OSU Offense

GOKATS · Post by **GOKATS** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 9:21 am

Cowboys feel comfortable with offense as season approaches

Chris Leonard
Asst. Sports Editor

As the Oklahoma State football team makes its descent on the season opener and preseason practices wind down, OSU coaches and players feel confident in their new offense.

The offense, which produced the leading passer, rusher and receiver in the Southeastern Conference last season, is a complete change from the offense the Cowboys used last year. But players and coaches have adapted quickly.

“I think we got a pretty good grasp on it — the basic stuff we want to run,” said junior offensive tackle Corey Hilliard. “It is still a work in progress. It’s a new thing to everybody. But we’ve come a long way since the spring.”

OSU offensive coordinator Larry Fedora said the offense has made strides and is close to what he’d like it to be — a smooth, run-and-gun style that puts points on the scoreboard.

“We’re still progressing and getting a little closer,” Fedora said. “I don’t know if we’re there where we want to be yet, but we’ve got things narrowed down to what we want to do. Now we’ve got to go out and play. I think they’re tired of practicing against each other, and just tired of practicing. They’re ready to go play against somebody else, so it will be fun to see what happens on Saturday.”

Fedora is also happy with the competition at various positions. Despite Donovan Woods being named the starting quarterback for Saturday’s game against Montana State, quarterback and running back are two positions that are still up for grabs.

“The best thing about (the skill positions) is we’ve got some numbers,” Fedora said. “We’ve got two quality guys playing quarterback for us that we feel very good about and fortunate to have. Running back right now, we’ve got three unproven guys that all have the capability.

“It’s going to be interesting to see what happens on Saturday because its totally unknown for us. So we’ll see who make the plays and who doesn’t.”

The no-huddle approach the offense brings is supposed to keep defenses on their feet, Fedora said. But it can also be tiring for the players that run it.

Sophomore receiver Tommy Devereaux said players have gone through intense conditioning and are just now adjusting to the fast-paced attack.

“It’s hectic going to no huddle, getting in and out and everything,” Devereaux said. “Everybody is getting hydrated and not getting fatigued. We look real good. We’ll get off our legs a couple of days and get ready for Saturday.”

Fedora said he is not sure what the outcome of his offense’s debut will be, but he hopes it will be exciting.

“I’ll have to wait and see,” Fedora said. “I think they’re prepared. They’re getting their legs back. It’s kind of hard, hot tough camp, and I think they’ve done a great job of dealing with all the diversity that we’ve dealt with. So it’ll be interesting to see Saturday.

“If they go out there, fly around and have a good time, I think they’ll be productive.”

Cat Grad · Post by **Cat Grad** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 9:35 am

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ifps/MapClick.p ... K&site=OUN

Thanks, good story. Even though the game doesn't start until 5:00 our time, it's the hottest part of the day there, so it's a good thing we've got all those extra bodies this year. Hope they load up on salt Friday night or cramps will kill them the second half.

Dignon003 · Post by **Dignon003** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 3:10 pm

It's going to be about 93 at kickoff. So it's going to be rather warm. Good luck.

raincat · Post by **raincat** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 3:27 pm

http:www.o-state.com/football/2005/08/31/gun ... -to-expect