OSU expects defensive improvement

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August 2, 2008

By Shawn Hein, Staff Writer The Enid News and Eagle Sat Aug 02, 2008, 11:34 PM CDT

A big topic during Oklahoma State’s Media Day Saturday was the Cowboys’ anticipated defensive improvement from a year ago.

OSU gave up an average of 29.5 points and 443 yards per game in 2007, both of which ranked in the bottom third of the Big 12.

With six returning starters and a few JUCO transfers, junior Patrick Levine said OSU will benefit from a full year of experience under defensive coordinator Tim Beckman.

“It’s a big difference,” Levine said. “Things are starting to come more natural. There’s a lot less thinking going on the field. More plays are being made.”

Improving depth

A lack of depth contributed to OSU’s defensive woes last season. Head coach Mike Gundy said his team, overall, has more quality depth among the 22 starting offensive and defensive spots going into 2008.

“Last year we were at 12 or 14 (quality two-deep positions),” Gundy said. “Then at the end of last year we were at 12. This year, I think we can be up to 16.

“If something happens to the first guy, we don’t have to alter the game plan, and don’t hold your breath that this guy’s not going to make a mistake. We’re getting closer to doing that.”

Motivational bracelet

Several of the OSU players sported an orange bracelet during media day. Around the band are the words “Big 12 Championship, Dec. 6, 2008” written in black.

Quarterback Zac Robinson said the team began wearing them at the start of fall practice.

“It’s more of a commitment to the team and a goal,” said Gundy. “We don’t talk enough about winning a championship. Maybe that’s something that’s evolved over the last 50 years. Our players felt we wanted to talk more about winning a championship.”

OSU’s last conference championship came in 1976 as a member of the Big Eight.

Freak crew

During a recent trip to Florida, OSU sophomore Dez Bryant thought of a unique way to bond with his fellow wide receivers.

Bryant bought each of the receivers dog tags which include their name, uniform number and the word “Freak” on the bottom.

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