struggles.
“I’m always anxious to play, especially after a bad game,” Sanders said. “I’ll even tell you myself I didn’t have my best game versus Baylor. I know I didn’t have the best game. I want people to tell me that.
“That’s just how I fuel myself.” Sanders even compared it to the excitement of a 3-year-old child getting ice cream with a parent.
“That made their day,” Sanders said. “My thing is gameday. I look forward to Saturdays every week.”
Sills is a fan of early kickoffs
Offensive lineman Josh Sills has no issue with an early kickoff.
It’s better to roll out of bed, prepare and play a football game. Otherwise, there is too much sitting around waiting.
“You feel like you have nothing to do,”
Sills said. “All you think about is just the game. I just feel like the day takes 30 hours.”
The Cowboys have primarily been an evening show this season, but they did have an 11 a.m. kickoff against Tulsa, a 28-23 victory on Sept. 11.
Sills also has another reason to prefer early games — he gets more time with his family.
“I live 15 hours away,” said Sills, who is from Sarahsville, Ohio. “When my mom and dad come in for the games they leave right after the game. An earlier game, I get to spend more time with them and see them more.”
Quotable
Sanders was asked if he watched OU’s 55-48 win over Texas last weekend.
“I mean, I watched it. It was a great game,” he said. “I don’t want to talk down on either one of the teams.” Sanders paused.
“It was interesting. It was exciting. I learned a lot from it.”