OSU Football: Week 10 Notebook

Texas Tech becomes the Cowboys' focal point for the next week. Mike Gundy answered questions from the media today about the struggling passing game, resurgent running game and whether any changes would be made to get the offense trending in a more balanced direction.

• "I think it's evident that (Texas Tech) is the best offensive team that we've played to this point," Gundy said. "They've had a considerable amount of success moving the ball and scoring points so it will be a good challenge for our players no question about that."

• Gundy acknowledged several key players from Saturday's 58-27 win against Iowa State. Among them were linebacker Shaun Lewis, running back Desmond Roland, the offensive line, defensive end Tyler Johnson and cornerbacks Justin Gilbert and Tyler Patmon.

• Gundy said most of the credit for Desmond Roland's big game went to the offensive line. "This was the first game we've had the same starting five (on the offensive line) as the game before and there was some consistency in practice over a two week period," Gundy said. "I would like to think that that has an effect and hopefully they'll continue to improve as we move forward."

• He also said that Roland and Jeremy Smith would still get the same amount of reps in practice, but the Cowboys would give Roland the ball if he "continues to stay hot."

• "We need to throw the football better, period. We need to become a better passing team, period," Gundy said. "Before the last game we weren't good enough in the running game. So hopefully we can put a game together where we can be effective with our offense in general."

• He added a couple reasons the passing game hasn't performed up to expectations have been protection and route running. Gundy added that there have been several turnovers caused when the quarterbacks get hit just before or just after releasing a throw. "We haven't been very good in protection and our route running has been good, not great, and our throws have been just good. There have been times when our quarterbacks have been hit right before releasing it or right after they release the ball which certainly has an effect on a throwing game."

• On whether Clint Chelf or J.W. Walsh would start at quarterback Gundy stated, "We're going to play both guys."

• Gundy said he would be trick-or-treating with his kids on Thursday night but he wouldn't be in costume.

• The Big 12 announced the OSU-Kansas game on Nov. 9 will have a 3 p.m. kick time.