Cowboy Defense Steps Up When Needed

Originally Published: Oct 11, 2009 12:40 AM CDT

Curt Hill
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—The Oklahoma State defense gave up its second-highest point total of the season in the Cowboys’ 36-31 win over Texas A&M. However, the defense stepped up when called upon.

With the Cowboys down by one late in the second quarter, Oklahoma Statehad a key goal line stand. The Aggies had a first-and-goal on the Cowboy seven-yard line, but the defense kept Texas A&M out of the endzone on four consecutive plays.

“There were a couple of big series there, and we stopped them there at the end of the game near the goal line. That was huge,” defensive coordinator Bill Young said.

The defense kept pressure on Texas A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson all day and held the Aggies to a season-low 382 yards on offense.

“I think that was the biggest thing for our defense; putting pressure on them. That kind of got them out of sync early on in the game,” senior linebacker Patrick Lavine said.

In the end, the Cowboys recorded a season-high four sacks and seven tackles for a loss. Senior defensive end Swanson Miller, who recorded a sack and recovered a fumble, felt two weeks of practice prepared the defense for Texas A&M.

“We just worked hard for the last two weeks. (We were) working on getting turnovers and getting pressure at the d-line,” Miller said. “I think that just carried on from practice to the game.”

The defense will look to continue its opportunistic play when Missouri comes to Stillwater next week.