'When we’re rolling, everyone’s really rolling': Oklahoma State's Danny Godlevske, Spencer Sanders clicking
STILLWATER — There is hardly a time after a possession where Oklahoma State center Danny Godlevske isn’t asking quarterback Spencer Sanders a question.
How are the snaps?
Then Godlevske will offer encouragement to Sanders.
“You’re making great calls,” Godlevske says. “You’re talking loud enough.”
It’s a back-and-forth, positive relationship between the two starting points of the Cowboys offense.
And nine games into the season — with the 10th-ranked Cowboys set to host TCU at 7 p.m. Saturday — the relationship is strong.
“We’re like brothers, man,” Godlevske said. “We talk a lot and hang out all the time. We just feed off each other’s energy.
“When we’re rolling, everyone’s really rolling.”
Godlevske spoke for the first time since transferring from Miami (Ohio) in the offseason. He’s become a stabilizing force in the center of the offensive line for the Cowboys.
It’s mostly due to his relationship building.
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He’s formed a strong bond with Sanders, but also the other linemen. Godlevske even knew left guard Josh Sills before joining the program.
Godlevske is from Indianapolis, while Sills is from Sarahsville, Ohio, 271 miles apart. They both visited Miami (Ohio) together. Sills ultimately chose West Virginia before joining OSU last season.
When OSU offered Godlevske a chance to join the program, he wasn’t even sure if Sills was returning after his one season. But he hoped he was.
Sills eventually decided to stay.
“I was pretty jacked up,” Godlevske said. “We’re best friends here. We have a great bond and it shows on the field.”
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Jason Taylor: Defense working to be better
After a dynamic performance in the 24-3 win over West Virginia, the Cowboys defense isn’t planning on slowing down.
“I feel like every week we’re trying to take steps to be better and better, and be better than last week,” OSU safety Jason Taylor II said. “I feel like it’s coming together. So, this week, we’re going to try to do the same thing, if not better.”
OSU’s defense enters Saturday ranked third in the FBS, allowing just 277 yards per game.
Now, it’s just a matter of keeping it up the rest of the season.
“I have confidence in them,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said. “I will say that. But I also know that in this game we’re dealing with still young men. Most of the guys we have playing on defense are 22 or 23, so that helps.
“They just need to stay the course and continue to work the way they have to get to this point. That gives them the best chance to continue.”
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Dez Jackson getting stronger
Running back Dez Jackson carried the ball once for three yards on Saturday, his first carry since the Week 2 win over Tulsa.
Jackson suffered an injury that game. But now he’s good to go.
“He’s up and running,” Gundy said. “We’re pretty pleased with him in practice. I feel good about where he is at now. We have him there. We feel like that if he carries the ball, he’s going to do just fine.”
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Mike Gundy offers thoughts on basketball punishment
Gundy was stunned by the result of the men’s basketball appeal to the NCAA, a decision that resulted in a one-year postseason ban.
“I thought it was unfair,” Gundy said.
But he also was left without words. He said he did not reach out to coach Mike Boynton or anyone associated with the program.
“I felt so bad that I didn’t talk to anybody about it,” Gundy said. “I just don’t know what you say. That’s hard for your players, in my opinion. I’m not a basketball guy but I still coach young people.
“I just have stayed out of the whole deal. I didn’t like the way it was handled, but it’s none of my business.”
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Blackout info
OSU is encouraging fans to wear all black Saturday night to black out Boone Pickens Stadium as part of a night of celebration.
The Cowboys will honor legend Barry Sanders with a statue unveiling at 5 p.m. on the northwest corner outside the stadium. He will also be inducted in the Ring of Honor at halftime.
OSU is also hosting its Military Appreciation Night with Folds of Honor.
Jacob Unruh covers college sports for The Oklahoman. You can send your story ideas to him at junruh@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @jacobunruh. Support his work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football: Danny Godlevske, Spencer Sanders clicking
