John's Take: OSU Spring Game

Explosive plays have been an Oklahoma State staple during the Mike Gundy era.

The first plays from scrimmage in the spring game included a 75-yard touchdown pass from Taylor Cornelius to Jhajuan Seales.

But that was the only big offensive play.

The burning question coming into spring was could the Cowboys' run games take a big step forward. In the split squad setting, the results were underwhelming, but coaches and players insist there's been a lot of improvement.

"We got most of our work in without you guys seeing it,” said quarterback Mason Rudolph. “It's been a good spring and only going to continue to get better."

The game was dominated by defense. The Black squad, featuring first team defenders, won 23-7, capping an overall productive spring in Stillwater.

“As in the case in most springs, toward the end, there's an advantage for the defense,” said head coach Mike Gundy. “They've seen the same plays for two months. But they've got to get lined up and make plays also, so we're an improved team. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”

Mason Rudolph completed 11-of-15 passes and ran for a touchdown. And it appears that Cornelius will be Rudolph's backup. But that's now, four and half months before the Cowboys host Southeastern Louisiana in the season opener.