Big 12 Football Media Days: Oklahoma State Notebook

Here are a few quick hits from Oklahoma State's Big 12 media day:

-Mike Gundy said that the Cowboys being No. 1 in the Big 12 preseason poll wouldn't affect how the team prepares for the season. "I think it's a tribute to the players that have been before this group, the young men that are on our team now, and the ones in the future. They've got a lot to look forward to. I do think it means a lot to Oklahoma State that people feel comfortable in saying that we're good enough to have the opportunity to win a conference championship."

-As far as Oklahoma State's quarterback situation, Gundy said he hasn't named a starter and will continue to give both quarterbacks equal reps during practice. Gundy cited his reasoning partially had to do with keeping his cards close prior to the first game with Mississippi State.

-Speaking of Mississippi State, Gundy said playing such a big game in the first week of the season changes how the team will approach preseason practice. He said his bigger concern is how that game and the preseason preparations affect OSU's performance in November.

-Gundy said he wished his name hadn't popped up in coaching rumors as much as they did this offseason, taking the blame for some of those rumors. "For me personally, I have to feel comfortable knowing there's a commitment to the young men on our team to give them the best opportunity for success in the classroom and on the football field, and if there's not, then it's hard for me to sell."

-Overall, the OSU players accepted the role of being voted preseason No. 1 in the Big 12 with a sense of humility, understanding in the big picture, the ranking means nothing.

-Aggression was the theme from defensive lineman Calvin Barnett and linebacker Shaun Lewis. Both talked extensively about the Cowboys being more aggressive on that side of the ball and used the term quite liberally.

-Both Lewis and Barnett said they were excited about Glenn Spencer being named defensive coordinator. According to both players, Spencer has rubbed off quite a bit on the unit already, particularly in the area of…you guessed it, aggression.

-Contrary to his head coach's sentiments, Lewis said he welcomes the opportunity to play non-conference games against the likes of Mississippi State.

-Lewis also voiced his displeasure with the new penalties for targeting penalties this season, which include ejections and suspensions, saying, "If you keep going at this rate, it's definitely going to hurt the game overall."