Oklahoma State football's Doug Meacham has put 'heart and soul' into pursuit of a victory
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
STILLWATER — The words Doug Meacham spoke after yet another Oklahoma State loss mirrored much of what he has said after each of his previous six losses as the Cowboys’ interim head coach.
But after Saturday’s 14-6 loss to Kansas State — easily the most competitive game the Cowboys have played against a Big 12 opponent all year — Meacham’s usual blend of disappointment and optimism came with an extra emotion.
“Yeah, I’m pissed,” Meacham said, standing on the stage of the team room in the west end zone of Boone Pickens Stadium. “You just want it so bad for these kids. You gotta look them in the eye every day, and they go do it and they work hard.
“They believe what you tell them. You sell them on an idea and a scheme, and they believe in you and you go out there and you fall short. It's like, eventually it kind of wears you out.”
Meacham appreciates the opportunity he’s been given to coach the football team at his alma mater, even against the long odds that squad faces week-in and week-out.
Wearing America’s brightest orange matters to him, and his passion is felt in the locker room.
“He comes up here on our Monday, Tuesday meetings and he gets us fired up,” redshirt senior safety Parker Robertson said. “‘This is our week. We’re gonna get it.’ We buy into it. There’s only two left, so let’s go out on top and win these last two.”
Clint Bowen, who has worked some magic as the interim defensive coordinator, has been in Meacham’s position as interim coach at his alma mater. And he sees the passion Meacham holds for Cowboy football.
“He takes great pride in the traditions and the program that Oklahoma State is,” Bowen said. “Doug, he does a good job of keeping his head up, but he wants to win. He wants to do what’s right for these kids.
“This has been a battle. He’s put his heart and soul into trying to find a way to get these kids a victory. I know he keeps a positive face, but deep down, I know it means a lot to him to do the best he can for this university.”
Saturday was the closest call yet, with multiple opportunities to take the lead in the second half.
Meacham likened his team’s fate to the frustration of a bad run at a blackjack table.
“It’s like the dealer's flipping 21 every time, it feels like sometimes,” he said. “But I can tell you this, there ain’t no quit in us.
“The guys that are on the field, man, it means a lot to them. At some point, you would think that something good would happen.”
The Cowboys busted a few good opportunities Saturday.
The OSU defense, which bordered on exceptional, made a fourth-down stop at its own 40-yard line, but was flagged for offsides to keep the drive alive. And K-State scored on a 35-yard pass the next play.
On three straight possessions to start the second half, the OSU offense moved inside the Kansas State 30-yard line. But all three ended with turnovers.
OSU quarterback Zane Flores, assaulted with pressure all day, threw two interceptions and fumbled twice. Both fumbles and one of the interceptions came as a result of a defender hitting him in the pocket.
Still, he guided the offense to 373 total yards, going 24 of 36 for 233 yards passing. Rodney Fields Jr. led the rushing effort with 51 yards on 14 carries, plus 46 receiving yards.
Statistically, the story of the day was the defense, which gave up 284 yards. It was the first time in the last 17 games against a Power Four opponent that the Cowboys gave up fewer than 38 points.
“I loved the fight that we have under fairly adverse conditions,” Meacham said. “However, when you have three turnovers in the red zone, you're not gonna beat Stillwater High School.”
As bad as Meacham wants a win for his players and for his school, it might not happen.
The Cowboys go on the road to face Central Florida next week, then host Iowa State on Thanksgiving weekend to close the year. And they’ll likely be underdogs in both games.
But for the players who have stuck around, they haven’t given up yet, and Saturday’s loss might further inspire their drive for a victory.
Either way, the lasting feeling from Meacham’s nine-game run as the head ball coach at his alma mater will be one of admiration for the players who stuck by his side.
“They laid it out on the line, and I appreciate them,” Meacham said. “I will always appreciate every one of these guys the rest of my life. I'll always remember this team — always. I’ll always remember this team because I don't know how many teams could lace them up and go fight like our guys do. I don't think there is one. There may not be one.
“I just appreciate every one of those kids and the effort put forth by the coaches that put together a gameplan and get these guys pointed in the right direction and get them out there ready to fight.”
Scott Wright covers Oklahoma State athletics for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Scott? He can be reached at swright@oklahoman.com or on X at @ScottWrightOK. Sign up for the Oklahoma State Cowboys newsletter to access more OSU coverage. Support Scott’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com or by using the link at the top of this page.
OSU vs. UCF
KICKOFF: 3 p.m. CT Saturday at Acrisure Bounce House in Orlando, Florida (ESPN+)
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Why Oklahoma State football's Doug Meacham wants a win 'so bad'
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos