OU Coach & Player Quotes on OSU

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops, quarterback Jason White, offensive guard Davin Joseph and defensive tackle Remi Ayodele met with the press corps at the weekly media luncheon on Tuesday afternoon in Norman.

No. 2 Oklahoma (7-0, 4-0 Big 12) travels to Stillwater on Saturday to face the No. 20 Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) in the annual Bedlam Game. The game will kick shortly after 11 a.m. and will be televised by ABC Sports.

Head Coach Bob Stoops
On win over Kansas...
"I feel good about the way we ended up playing through the second half. The first half I thought we could have played a little bit better. I think we had some miscues and I don't know that we came out as strong as we needed to. I also recognize that Coach Mangino and his staff have made great improvements and they played well. We did what we had to.

Photos | Sooner Gameday Central: Oklahoma State

"In the end, Jason White was sensational. They were doing everything they could to take away the running game and we were able to stretch them and make some big plays throwing. Mark Clayton and Jason White were players of the game on offense. Our running took over in the second half and Adrian Peterson was really strong in the fourth quarter and made some big runs.

OU Game Notes | OSU Coach & Player Quotes

"Defensively, I thought we were really solid the entire day. Outside of one big play that we gave up, the rest of the defense really played in a great, great way causing a lot of problems, turnovers and getting pressure on the quarterback. Players of the game on defense were Dan Cody, Jonathan Jackson and Lance Mitchell. Those guys were really sensational. The secondary overall was very good."

On Oklahoma State...
"Another huge game for us. The more you win and move down throughout the year, the more important each game becomes. This is a big game in the Big 12 South and our race to represent the South in the Big 12 Championship game. We understand the challenge in front of us.

"You watched Oklahoma State last week in a great come-from-behind victory over Missouri. They had guys step up and make plays when they had to make them. We recognize that gives them a lot of confidence.

"We go in knowing it's going to be an exciting game that we've got to come in and play to our ability. I liked the way we practiced yesterday and the attitude we had coming in to the week. Hopefully, we can get our stride and play like we're capable of for four quarters this coming week. That's what we're pushing to do."

On the defense improving...
"We've had some strong games early. I don't know that we've had a bad game. You go through the course of an entire game and you're bound to have a play or two that you would have liked to change. When you look at the overall way we've played, we've played in a good and solid way. In the last three weeks, we're playing better and better."

On OSU's run game...
"They're similar to other opponents. They have different people, but they have similar schemes and formations. They have some strong similarities to Texas in their formations and using tight ends. Along with the quarterback counters and quarterback run game and their emphasis on the tailback. They're similar to what we've seen, but different people."

Quarterback Jason White
On the Bedlam match becoming so significant...
"I think the biggest thing is that both teams have turned around their programs. Both teams have eventually turned into a Big 12 powerhouse."

On previous Bedlam games...
"I think we have learned from our mistakes in the past as far as the team goes. You don't get revenge and you don't beat somebody because you are mad at them. You have to prepare better and play better. The two years that we lost, we didn't play better and we flat out got beat. I think we learned from those two games and improved."

On the challenge of playing in Stillwater...
"Every time you go on a road game, it's a challenge. No matter how well you prepare or how well you play, the other team always has that slight advantage of playing at home. I think the biggest challenge for us is going up there and playing our game."

Defensive Tackle Remi Ayodele
On OSU...
"We know that whoever is the toughest up front is going to win the game."

On Donovan Woods...
"It doesn't really matter if they pass or run the ball, we just have to remain tough out there."

On the size of OSU's offensive line...
"I know their offensive line is pretty big, but I feel like we are stronger."

On OSU running back Vernand Morency...
"Cedric Benson is the first back that comes to mind when you look at Morency. They do a lot of the same things, but I think that Benson hits the holes a little bit harder. You can tell that Morency runs like he's looking for respect, because he's not getting the respect that he deserves."

On Moe Dampeer's interception against Kansas...
"I was happy for Moe. I was on the sideline when he caught it and I don't know if anyone saw, but I was running down the sideline with him like I was trying to block for him. He was really happy about it and was talking about how fast he was. He said he didn't know that anybody was behind him, so he slowed up a bit."

Offensive Guard Davin Joseph
On Jammal Brown...
"He's really developed as a player, especially in the run game and also in his pass protection. I can't even remember the last time somebody Jammal around the edge. He's become a lot more aggressive as a player. Jammal is not the most vocal guy but some guys lead by example better than others."

On the rivalry with OSU...
"I think it's getting closer and closer to an OU-Texas or Michigan-Ohio State game. It's not like in the 80s or early 90s where you assume that OSU is not a big deal. They are a top contender and have a very good team and coach."

On OSU's defensive schemes...
"Defensively I think they will focus on stopping the run. It would be smart to stack the box against us with us having such a dominating back and experienced offense. As an offense, if they stack the box we just have to pass the ball."

On OU's offense...
"When you have guys like Jason White and Mark Clayton back there a lot of things can happen. With this offense being together for a little while we're well aware of our capabilities."

On the meaning of Bedlam...
"It will be a tough-fought battle between a lot of in-state players. It's been one of the best games I've ever played in and to be a part of it again this year against a lot of great players is going to make it just that much more fun."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors