Should Oklahoma State football be concerned about defense? Mike Gundy says ‘it’s fixable’

STILLWATER — In addressing his team’s defensive issues from the 39-31 win over Arkansas on Saturday, Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy kept coming back to coaching preparation.

The Cowboys allowed 648 yards, but came up with some clutch takeaways and big plays late to help pull out the victory.

“The majority of the problems was we got outcoached,” Gundy said Monday at his weekly news conference. “Then our players were put in the wrong positions. (Arkansas players) were running wide open. The good news is this: it’s fixable. 

“If players don’t have schemes that give them an equal opportunity or a better opportunity than the opponent, you’re exposed.”

The Cowboys were at a bit of a disadvantage, considering Arkansas — which has several new players and a new offensive coordinator — did not have to use much of its offensive playbook in its season-opening win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. 

Gundy said over half of the Razorbacks’ first 15 plays had not been seen on tape.

The Cowboys made halftime adjustments that didn’t slow the wave of Arkansas’ yardage, but held them to 10 points in the second half and overtime.

“One was pressure, and two, we made minor adjustments concept-wise with their run game, which was better,” Gundy said. “We had (quarterback Taylen Green) eight times and we didn’t get him down.”

Here are a few more takeaways from Gundy’s news conference:

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Run game remains a concern

After averaging 3.8 yards per carry in the season opener, the Pokes averaged just 2.3 per rush against Arkansas, which will continue to be an area of concern until they get back up to Gundy’s preferred mark of 4.2.

“They had more people in the box than we could block,” Gundy said of the Razorback defense. “You have to have the ability to throw more passes, which we did in the second half.

“Our offensive line play has been average. Hasn’t been bad. Pass protection has been excellent. Their play in that area has been really good.”

The Cowboys have yet to allow a sack through two games.

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No change on Collin Oliver’s injury status

After the game, Gundy wasn’t fully definitive in saying Collin Oliver would be out for the year because of the broken foot he suffered Saturday, and nothing had changed by Monday afternoon.

Oliver suffered a Jones Fracture, a break in the fifth metatarsal, according to his father’s social media post. That will require surgery, but it is unclear exactly how long his recovery will last.

Gundy said more should be known in a month about the length of Oliver’s absence.

But Gundy also mentioned that middle linebacker Justin Wright will be out for a significant period of time. Wright has not played this season, after missing most of last year with a torn ACL.

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De’Zhaun Stribling overcame illness

OSU receiver De’Zhaun Stribling had 38 receiving yards on four catches Saturday, but Gundy said the redshirt junior was playing through an illness that resulted in him being sick on the sideline.

“He made some plays,” Gundy said. “He had a couple balls that we feel he’ll make those catches. But he didn’t feel well. That’s one of the things about athletics, college football and daily life. There’s times we don’t’ feel well and we gotta go to work.”

More: Oklahoma State football’s Mike Gundy voices frustration with SEC officials vs. Arkansas

Martin, Ezeigbo get Big 12 honors

Despite allowing over 600 yards in the 39-31, double-overtime defeat of Arkansas, the Oklahoma State defense pulled in a couple of Big 12 awards.

Middle linebacker Nick Martin was named the league’s defensive player of the week after logging 16 tackles, his second double-digit tackle effort in as many games. Nine of his tackles came in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Defensive end Obi Ezeigbo, who stepped in after Oliver was injured in the first half, finished the game with nine tackles, 2.0 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss to earn newcomer of the week honors.