It's Space U, It's Explosive Offense, Can Oklahoma State Work and Avoid Letdown

STILLWATER – Mike Gundy sat there sipping a sweet tea at Rib Crib barbeque for his weekly radio coaches show. He wasn’t squirming in his chair, but you could tell from his response that he knows this will be a more difficult week for him and the Oklahoma State coaching staff to get the team ready for 4-5 UCF. All Oklahoma State fans seem to be wondering why the point spread out of Las Vegas opened with Oklahoma State a very slifght favorite (1-2 points)? The reason is those geniuses in the desert know this is the absolute perfect scenario for a hangover and an upset, especially with UCF being as talented offensively as they are. 

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Plumlee is a veteran and can throw it and run it.

The Golden Knights are virtually balanced on offense. They have rushed for and throw for over 2,000-yards already. They are ninth in the nation in total offense. They have 20 rushing touchdowns and 17 passing touchdowns.

There is logical concern and even more so considering the Bedlam win could lead to a bigger hangover than a bottle of Jack Daniels. 

“I was standing outside my office and I spoke to Anthony Goodlow, then Collin Oliver came by, then Xavier Benson and Nick Martin, Gundy said. “I was telling these guys that this offense is one of the most explosive in the country. They can run, throw it, and their head coach knows what he’s doing. I was telling these guys that I need them to forget Bedlam for now and push through to prepare for UCF.

Pat Kinnison - Chief Photographer

Collin Oliver is dependable and productive.

“Collin OIlver said, ‘Coach, we’ve got this.’ I said, ‘Okay, can you guys get the defense?’ They assured me they could and they would. Now, I thought the defense is covered and I just have to worry about the offense.”

UCF is not nearly as good on defense and they have given up a lot of yards rushing. They let Kansas run it down their throats. That part of it sounds good.  

“You worry about Ollie because he does enjoy this,” Gundy said of his running back that leads the NCAA FBS in rushing. “He gets caught up in it. I know it’s not like it used to be. Back in my day Pat Jones (OSU head coach) would have all media done by Monday. There weren’t any interviews done during the week. Ollie is getting requests from everywhere. I told Sean (Maguire - media relations football contact) and Ollie to pick it two or three and have them done by Tuesday. After that I need him focused on what’s ahead.”

Pat Kinnison - Chief Photographer

Gordon could have a huge day in Orlando.

Monday at practice, a really good sign as athletics director Chad Weiberg spoke with Gordon.

“Yes sir, going to Orlando and taking care of business,” Gordon told Weiberg in the Monday practice.

After practice nose tackle Justin Kirkland, who admitted that he had a ball during and after Bedlam, said this team has their heads on straight when it comes to moving on to the next opponent.

"I think something that we do as a team is keep everything in house very well,” Kirkland said. “Even when we were 2-2 in the season, we don't listen to outside noise. For us, obviously Bedlam is bigger than any other game, but at the same time, it was just a game. So, go take care of business, do it for the community, do it for past players, all that. I'm just glad we were able to go out there and put one together the way we did."

Now, they have to put it together again in Orlando. UCF is cooking up a huge event, and Oklahoma State needs to make sure they don’t slip and become the party favor and do their own bounce on Saturday at the “Bounce House.”