Notes and Thoughts on Mike Gundy’s West Virginia Press Conference

Mike Gundy addressed the media following an exciting 45-41 OSU win over West Virginia following his son Gunnar’s win over Dax Hill’s Booker T. Washington team in the state playoffs (which he was asked about). It wasn’t an all-time presser, but it was still a pretty great one as Gundy broke down OSU’s sixth win of the year and the 120th of his career.

• “Great college football game. I’m really proud of our players and their ability to fight back. I thought our coaches made tremendous adjustments at halftime. Maybe as good as I’ve been around in a long, long time.”

• Said WVU’s defensive coordinator mixed some things up and got Corn off track a little bit, but he got back into it in the second half. “Couldn’t be any more proud of (Corn) and his ability to throw the ball and run it.”

• “We went to four wides.” Got rid of what they were doing, revamped it and went to four wide. Only ran 6-7 base plays. WVU played “considerably different” than what they’ve played other people.

• Got out of their gaps like five times in the first half on defense. Went back to their base defense in the second half. Left them a little vulnerable in single coverage defensively. “We were in good shape. We made some plays. They made some plays.”

• Said “yeah” when asked if it felt like 2014 all over again. “We beat two top 10 teams and three yards away from beating three last week. I’d say the guys are doing pretty good. They’re playing hard, and I’m proud of him.”

• Played a center that’s never played today.

• J.D. King was out along with Justice on Saturday.

• “I’m proud of them for their effort and what they give to the program. The character and culture … means a lot.”

• Took pics with fans after the game. Doesn’t mind doing that. “Part of my job is to be there for the fans and the public so I feel a little bit obligated to do some of that.”

• ‘The center was awesome, but he struggled in the first part of the game.” Said he’s never played before. Said OL was C to C- in the first half and “at least an A” in the second half.

• Advantage with Corn is how even-keeled he is. Made some bad throws in the first half, but “things don’t bother him.” Corn didn’t care about the “drastic changes” at halftime. “He was good with it.”

• Thinks Bedlam probably tore Corn up and was really glad for him to finish the way he did against WVU. “I’m happy for him that he could finish that drive.”

• Didn’t have four wide (two by two) in the first half, but they went to base plays. So they knew what they were doing.

• “(WVU defensive coordinator) Tony (Gibson) got us. Yurcich may not admit that, but he got us.” Called it a chess game. “Fortunately for us in this game we made the last play.”

• Hurry-up offense has been rolling for the past two weeks. Can run base in hurry up. Disadvantage is trying to get one yard. Which is kind of hilarious. “For the lack of experience Corndog has in doing it, he’s pretty good. That’s not something that you do real easy.”

• Chuba is more physical of a runner than what Gundy expected. Canadian football is far behind American football in terms of physicality.

• “Dana’s going to do what he wants to do.”

• OSU knew WVU was running the two-point play they beat Texas with and they still screwed it up.

• “Mike has the ability to call ’em fast. It’s not easy to do. I’ve lived in that world.” Lot of pressure on Yurcich, but he did a great job with it. Knowles did a good job late. Changed from zone to blitz on the last play, which is what Gundy wanted and it turned out to be the right call.

• “I enjoy working with the young men. I like seeing them improve.” For Corn to get better and better and for 87 to make a play. “When did he ever think he would score a touchdown when he was coming out of high school against the ninth-ranked team in the country?” Pretty cool for those guys.

• “There was three guys there I don’t know where (Stoner) thinks he was going.”

• Thought after the punt return fumble that every time OSU started to get close, they took themselves out of the game. But holding WVU to a FG there was huge.

• “For 24 hours it’s about all a guy can take. Pretty awesome deal. Good times.” Gundy’s take on Gunnar Gundy and Stillwater moving on to the state title in addition to OSU’s win over WVU.

• When you win and have a bunch of success, when you don’t play as good the tendency is that people say let’s get this over and try again.

• Bowl game is important because he wants players to have a reward. Be in a nice place and play another game. “Heck of a deal” for walk-ons and other people within the program.

• “I feel better now than I did this time last week.”

• Could have put Justice out there in a “flap jacket.” LOL!

• Gundy told a Texas Bowl rep “I’m a good friend. I might not stay out as late as (Dana), but I’m a good friend.” Gundy also said he had insider information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBpHUUGX9yo