Monday, September 18, 2023
South Alabama exploited OSU’s quarterback battle in blowout win Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter
South Alabama saw it different. While OSU thought the three were equally playing well, South Alabama took it as a competitive advantage. South Alabama defenders weren’t The Jags knew each’s strengths worried about facing Oklahoma State’s and weaknesses, and that none could offense. be confident enough in the offense with Before the Jags pounded OSU the limited playing time through two 33-7 in Stillwater, they had only one games. OSU’s three quarterbacks, Alan win against a Power Five team in their Bowman, Gunnar Gundy and Garret program’s history. Still, it didn’t conRangel, combined for 46% completion, cern them; seeing as OSU didn’t have 114 yards and an interception on 35 pass a starting quarterback three weeks into attempts on Saturday. the season. “You have to have a quarterback From Cowboys coach Mike who can get into rhythm with an ofGundy’s perspective, he didn’t feel he fense, and who can be trusted, and I feel can make a decision with the three play- like they’re having problems finding ing at the same level before Saturday, that one guy to execute that,” said lineand thought they should get more time backer Trey Kiser. “We definitely took to prove themselves. None had sepaadvantage of that... rated themselves as the clear starter, as “(Bowman), with him getting into each moved the offense through quick a slow start, we knew we had him.” Ethan Scott reads and didn’t take many risks down While OSU thought the three quarterbacks were playing equally well, South Alabama saw it as a competiSee Exploited on 4 the field. tive advantage.
Scotty McCreery rocks the house Kenzie Kraich Staff Reporter
McCreery concert was one from a movie. As concert goers began to fill the seats of the McKnight While Scotty McCreery Center, the buzz continued to was the main reason for the grow from whispers to cheers. abundance of Pokes coming to- When the houselights began gether the night of Sept. 15, the to dim and a famous face took environment created earlier that the stage, the community in the evening through the McKnight McKnight Center became one Center’s pep rally was a close identity present to soak in the second. “homey atmosphere” as junior, With appearances from Mackenzie Steele said. OSU’s marching band, women’s Scotty McCreery may basketball team, men’s basket- not be considered a household ball team and the equestrian name, but it was evident Friteam, the plaza possessed an day night that he has plenty of electrifying energy to prepare fans in Stillwater. From kids in people for the concert. With diapers to some of the oldest drinks flowing and food trucks alumni OSU has, the McKnight supplying, the atmosphere lead- Center sold every seat in the ing up to the highly anticipated auditorium. See McCreery on 8
File Photo OSU coach Mike Gundy said OSU’s luck would run dry if it continued struggling to run the ball and block. That luck ran out Saturday.
OSU’s luck runs dry, South Alabama crushes Cowboys Braden Bush Sports Editor
his words, “Luck would run good job of coaching and cerout” if the Cowboys continued tainly didn’t do a very good down the path they were on in job of executing,” Gundy said. their first two games. “… We got out-coached and That luck ran bone dry. out-executed.” OSU coach Mike Gundy The Cowboys were In the first half, South said on Monday that South neither a better rushing and Alabama rushed the ball 24 Alabama was the toughest blocking team nor the more times for 107 yards (4.5 per and most physical team the physical team, and the Jaguars carry) and put up 232 yards of Cowboys would play in the thumped OSU 33-7 on Satur- offense, compared to OSU’s nonconference, and he wanted day night at Boone Pickens 13 times for 26 yards (2.0 per to see how his team would Stadium. Many of the same carry) and totaled 70 yards in respond. problems from OSU’s first the opening half. Gundy also said the two games were present, but “I thought that their Cowboys needed to run the this time, an opponent took offensive line blocked us,” ball and block better, espeadvantage of it. Gundy said. cially earlier in the game. In “We didn’t do a very See Alabama on 3
BRYSON THADHANI Scotty McCreery followed his hour long concert with a 25 minute encore to appease the endeared Stillwater crowd.