Cowboys ready after difficult offseason

By By Daniel Berk

Monday, August 22, 2005

Editor’s Note: This is the third of 11 articles, by Daniel Berk, previewing Kansas’ competition in the Big 12 Conference. The articles will run every day from now until Sept. 1. Tomorrow the Kansan will look at Texas A&M.;

A lot has changed for the Oklahoma State Cowboys since they played their last game against Ohio State in the Alamo Bowl.

Not only did the Cowboys lose starting running back Vernand Morency to the NFL, but the team also lost coach Les Miles. Miles opted to leave Oklahoma State and take a job at Louisiana State.

Mike Gundy will take over for Miles after serving as the team’s offensive coordinator since 2001. Gundy won over the Cowboys fans a long time ago when he starred there as a player.

Gundy has been on the job for about six months and said he looked forward to the regular season beginning Sept. 3 against Montana State.

“We learn on the run, and every day has been a good day for me,” Gundy said. “We have had a couple situations in the last six months that are tough, but I am excited and look forward to coming to work every day, more than I ever have been in my life.”

It was an emotional offseason for the Cowboys. One of the team’s starting backs, safety Vernon Grant was killed in a car accident in May. Grant was a three-year starter for the Cowboys and was a District VI Academic All-American last season.

In addition to dealing with the loss of Grant, Gundy encountered some disciplinary problems. He has suspended or cut nine players since taking over. Problems have ranged from not following team rules to becoming academically ineligible.

Gundy said it was important for the members of his team to consider all their responsibilities, in addition to playing football.

“We talk as a staff, and I talk to the players at times,” he said. “These guys pay a great price in order to play football at this level. We forget at times that they are there to go to school and get a degree so they have an opportunity to be successful someday.”

Gundy is ready to forget his first offseason as coach and begin the 2005 season. Like Texas Tech and Kansas, Oklahoma State is expected to open the season 3-0. Its first three games are against Montana State, Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State.

The Cowboys begin conference play Oct. 1, with a home game against Big 12 North-favorite Colorado.

Returning quarterback Donovan Woods should open the season as the team’s starting quarterback. Freshman Bobby Reid, who took a redshirt last season, will compete with Woods for minutes. Although Woods started 12 games last season, Reid was challenging for the spot before having season-ending shoulder surgery.

Oklahoma State coaches love Reid’s athleticism and were excited for the competition.

“They are both very talented and done a great job this summer,” Gundy said. “I saw the results from some of the testing somebody put on my desk the other day. They are doing a good job in the weight room, so I would say we play both.”

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