PHOTO/Randy Renner
A Saturday away from the physical pounding of a football game is nice and all, but the OSU Cowboys are ready to get back at it. Especially with that loss to Texas Tech sitting there as the last time the Cowboys were seen in game action.
“Everyone needs a break," said running back Chuba Hubbard, the nation's leading rusher. "It was a good time to reflect on the season and see what we need to change and work on.”
Ball security is job one. Quarterback Spencer Sanders had five turnovers in Lubbock, three interceptions and two fumbles. All-American wide receiver Tylan Wallace says it's all part of executing the game plan and the plays correctly.
“Early in the season, we were good about it," Wallace said. "Lately, we’ve fallen off, as far as penalties and execution on certain plays, but we are going to pick it up a bit.”
He told reporters after Tuesday's practice proper execution of the plays is paramount.
“We need to execute. Receiver-wise, we need to get on the same page with the quarterback.”
The offensive line is working on the same thing. O-Line coach Charlie Dickey has been moving players around to different positions, some of that is because of injuries and some just trying guys at different spots. Bryce Bray has worked at every position on the line except center.
“I feel like it’s helped me tremendously moving all over the place," Bray said. "It makes you not so single-minded on being a speed rush kind of guy. You could be put at guard and have to deal with a big guy who bull rushes all the time. It’s great having the opportunity to broaden my perspective on the game.”
Bray will be working against a Baylor defensive line that leads the Big 12 in sacks and he embraces the challenge.
“They are doing a great job this year. It will be a fun competition to go out there against them."
On the other side of the ball safety Kolby Harvell-Peel will be working to put the clamps on the Bears offense.
“Every time you have a team coming in at 6-0, they’re obviously doing something right. They have a quarterback who takes care of the ball and they have a good receiving core. We’re going to keep looking into it. We’re going to keep watching film. We’re going to keep trying to get better in practice and get ready for Saturday.”
Kickoff is set for 3pm and you can see the game on FOX.
In the boxes below you can hear portions of the interview sessions with Bryce Bray and Chuba Hubbard.