Mike Gundy Recaps Arizona Win, Talks Improvements

OSU head coach Mike Gundy talks about the Cowboys performance against Arizona as well as recruiting and what they are working to improve.

Friday, September 9th 2011, 1:43 pm

By: News 9


News9.com

STILLWATER, Oklahoma – Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy took some time Friday to talk about the Cowboys 37-14 win over the Arizona Wildcats.

Coach Gundy seemed pleased with Thursday's game but noted the strength of Arizona, especially since they come from the tough PAC-12 Conference.

"When you play a team that's out of the PAC-12 there's not as much room for error but fortunately we were able to score enough points where it wasn't a factor."

"I didn't consider this a sloppy game," said Gundy even though the cowboys had 10 penalties for 90 yards.

But there was one area Gundy and the Cowboys are focusing on improving, the chop block.

"Our special teams play was sloppy, we had three penalties on special teams," said Gundy. "I'm not sure how this chop block is working and I'm not saying it's the officials fault, I'm saying I did a poor job and our staff did a poor job of understanding how this new rule is working and obviously we're doing something wrong."

Gundy went on to say that the chop block penalties are not the player fault, but that above all they are going to get that cleaned up ASAP.

"It's a concern and I'm taking the blame for most of it and we'll get it cleaned up because we're not going to play that kind of football," said Gundy.

Related Story: Cowboys Take Care Of Wildcats 37-14

Linebacker Alex Elkins, who went down in the second half of the game right in front of the OSU bench, is expected to be ok.

Coach Gundy said that he will know more about his status Friday at 1 p.m. but said he will be moving around again by Tuesday and full speed by Thursday.

Quarterback Brandon Weeden is on pace to become the leading passer in OSU history and Gundy says his success comes from his talent as well as the system he is in.

"The system allows you to have success, but Weeden's ability to throw the ball and spin it and understand what going on out there is what he's put into the game along with some natural talent to fling it. So when you combine all that, that's why he is having this much success... he is earning everything he gets," said Gundy.

Receiver Justin Blackmon had another stellar performance tallying 12 receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns.

Bothe Justin and players from Arizona were looking forward to this game, especially after last season's bowl game.

"I think there was a lot that was done through social networking about this being a revenge game and that they (Arizona players) took it personal that he (Blackmon) cut across the field in the bowl game," said Gundy.

Coach Gundy went on to say that all the talk that was generated about the game on the networking sites about coming to Stillwater to get revenge only fired up the players, especially Blackmon even more.

"All that did was fire Justin Blackmon up. That's just the kind of kid he is… but he was really fired up because they challenged him and he loves that now," said Gundy.

One other important area Coach Gundy addressed Friday was the ticket sales.

"I think Oklahoma State people are coming to the games one because we are winning, two because they have pride in what we're doing and three because I think they believe in what we're doing," said Gundy. "I think they have a lot of faith in our coaching and our staff that we're doing the right thing and developing kids and we're not just running a football school here."

Thursday's prime time game on ESPN brought 54, 654 people into Boone Pickens Stadium, a number Gundy hopes and expects to grow.

"I think there's a lot of pride in that with the Oklahoma State people and so we don't take that for granted. We take a lot of pride in contending to do things that way and then people want to be a part of our organization and so it's not easy and it doesn't come easy and we understand that and my goal is to not have any tickets available here that people pass them down family to family and I think that's very attainable," said Gundy.

Coach Gundy says the players will lift weights and run outside in between classes Friday, but that they will be done by 2 p.m.

"Then they will have the rest of the day Friday and Saturday off and we practice on Sunday night, then they'll have Monday off," said Gundy.

Coaches are also working Friday, but will be on the road recruiting this weekend, including Gundy who said he will be in state recruiting Friday night.

The Cowboys will face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane Saturday, Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. CST. That game will be televised by Fox Sports Network.

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