Eric Bailey
Tulsa World OSU Sports Reporter
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Mike Simons
Tulsa World Photojournalist
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STILLWATER — Oklahoma State’s football team is trying to prove itself as a resilient bunch.
There have been many distractions on and off the field, especially on the heels of Mike Gundy’s abrupt firing last Tuesday. Throw in Sunday’s news of defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s dismissal and it’s been a rough patch.
Football is their salvation and, even though Saturday’s 45-27 loss to Baylor wasn’t the result they craved, the three hours on the Boone Pickens Stadium field was therapeutic.
“The past year-and-a-half, the stuff that happened with (Gundy) this week, we all still came out and we stayed together,” OSU’s Dylan Smith said. “We all had energy from the start and all the way through the game. I think that was really big.”
Interim coach Doug Meacham is charged with keeping this team glued together. He understands how difficult this week was for the players and staff.
For four days leading up to the Baylor game, he was a healer just as much as a coach. The team was wounded by Gundy’s news early in the week and he knew the Baylor game would be a transition toward the final eight games this season.
“I’m really pleased with the guys under adverse situations. And we’re going to stop saying that because we’re going to move forward,” Meacham said after the game. “And the next thing is it’s not going to be an excuse.
‘I’m really proud of the guys and proud of the staff, because they spent a ginormous amount of time preparing these guys. It’s not easy, but I think it’s pretty cool. Everybody keeps it compartmentalized and just focuses on the job and their kids and work. I think it’s kind of special.
“I hated that we lost, but it’s a phenomenal building block for the next one. I told the kids (to go) sulk for an hour or whatever, and then forget about it, and let’s learn from it. Let’s build for the next one. Let’s go to Tucson (to face Arizona) and get ready to roll.”
Every player who came into the interview room after Baylor’s game had praise for Gundy. They detailed the former coach’s visit to practice just hours after he’d been fired.
“He talked to us; Gundy’s a tough guy,” OSU wide receiver Sam Jackson said. “Guys were emotional and stuff like that. But Gundy told us ‘I want you to go out there and play hard. I want you to go out there and win no matter what’s going on with me.’
“It kind of motivated the guys to come out and play. And I think that’s why we had that spark in the first half. We just have to learn how to finish in the second half.
“We were emotional at the beginning. But I think as players and a staff, it kind of motivated us in a way.”
Putting the week behind them will be the key move.
“It’s been up and down obviously with the news of coach Gundy leaving, him being the key aspect to what we have going on here in this culture, but it’s a part of the business,” running back Trent Howland said. “Things happen, it sucks, but Coach Meacham stepped up and throughout all this week said things are going to change with the offense and how things are run. That’s exactly what we showcased out there.
The defense must quickly reset to a new coordinator following Grantham’s firing. Clint Bowen, a quality control assistant, has been promoted to take over the unit.
Jackson said his teammates are ready to go.
“I don’t think anybody is walking out with their heads down, like, ‘man, we just lost another game,'” Jackson said. “I think it’s like, ‘I can’t wait to play, I can’t wait to come in watch film and then start with Arizona this week.’
“I feel that from everybody in the locker room. So that’s a good thing.”
eric.bailey@tulsaworld.com
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Eric Bailey
Tulsa World OSU Sports Reporter
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Mike Simons
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