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Mental Health Matters: Oklahoma State Football Discusses Mental Health Mental Health Awareness Week10/7/2022 Mental health matters.
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STILLWATER — The Cowboys are a week into their 2022-23 practices. Oklahoma State coach Mike Boynton met with the media to update things on Thursday. Here is everything he said. Opening statement “We’re midway through the second week of practice. I feel good about where we are. Obviously, a long way to go. We got six weeks or so before we tip this thing off and it counts. It’s exciting to get to work with these guys. I’ll say this: through, this will be practice No. 7, we’ve had a few days off here, this group is really, really eager to learn. They’ve worked really, really hard. We’ve changed up the way we practice. We do some morning shooting and some offensive sessions, which is a little different for us, just trying to be better offensively. And they’ve not complained about anything. Boot camp was hard, they got through that. I’ve been really, really pleased, just with their willingness to do what the coaches and staff have asked, although it’s been really, really challenging.” On whether there is something he knows more about this week than last week about his team “There’s so much stuff that you’re introducing, particularly to guys who are going to be in decision-making positions where you kinda got to go through the progression of it. It’s slower this time of year. So probably not a ton. We’re working some different combinations of guys just to see who works together. So, right now, it’s really just to get a feel for how guys learn. The offseason, up until last week, the time limitations don’t really give you an opportunity to say, ‘Alright, we’re gonna put you in an eight-minute scrimmage segment, and I’m gonna watch how this plays out.’ Now, instead of eight hours a week, we get 20, and we can really be in there for a couple hours at a time, just really grinding through stuff and working on zone offense and working on presses and watching how our lineups flow together and whether guys know how to screen, when guys are open, stuff like that. It’s still early, but I like the progress we’re making so far.” On the morning offensive sessions “Our offense needed surgery — needed major surgery. You can’t play this game at a high level and not be able to shoot the ball from the outside. It wasn’t a strength of ours. The numbers bore that out. It’s the reason why even in some of the close games we just couldn’t get over the hump. It’s hard to win if we don’t make shots. We addressed it from a personnel standpoint but a style of play standpoint, as well. And then because of that, not only is it new for John-Michael (Wright), Caleb Asberry, Quion Williams, it’s somewhat new for Kalib Boone playing on the perimeter some more and being asked to be a threat out there. It’s different for Avery Anderson and Bryce Thompson who now will be handling the ball and being decision-makers more than they were last year. We knew it would take time, which is why we’ve taken a different approach.” On him saying last week that early returns on 3-point shooting were good “It’s hard to say. I don’t want to create this illusion that we’re all of a sudden the Warriors. We’re not the Warriors. We don’t have Steph (Curry) and Klay (Thompson). We have more guys on the court that you feel are capable of being a threat from the 3-point line than we have. The proof is on Nov. 7, when we play against somebody else and there are officials and people in the stands, like do they make them? I feel confidence that they will. It’s hard to deny when you talk about [John-Michael Wright and Caleb Asberry] — they’ve done it for multiple years. For their careers, being close to 40% is pretty good. Not that either one of them are Thomas Dziagwa — they’re both better athletes than he ever was or dreamed of being. But, they’re guys that when we play pick-and-roll offense, which we will continue to do with Kalib and Moussa, if you help, we kick it out to them and you’re not cringing, wondering what’s gonna happen next.” On versatility with this roster “I want to be careful not to say we don’t have length. We’re just not as long on the perimeter. We were unusually tall two years ago. Our starting backcourt was also sometimes our [power forward] and [center]. That doesn’t happen. With that being said, we still have good size, particularly in the frontcourt. We just don’t have as much length in the backcourt, which is fine. Those guys are touch enough to still defend the way we want, rebound the way we want, and I think the benefit of them is the way they’re — Caleb, John-Michael and Quion, all three — they can be a threat from the 3-point line.” On whether defensive buy-in helps him focus on offensive improvement “Part of the reason we also feel confidence in being really, really focused on getting better offensively, A. we weren’t really good there, but our defense has been so staunch. Again, I talked last week, we don’t have a lockdown person, right? I don’t feel good saying if we’re playing against Steph Curry we have a good chance if this guy is on him. We got no chance anyway, but the point is I think our guys understand our defensive system, and the guys who have been here know it works. You don’t finish fourth in the country in defensive efficiency just because you want to, especially against the teams in our league who have tremendous talent. We just had to make some minor tweaks personnel-wise to continue to be good there. Helps to have the rim protection to start of guys who we’ve had before, Moussa and Kalib, who were the top two shot-blockers in the league and Tyreek Smith, who is pretty good at it, himself. Just getting those other guys to learn. So yeah, it gives us the confidence to then really, really focus on getting better offensively, moving the ball better, making better reads, spacing the floor better and then ultimately making shots.” On whether Tyreek Smith has developed his 3-point shooting this offseason “Yeah, I’ll be honest, all of [the bigs] have really worked at it. None of them are guys I want shooting five 3s a game. They all can shoot, and what I tell them — because they all want to shoot more 3s — and what I tell them is, ‘You have to become a great layup-maker and a really good free-throw shooter first. And then, the natural progression, right? Then you can have an opportunity, if you can make shots from those areas, to expand.’ To their credit, they all worked at it. I’m comfortable with any of them shooting shots at 3-2-1 [on the shot clock]. I don’t feel like, ‘Ah man, we took a terrible shot.’ There’s a 35 to 40% chance that I think it’s going to go in. They’ve all worked at it and I think feel comfortable if they’re in that situation, they can shoot it.” On whether there are similarities between Quion Williams and Isaac Likekele “There are. They’re very different offensively. [Williams is] not as much a primary play-maker. He’s more of a secondary attacker. He’s a tremendous rebounder. He’s a better shooter, frankly. But Ice had to learn, too. He’s a freshman, and he’ll take some lumps this year at some point. But the thing about [Williams], Ice came in here with five other freshmen, Quion is the only one. So, he’s got more big brothers, more guys to kind of lean on and say, ‘Hey, it’s gonna be OK. You went 0-for-3 today, don’t worry about it. We gotta turn around quick get ready for the next game, which is gonna be just as hard.’ So, that’ll help him along the way.” Read this original article at Pistols Firing Blog. The Cowboys are in search of a new rival with Bedlam going away, and Texas Tech could end up being that team based on some hostilities over a finger gun hand sign. Oklahoma State hosts the Red Raiders this weekend in Stillwater as the Pokes look to remain unbeaten. Here are some stats and other information for the matchup. Viewing InfoTime: 2:30 p.m. Saturday Team Stats
Statistical LeadersPassing: Rushing: Receiving: Tackling: Sacks: Series History (23-23-3)The overall record between these teams might be dead even, but as of late, it’s been all Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have won 11 of the past 13 games in this battle of a finger gun hand sign going back to 2009. In that 2009 game, OSU quarterback Zac Robinson actually ran for more yards (99) than he threw for (90) in a game that Patrick Lavine had a game-icing interception return for a touchdown. OSU extended its win streak over Tech to nine in 2017, a game OSU won 41-34. Mason Rudolph threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns and had two rushing touchdowns. Justice Hill ran for 164 yards. James Washington had 127 receiving yards. And Marcell Ateman had 114 receiving yards. Lots of standout performances. Tech’s two most recent wins came in 2018 and 2019. The Red Raiders thumped OSU 41-17 in the first of those games. The 2019 game saw Tech win 45-35 in Spencer Sanders’ first trip to Lubbock, where he had three interceptions. Then last season, OSU won with its defense, shutting out Tech 23-0. Tech mustered a woeful 108 yards of total offense. Here is a full look at the past 10 meetings.
Big 12 Standings
Read this original article at Pistols Firing Blog. This summer brought some of the biggest news in recent Oklahoma State wrestling history as NCAA Champion AJ Ferrari and the Oklahoma State wrestling program parted ways. I thought it would be interesting to look at some of the moves that OSU has made since to adjust the lineup and fill some of the gaps. 1. Luke Surber to 197This was the first big domino to fall on this. Surber had previously been a 197 but bulked up to heavyweight, won the starting job, and became a Big 12 finalist. He’s now returning to 197 to take over the spot vacated by Ferrari’s departure. 2. Recruiting/Signing Hayden SimpsonThe second order after Surber’s move to 197 is Konner Doucet taking over the heavyweight spot. The third order from that is OSU needing to get another big body in the room. With Surber’s move to 197, Doucet was the only heavyweight on the roster. One awkward fall or other injury to Doucet, and OSU doesn’t have a heavyweight. So the late signing of Simpson was crucial to adding some much-needed depth at the weight. 3. Recruiting push for AJ Heeg and Possibly Christian CarrollFerrari had two younger brothers that were both highly touted recruits and expected to come to Oklahoma State. At that point, you really have to recruit to fill those impending gaps. One was a projected middleweight and one a similar size to AJ and a projected 184-197. OSU already had a pretty loaded group of middleweight recruits over the last few years, but the upper weights still need some depth as mentioned above. Two recruits OSU has reportedly made a recent push for are AJ Heeg and Christian Carroll. Heeg was an OU commit up until last weekend. He decommitted from the Sooners and scheduled an official visit to Stillwater for the Texas Tech football game. There’s also been some buzz surrounding OSU and Christian Carroll, one of the top heavyweight recruits in the country for 2023. I can’t speak to any of those rumors, he’s currently committed to Penn but some are saying that OSU has a shot and could flip him late. The way things broke out here weren’t exactly ideal for anyone involved, but OSU has made some clear moves to pick up the pieces and move on. Read this original article at Pistols Firing Blog. The Cowboys are back in Stilly this weekend to host the Red Raiders on what has the potential to be a high-scoring affair. On the line for the Pokes is an undefeated start and the chance to stay in the driver’s seat to Arlington. For Tech, it’s a chance to bounce back from last week’s loss to K-State and stay relevant in the Big 12 race. The Pistols Firing staff convened to share our predictions for Saturday’s score and how we see things playing out. Marshall ScottScore: OSU 42 | Texas Tech 31 Thoughts: This has trap game all over it, to me. OSU is coming off a big win, everyone is patting the Cowboys’ backs and all of a sudden a Texas Tech team that is good in the quick passing game (a weakness of OSU’s defense) is coming to Stillwater. I think OSU wins because it’s the better team, and I think it’s by double digits because the Cowboys have won by double digits all season. But, it might take an interception to two from whichever Tech quarterback plays to allow OSU fans to breath easy. Kyle BooneScore: OSU 44 | Texas Tech 14 Thoughts: OSU has been a force at home the last few years under Mike Gundy and with Texas Tech coming to town as nearly double-digit dogs, I’m banking on that trend to continue. This OSU team is playing with a ton of confidence right now after handling Baylor in Waco last week and the arrow is pointing up as key players like Jaden Bray continue to get healthy. In front of a sold-out crowd with a chance to showcase themselves as clear top-10 contenders, I like the Cowboys to roll — and to roll big. Should be a great spot to see where this defense is at right now. Holding them to under 20 would be big in instilling confidence not just in that unit, but in the eyes of fans who might be skeptical about the defense post-Jim Knowles. Kyle CoxScore: OSU 42 | Texas Tech 35 Thoughts: Unlike last year’s 23-zip shutout in Lubbock, this one feels like it will more resemble a classic OSU-Tech shootout. I think the Red Raiders will take advantage of a still-gelling OSU secondary but that the Cowboys will make enough plays to pull ahead at the end. Pokes by a touchdown. Read this original article at Pistols Firing Blog. Thanks for stopping by – here’s your daily dose of Oklahoma State sports news. OSU Bullets• One of the bigger questions going into Saturday’s game – can the Pokes slow down Tech’s passing attack? • How and why Spencer Sanders gained 12 pounds in the offseason • Caleb Etienne didn’t play a lot of football last fall – and now he’s the full-time starting left tackle for the Cowboys. What happened?
• Garth is coming to Stillwater… to talk with students about mentoring. • Barry brings up a good point… When will Mike Gundy go into the Ring of Honor? • This feels impressive: Non-OSU Bullets• You’re not lazy, you’re distracted (probably) Read this original article at Pistols Firing Blog. Carson Cunningham and Colby Powell discuss the national reaction to OSU’s win over Baylor, preview the Texas Tech matchup and answer Twitter questions. You know what helps the show and helps us make more shows? When you rate us on Apple Podcasts or subscribe to our pod: Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | SoundCloud As always, we appreciate our sponsor Chris’ University Spirit. Read this original article at Pistols Firing Blog. STILLWATER - No. 7 Oklahoma State returns home to face Texas Tech on Saturday. The Cowboys sit at 4-0 after defeating No. 16 Baylor in their conference opener, while the Red Raiders come to Stillwater at 3-2. The game will be televised on FS1 with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. from Boone Pickens Stadium. Three Things Texas Tech Coach Joey McGuire Said ahead of the Red Raiders Game against Oklahoma State10/6/2022 In the first year of his Texas Tech rebuild, Joey McGuire has the Red Raiders competing despite a difficult start to the season. Tech is 3-2 and when the Red Raiders play Oklahoma State at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Boone Pickens Stadium, it’ll be the fifth straight ranked opponent they have played. McGuire met with reporters this week to discuss the upcoming matchup. Here are three things he said. 1. QB Controversy in LubbockTexas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith leads the Big 12 in passing and has led a rebuilding Texas Tech to a 3-2 record, including a pair of wins against Top 25 teams. But apparently, all is not well in West Texas. Smith has completed 67% of his passes for 1,476 yards and 11 touchdowns, but he has also thrown seven interceptions. Redshirt freshman Behren Morton has also gotten some run, and at one point the two quarterbacks were splitting practice reps 50-50. Morton has thrown 17 passes this season, completing 11 for 182 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. And this duel could just be a stopgap until opening-day starter Tyler Shough returns from injury, which McGuire said he hoped would be Tech’s game against West Virginia on Oct. 22. So will it be Donovan Smith against OSU this weekend? Or will Morton get more playing time? “We’ll see how the week goes as far as how comfortable we are,” McGuire said. “It’s one of the deals where some of the stuff you’re dealing with, you know what you’re dealing with, and some of the stuff is unknown. And are we ready to search that unknown yet to make those changes? I’m trying to think of the right words to say on that. “I think Behren will come out and have a great week, and I’m hoping that we have a good plan to play both of them.” 2. Tech Could Be Without Leading ReceiverMyles Price, a former Oklahoma State commit before some drama ensued, leads the Red Raiders with 31 catches for 309 yards and two touchdowns this season, but an ankle injury has him as a game-time decision in Stillwater. With Tech having a bye week after its trip to Stillwater, you could make the argument that sitting Price and giving him the extra week is the call to make. “The one thing about Myles, man, he’s a tough guy,” McGuire said. “He’s one of the toughest guys on this team. He’s one of the toughest guys I’ve coached. If he can go, he’ll go.” 3. High Praise for GundyMcGuire is in his first season as a college head coach after spending the majority of his coaching career at the high school level. Meanwhile, Mike Gundy is in Year 18 at the same place. What Gundy has been able to build during his nearly two decades in Stillwater isn’t lost on some of the conference’s new blood. “If you think about Coach Gundy, we’re around the same age, but he’s kind of the old guy in the conference,” McGuire said. “What he’s been able to do year in and year out is pretty incredible when you’re talking about college football, and especially in this day and time of just continuing to have success. He’s done an amazing job.” Read this original article at Pistols Firing Blog. The Cowboys host the Red Raiders this Saturday with a chance to move to 5-0 on the year and 2-0 in league play. The last time OSU and Texas Tech squared off, the Pokes won in a shutout. There’s strong evidence to indicate that won’t be the case this Saturday. Here’s a look at three burning questions that need to be answered for Saturday’s matchup in BPS. And since it’s OSU and Tech, let’s keep them all in the passing game. Will We See Jaden Bray’s Debut?The Cowboys have approached their receiving production by committee so far in the early goings of 2022 with five different receivers totalling at least 100 yards and eight different Cowboys catching a touchdown pass. But OSU could gain another touted pass-catcher that should figure into the receiver hierarchy if Jaden Bray is able to finally make his debut. Bray showed flashes of his big-play ability last season and was meant to be a key target for Spencer Sanders before a hand injury sidelined him. After his second week practicing, it looks like OSU fans might finally get to see him this Saturday. Can OSU Slow Down the Red Raiders’ Passing Attack?Coming into Saturday, Texas Tech ranks first in the Big 12 in passing offense (and fourth nationally) at 362 yards per game. That’s almost 50 yards per game better than OSU, the league’s second most pass-happy team. And the Cowboys rank dead-last in passing defense in the league (No. 122 in the FBS) allowing 285 yards per game. If there’s a weak area for the Cowboys’ defense it’s on the back end, specifically showing up in a propensity to give up big plays. Against Baylor, the Cowboys allowed 10 passing plays of over 15 yards, including a 28-yard catch-and-run and both 49- and 70- yard touchdowns. Meanwhile Tech is leading the country in passing plays over 10 yards. Two different stat sources mean two different definitions of “big plays” but you get the point. The Cowboys can get burned, and no group of receivers has burned more defenders than Texas Tech’s this year. Mike Gundy acknowledged that his back-end defenders are making strides but that this will still be a focus for Tech. “This will be a different challenge this week,” said Gundy. “This team is throwing it 60-ish times a game, so a different look for our defense. Last week we played a group that was more power-running, misdirection passing, play-action passing. These guys want to play fast. They are going to spread out and throw it 60 times, try to throw the ball out in the flat.” Can the Cowboys Force Donovan Smith into Errors?If there is a weakness in the Raiders’ passing game, it’s Donovan Smith’s tendency to be careless with the football. Through five games, Smith leads the conference in passing yards and attempts, but also in interceptions. He is third in interceptions nationally. Smith is fresh off of a two-interception performance in the loss to Kansas State and has thrown multiple picks in three games this year. OSU is fresh off of a two-interception game against Baylor. If those two trends can continue, it could go a long way in neutralizing the Red Raiders’ potent passing attack. More on OSU-TechFive Things to Know about OSU-Texas Tech Cowboys’ O-Line Improving Steadily Mike Gundy on why Spencer Sanders will be so hard to replace Cowboys are double-digit favorites over the Red Raiders Read this original article at Pistols Firing Blog. |
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