Eric Morris Embracing Oklahoma State’s First Big 12 Test Under the Lights at West Virginia

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

STILLWATER — Eric Morris didn't need much help selling Oklahoma State's first Big 12 game of his tenure.

A road trip. A hostile environment. An undefeated opponent. National television. A night game in Morgantown.

For Oklahoma State's first-year head coach, it's exactly the type of opportunity that makes college football special.

“What a great opportunity for our team to go on the road and compete on national TV,” Morris said. “All the things you dream about. Football weather. Under the lights. Undefeated team. First Big 12 game. So many cool storylines to get excited for.”

The Cowboys will take a two-game winning streak into West Virginia on Saturday after dramatically changing the direction of their season over the past two weeks.

Now comes a different challenge.

First Conference Test of Morris Era

Oklahoma State's season began with a disappointing 24-10 loss at Tulsa before the Cowboys responded with a 39-31 upset of then-No. 6 Oregon.

They followed that with a 59-0 win over Murray State, giving Morris consecutive victories for the first time as OSU's head coach.

But Saturday represents another first. Big 12 football.

“We're growing and getting there,” Morris said. “We're getting better week to week on the small details. A true test this week going on the road.”

Wide receiver Miles Coleman acknowledged the significance of beginning conference play but doesn't believe OSU's approach needs to change because of it.

“Obviously we know Big 12 is different,” Coleman said. “These games matter a lot more than the others, but just staying consistent each week will help us compete well in the Big 12.”

Communication Will Be Tested

Morris' concern about playing on the road extends beyond the atmosphere. West Virginia's defense presents a challenge that will require Oklahoma State to communicate effectively before the snap.

Morris said the Mountaineers create pressure from numerous areas and force offenses to correctly identify what they're seeing.

“Defensively, Coach Alley, they force a lot of issues and wreak havoc,” Morris said. “Coming from everywhere, and we'll have to do a good job of identifying fronts. Be able to communicate in a hostile environment.”

That becomes particularly important for an Oklahoma State offense still developing continuity.

Drew Mestemaker has only three starts with the Cowboys, while much of OSU's roster was assembled through the transfer portal during Morris' first offseason. 

The offense has made significant progress since Tulsa, scoring 98 points over its past two games. Saturday will test whether that progress travels.

Morris Has Plenty of Respect for Rich Rodriguez

Morris also understands the experience waiting on the opposite sideline. West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez is in his second stint leading the Mountaineers and has spent decades building offenses designed to make defenses uncomfortable.

“This team is as well coached as we've faced this year,” Morris said. “Ton of respect to Rich Rod. I think he is almost up to 200 wins. Been doing it a long time and always seems to give other teams fits.”

West Virginia enters Saturday unbeaten, giving Oklahoma State another opportunity to prove its upset of Oregon wasn't an isolated performance.

The Cowboys have already experienced a little bit of everything during Morris' first three games — disappointment at Tulsa, a field-storming upset against Oregon and a dominant performance against Murray State.

Now comes conference football. And Morris doesn't seem interested in downplaying the moment.

Football weather. Under the lights. An undefeated opponent. A hostile road environment.

For the first Big 12 game of a new era at Oklahoma State, Morris wouldn't have it any other way.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos