By Scott Nulph, Stillwater News Press
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy admitted his Cowboys’ sideline was “on fire” during the first half of last week’s game against Colorado.
With quarterback Zac Robinson out with a shoulder injury, junior Alex Cate didn’t complete a pass in the first half against the Buffaloes.
And although third-stringer Brandon Weeden helped lead the No. 11 Cowboys to a 31-28 win, Gundy said it looks like his top quarterback will be back Saturday when OSU travels to Norman to take on Oklahoma for Bedlam.
“They (OSU’s medical personnel) told me (Robinson) should be out there practicing full speed,” Gundy said. “He should be out there and ready to go.”
Robinson hurt his shoulder and suffered concussion-like symptoms on a vicious collision near the end of the Texas Tech game on Nov. 14.
Gundy said Robinson was back throwing the football last weekend.
“I would say he’ll be a little sore but there’s no structural damage that can affect him,” Gundy said. “It’s just working through soreness. So I would expect he’ll be fine.”
Despite Weeden’s heroics, there’s no question the Cowboys will need Robinson against an Oklahoma defense ranked 11th in the nation.
But OU’s defense struggled in a 41-13 loss to Texas Tech in Lubbock.
The Sooners gave up 549 total yards (nearly 180 yards more than they average). That 549 included 161 rushing yards.
OSU will enter Saturday’s game as the Big 12’s top rushing offense.
Running the football will be a key for the Cowboys. Gundy said it won’t be easy.
“The strength of their defense is their inside game,” he said. “You’re talking about potential first-round picks and top five picks maybe.
“They get good edge pressure coming from the outside; linebackers run well from side to side, safeties tackle.
“They really haven’t changed athletically from a speed and talent point over a number of years. They’re very good on defense.”
Gundy also said freshman Quinn Sharp should be back to his duties on kickoffs.
Sharp got hurt in the Colorado game and Dan Bailey took over kickoff duties.
Coincidence or not, Colorado returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the second half.
