Drew Mestemaker and Eric Morris Know When to Take the Big Shot
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
When fans think about Eric Morris' offense, they probably picture deep passes and explosive plays.
That's understandable.
Morris comes from an offensive coaching tree that includes Mike Leach, Lincoln Riley and Sonny Dykes. His North Texas offense led the nation in passing yards last season, and Oklahoma State fans are understandably excited about what the Cowboys could do through the air.
However, one thing became clear during Big 12 Media Days.
Morris isn't interested in forcing explosive plays.
He's interested in winning football games.
"The Big 12 isn't what I remember," Morris said while explaining how the conference has evolved from the wide-open offenses he coached against nearly a decade ago. Today's league features more tight ends, more physical football and more emphasis on defense than many people realize.
That means Oklahoma State's offense has to evolve, too.
I actually think that's a good thing.
One of the more revealing comments came from quarterback Drew Mestemaker.
When asked about balancing aggression with taking what the defense gives him, he pointed to last season's game against Navy.
Caleb Hawkins was running so effectively that there simply wasn't a reason to force throws downfield.
"If Caleb's falling forward for seven yards every carry," Mestemaker essentially said, why take unnecessary risks? But if the run game stalls and the offense needs a spark, that's when it's time to attack.
To me, that's the answer of an experienced quarterback.
Earlier this offseason, Mestemaker admitted that after reviewing last year's film, he realized he actually could have been more aggressive at times and left some big-play opportunities on the field. He used spring practice to test those throws and learn which windows he can confidently attack.
Now, it sounds like he's found the balance.
That's exactly what Oklahoma State needs.
The Cowboys don't need a quarterback trying to hit a home run on every snap.
They need one who understands when the home run is there.
The same philosophy applies to Eric Morris.
Yes, he's known for explosive offenses.
He also made it clear he doesn't care how Oklahoma State wins.
If that means leaning on Caleb Hawkins and controlling the clock, he'll do it.
If it means Drew Mestemaker throwing for 400 yards because the matchup calls for it, he'll do that, too.
"I don't care how I have to win a football game," Morris said.
That quote may have been my biggest takeaway from the entire discussion.
Some coaches become prisoners of their own identity.
They throw because they're "passing teams."
They run because they're "physical teams."
Morris doesn't seem interested in labels.
He's interested in finding the weakness in a defense and attacking it.
That's what good offensive coaches do.
Throughout the offseason, we've heard about the talent Oklahoma State added.
We've talked about Drew Mestemaker's confidence.
We've talked about Caleb Hawkins becoming one of the nation's top running backs.
What ties it all together is decision-making.
The Cowboys have the personnel to beat teams in multiple ways.
Now they have a head coach and quarterback who appear perfectly aligned on when to be aggressive—and when patience is the smarter play.
In today's college football, that's every bit as valuable as having an explosive offense.
The best offenses don't force big plays.
They recognize when the moment is right—and that's exactly what Eric Morris and Drew Mestemaker appear ready to do.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos