Stillwater, Okla. – Oklahoma State University football begins a new chapter this Saturday as first‑year head coach Eric Morris leads the Cowboys onto the field against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. The matchup, held at Boone Pickens Stadium, carries extra weight for Morris, who is tasked with turning around a program that has won only one of its last 21 contests.
Coach Morris stresses a blue‑collar identity
“When I came in, our goal was simple: find a way to win,” Morris told local media. “We want to get back to a blue‑collar approach – gritty, tough, physical. That’s the kind of football we need to play.” He added that the team’s preparation centers on discipline and hard work, not superstition, though he joked that his wife, Maggie, handles the superstitious side of game day.
Full attention on Tulsa
“Tulsa has our full attention,” Morris said, noting the difficulty of winning on the road. “Winning college football games away from home is hard, no matter who you face. This will be a tough test for us.” The Cowboys are aware that Tulsa defeated them at home last season, securing the program’s first victory in Stillwater since 1951.
Players motivated by community support
Assistant coach Lamb echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the rivalry to the fan base. “This game means a lot to us and to our supporters,” Lamb said. “Our goal is to win every week, but this one carries special significance for the community that stands behind us.”
Looking ahead
Morris’s first‑year agenda includes rebuilding confidence, establishing a physical identity, and delivering results that satisfy a passionate fan base. While the season opener is just the beginning, the coach believes a win over Tulsa would set a positive tone for the months ahead.
Fans can expect a hard‑fought contest Saturday afternoon, with the Cowboys aiming to showcase the toughness and determination that Morris says defines Oklahoma State football.
Original reporting: KOCO Sports (Oklahoma City) — read the source article.
