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Gina Mizell: Power Lunch Chat transcript, September 10, 2012

The Oklahoman's OSU beat writer Gina Mizell answered questions from readers in today's Power Lunch Chat. Join our Power Lunch Chats Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on NewsOK.com/Sports.

By Gina Mizell | Published: September 10, 2012 Comment on this article

The Oklahoman's OSU beat writer Gina Mizell answered questions from readers in today's Power Lunch Chat. Join our Power Lunch Chats Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on NewsOK.com/Sports.

So what the heck is up with all the penalties? Is this an undisciplined team?

Two games into the season--one against a horrible opponent where we didn't learn anything--it's difficult to define this team already. But based on Mike Gundy's history and such, OSU is not an undisciplined program. That said, Saturday night was bad. Reminded me of watching Arizona State under Dennis Erickson--who does have a reputation of fielding undisciplined teams. It's something that already has been addressed--Gundy has had a 1-on-1 meeting with Calvin Barnett. But addressed and corrected are two different teams. The Cowboys didn't really "get away with" any of those big penalties, though. So it shows that you cannot win with that many.

Do you think what happened Saturday is a harbinger of worse things to come or just a one-time thing?

Again, who knows? That's why we play the games. If it's an issue again against Louisiana-Lafayette, then that's a trend and a concerning one. I know it'll be a point of emphasis this week, from Mike Gundy down to the coaches down to the players. We'll see how everyone responds.

After this past performance, think the Pokes can go 6-6 and get to the weedeater bowl?

I think this team has the potential to do way better than 6-6. My prediction was 8-4 at the start of the season. I predicted losses to OU, Kansas State and West Virginia, with Texas/Arizona/TCU being toss-up games. Not saying OSU would have won had it not made so many mistakes, but it certainly would have changed the dynamic of the game. Heck, the Cowboys still had a chance to take the lead early in the fourth quarter, even with all of those mistakes. I'll be pretty shocked if this team doesn't make a bowl.

Didn't see Chris Littlehead on Saturday. He working his way out of the doghouse?

You're right, he did not play Saturday. I think it's a couple things. I don't think Arizona's read-option offense that relies a lot on a dual-threat QB was the best matchup for a guy like Littlehead. I think Castleman, Barnett and Rogers (and possibly Collins) are simply better than Littlehead. And possibly still working his way out of the doghouse. I don't know that for sure, though. I plan to ask about that at today's media luncheon.

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