Mike Gundy’s Message to Mason Rudolph Ahead of OSU’s Season-Opener

Ahead of OSU’s season-opening football game set for Thursday evening, head coach Mike Gundy offered a glimpse into his communications with quarterback Mason Rudolph. The message? Stay within yourself.

“So many people have talked about him, he’s a potential national award winner. His name has been brought up with the Heisman .. my communication to him was, ‘Just play within yourself. Don’t get out of your box. You know what your strengths are, you don’t have to do anything else. We have enough good players that can make plays. Don’t force the issue.'”

Rudolph, a preseason Heisman hopeful, has a habit of making big plays. But as a junior last season, he got himself into trouble at times trying to make too much of plays that were dead or trying to make extra yards on the ground instead of tucking it and surrendering himself.

As Rudolph enters his final year as the Cowboy starter, Gundy hopes he’s learned from his mistakes of 2016 and can build off what has been a strong fall camp for QB1.

“Hopefully he understands that,” Gundy said. “He’s done well in the preseason.”

Hear Coach Gundy's message to Mason before tomorrow's game. #okstate #GoPokes pic.twitter.com/IAvfe7Caay

— Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) August 30, 2017