Tulsa World's Eric Bailey Loves the OSU Beat, Eyes on QBs in Fall Camp
STILLWATER – We don’t usually make a habit of writing about what other media have to say. They have their job and we have ours. There is always a blending of opinions in press conferences in the form of questions asked by other media. Sometimes it’s your question, sometimes it’s theirs and it sparks an idea for you as a reporter. Sometimes your question gives other reporters ideas. It’s the way it works. I will tell you that I’m excited about adding Eric Bailey of The Tulsa World to the OSU media corps. I’ve admired Bailey’s work a long time. He isn’t a “homer” like I am and he tells it the way it is without the drama, sugarcoat, or venom that often accompanies sports writing these days in the social media era.
On top of that, Bailey know likes to point out that he has covered the trinity of Oklahoma college football having been a beat writer on the University of Tulsa beat, the University of Oklahoma, and now Oklahoma State University.
I had Bailey as a guest on my radio show on Triple Play Sports the other day and I started by asking if he thought like I did, Oklahoma State went low key (under promise and over perform mode) at the Big 12 Football Media Days in Frisco, Texas.
“I agree and when you say that too, I think they are being overlooked this year.” Bailey said. “I think it is really unfair to Oklahoma State because when you look at it, they have only had one down year. Mike Gundy’s body of work is really amazing. They don’t have a lot of expectations this year, but I think they will open some eyes with what they have. I think they can have a really good year.”
Bailey is aware that Mike Gundy did something we’ve never seen before and replaced his entire on-the-field coaching staff including both coordinators. Oklahoma State has 65 new players since the 2024 season ended and 35 new players that arrived in June for the summer program. It’s now how well can you blend all the ingredients to the recipe of a team.
“It comes down to building chemistry and meshing early,” Bailey added.
The opener on Thursday, Aug. 28 is an FCS foe, but UT-Martin won nine games last season and made the FCS playoffs. The week two takes the Cowboys to Eugene, Ore. to play a Ducks team that wil surely be ranked in the top five preseason.
“This is probably one of those years where you really wish you didn’t have a top 10 team on your schedule in the non conference because you have so much new, new coaches and new players,” Bailey explained. “It seems like if they go to Eugene and play well if could really give you some confidence. Nobody likes a moral victory, but that is kind of what it could be. It takes time for offensive lines to mesh and you’re playing one of the best defenses in the country when you go up there.”
When it comes down to the position groups and what Bailey will have his eyes on most in fall camps, he’s no different than any of us. Without a quarterback that has any significant experience, you have to eyeball Hauss Hejny and Zane Flores. The formula at quarterback will be really important.
“I really think both those quarterbacks bring so much to the team and the catch is they haven’t thrown a college pass ever,” Bailey said. “That quarterback competition is going to be fun to watch and I’m guessing that Doug Meacham will have them both under the microscope every practice. That is going to be interesting to watch it play out.”
Bailey has more experience than any of us with one of the key figures in the development of the starting quarterback or the quarterback plan. Kevin Johns is the new quarterbacks coach. I know he came highly-recommended by Mike Gundy’s brother Cale, who is still very knowledgeable of what goes on in the OU program, where Johns got credit for helping pull the offense and the quarterbacks out of a hole last season.
“In midseason he was elevated and had more responsibility,” Bailey said of last season at OU. “I’ anxious to see how he works with these quarterbacks. That relationship is so important. Last year the quarterbacks at OU loved him. They couldn’t talk enough about him and what he brought to the program. I’m anxious to see Kevin Johns, Doug Meacham, and even Clint Bowen and what they are going to bring to these quarterbacks.”
Quarterbacks and a new beat. Eric Bailey is a veteran at doing this and it will be fun to get his thoughts along the way in a season with a setup like none of us have ever seen before.
