Stan Geiger

Biggest Game in OSU History?

I just watched the KOTV newscast, and sports cat John Holcomb put the question: Is the upcoming bout with Texas the biggest game in OSU football history? I found that question interesting, because I have been thinking about that myself.

I'm no historian of Cowboy football, but I am an alumnus. So I have paid attention over the past three decades. And my memory says this weekend's game in Austin might well be the biggest ever.

Big games are nothing new to the Pokes. The Pokes have historically been faced with games against programs like OU, Nebraska and Texas. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Pokes were faced with the challenge of playing the 2nd-ranked/3rd-ranked Missouri Tigers on the road---and they came up big.

But there is no rest for the wicked in the Big 12. Now it's off to play the number one team in the nation on that team's home turf.

With a long trail of games in the past against highly-ranked---and even top-ranked---teams, why might this match-up be the most important ever?

The difference is made by what's at stake. OSU is more than capable of winning this game. And if the outcome is that for which I hope, the Pokes will be right in the middle of the hunt for the national title.

Pep talk time.

Be who and what you are, boys. Don't try to step outside yourselves. Don't get too excited. Don't get nervous. Don't stand in awe of the mighty Horns or the venue. Focus on the task at hand. No mistakes. Just hit the field and do what you do. You are the Oklahoma State University Cowboys, and you are good enough to beat any team in the country on any given day if you play Poke football.

This old Poke is proud of you. I'll say that now and I'll say that on Saturday night---regardless of the outcome---if you play Poke football and leave it all on the field.

POKES RULE, DUDES!!! LET'S GIT 'ER DONE!!!

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