Mike Gundy unleashing Ollie Gordon’s versatility on the Big 12

STILLWATER, Okla. — The month of October has turned the Cowboys into Big 12 contenders, and a lot of their recent success can be attributed to sophomore running back Ollie Gordon.

After all, Gordon has been on a tear since conference play started, and eclipsed the century mark in rushing yards in each of the past three games. His performances have left Coach Mike Gundy speechless, and it appears he’s just cracking the surface on his potential.

Gordon looked like a man among boys in Oklahoma State’s victory over Kansas last Saturday, and scored the game’s first touchdown. He carried the ball 29 times for 168 yards, which were both season-highs. Not to mention Gordon generated 116 yards receiving on six catches, and scored two total touchdowns against the Jayhawks.

Gundy has had a running back-by-committee approach with Gordon, Jaden Nixon and Elijah Collins this season. However, Gordon has separated himself from the rest of the pack and molded into one of the best running backs in the conference. His punishing running style is all about physicality, and when Gordon gets his shoulders square, Gundy knows he’s a load to bring down.

“The backs will rotate, but if a back gets hot he’s going to get the ball,” Gundy said. “Fortunately, Ollie is 218 pounds and strong, so when he gets going, it doesn’t affect him as much as a small-sized guy.”

Gundy has had his fair share of talented running backs, considering he’s the longest-tenured coach in the Big 12. Gordon’s rare blend of speed, vision and power makes him a versatile weapon in Gundy’s offense. So now Gundy’s’ No. 1 priority is getting Gordon as many touches as he can.

The Texas native gets stronger with every carry too, which Gundy admires. Gordon’s blocking is solid, his hands are soft and he’s very durable. On top of that, Gordon is trustworthy in the clutch because he doesn’t fumble. In Gundy’s eyes Gordon has become a complete running back, and he’s more disciplined.

“Last year he (Gordon) used to get emotionally-driven, and he was out of control,” he said. “You have to play with energy and enthusiasm, but if you play out of control, you’re not helping nobody because you can’t think, and he’s not doing that this year.”

Now that Gordon has emerged from the shadows, defenses around the Big 12 will be loading up the box to stop him. In return that’s going to give quarterback Alan Bowman more options with the play-action pass. Bowman is glad to see that Gordon is making a name for himself, which takes some of the pressure off his shoulders.

“I think he’s a workhorse for sure, he’s an unbelievable player, and we want to get the ball to our best players,” Bowman said. “I think getting the ball to him in anyway possible is great, obviously now teams are going to focus on number zero, and that’s going to spread it out for everybody else.”

It’s going to be intriguing if Gordon can keep up this production as the Cowboys navigate through the Big 12 gauntlet. He’s riding a big wave of momentum. Gundy wants to keep feeding the monster, because it controls the clock, dictates the pace of the game, and wears down the defense in the second half. Everything starts at the point of attack with the big boys up front though. As long as the blocking is consistent, Gordon will continue to stampede over defenders. And once Gordon gets into a groove, Gundy knows he’s basically unstoppable.

“When he’s hot you have to pound him, and the line is feeding off of him.”