Another Cowboy specialty

Historically, OSU has put plenty of emphasis on special teams.
From the moment freshman Quinn Sharp’s opening kick sailed out the back of the end zone, it was clear this is still the case.
Sharp was one of several players on special teams playing a key role in Oklahoma State’s 24-10 victory against Georgia Saturday in Stillwater.
He punted seven times, averaging 50 yards and putting four kicks inside the 20-yard line.
Despite his solid performance, Sharp said he was nervous leading up to his first game.
“The kickoff wasn’t that bad, that was just adrenaline,” he said. “Punting, I was more nervous, especially when (Georgia) downed the ball inside the five-yard line.
“I was like, ‘Alright, my first punt is going to be out of the end zone,’ but it was nice to know that we got a first down and stuff and then I got the pressure out after that punt.”
Sharp’s first punt was low but long — sailing 61 yards.
He said watching film of the Bulldogs’ special teams helped him relax and focus on his punts.
“We noticed that they didn’t really rush much,” Sharp said. “They ran a 3-3, up front on the punt. Once I saw that, I figured they weren’t really going to bring anybody, and it helped me calm down a little bit and take a little more time to kick the ball.”
As of Monday, Sharp is rated second nationally in punting average after the first week of games, behind only first-week opponent Drew Butler of Georgia.
Although Sharp redshirted last season, he had a chance to learn from another player who is familiar, being among the best punters in college football.
Sharp said former Cowboy Matt Fodge taught him plenty during the 2008 season and even had advice leading up to Saturday’s game.
“I talked to him two days before the game,” Sharp said. “He just told me ‘Good luck and concentrate on what you’re doing. Don’t get over-anxious, and just do what you’ve always done.’”
OSU also debuted the 2009 version of its kick return teams, including All-American Perrish Cox handling the kicks and Dez Bryant on punt returns.
Bryant was tentative getting to the punts and coach Mike Gundy said there are still some things that need correcting before next week.
“Special teams — we had both some big plays and some very poor decisions that cost us probably 60 or 70 yards in field position,” he said.
Cox did not have much of a chance, for Georgia only scored twice and attempted to kick away from him to prevent big returns.
But the one chance he got, he took advantage.
Cox took the opening kick of the second half, 74 yards, leading to an OSU touchdown that put the Cowboys up 17-7.
Defensive coordinator Bill Young said the kickoff return to start the second half was a momentum swing for the Cowboys.
“You always want to come out and play well that first series of the second half,” he said. “He just took the ball and ran it down there and gave the offense great field position.”
Gundy said despite his team’s sloppy play leading up to it, Cox’s opening return of the second half was invaluable.
“His return changed the game,” Gundy said. “It ignited the crowd in the second half and we were able to score points — it changed the perception of the game.”

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