Oklahoma State Cowboys' Focus Narrowed on Bedlam

Despite all of the implications of the matchup, OSU is just focused on beating their next opponent.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:03 pm

By: News On 6

Oklahoma State Cowboys' Focus Narrowed on Bedlam

Originally Published: Nov 22, 2010 5:35 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- Saturday’s Bedlam Game is already being described as the biggest game in the history of the rivalry.

Both Oklahoma State and Oklahoma are ranked in the BCS Top 15 and a shot at a Big 12 title game is on the line. However, the playoff-like stakes of the game are not something new to the Cowboys.

“We’ve been in a [win and advance] scenario for a couple of weeks,” head coach Mike Gundy said. “This game counts as one; just like the last two or three did that we had to win to get in this situation.”

During every week of preparation, the Oklahoma State starting offense and defense compete against each other in practice. The parallels between the Cowboys’ opponent and their own offense – especially in terms of speed – have never been more apparent.

“I would compare [the Sooners’ offense] to our offense,” defensive end Richetti Jones said. “Our offense moves just as fast, if not faster. We’re going to go a lot against our offense and let them tempo us like they do.”

All season long, the players have emphasized keeping their blinders on and focusing on what’s next rather than what could be coming on the horizon.

Even with a shot at the team’s first Big 12 title game and a possible first-ever BCS bowl selection, the players’ attitudes still haven’t changed.

“We’re going to go out and play football like we did in the first 11 games,” quarterback Brandon Weeden said. “This is a big one, but the 11 before were just as big.”

Developing that focus and determination to take it one step at a time can be credited to the coaching staff and the continuity among the Cowboys’ staff. Despite the big-game atmosphere and the holiday week, OSU will not change any day-to-day preparation to keep that mindset intact.

“They know what to expect when they show up here tomorrow,” offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen said. “They know that they have to lift weights and they have to watch the next opponent for an hour and they know that they have to have a two hour practice.”

Motivation, on the other hand, is something that nobody will have to help instill in the players.

“If you can’t get up for this game, what type of athlete are you? Are you even a player?” Jones said. “You don’t need too much motivation for Bedlam, it takes care of itself.”