Oklahoma State football notebook: Quarterback J.W. Walsh's role still undefined

COWBOYS REFOCUS ON TAKEAWAYS

Skeptics of the Oklahoma State defense last season often pointed to its NCAA-best 44 takeaways as part luck, even though the Cowboys' trend of forcing turnovers dates back to defensive coordinator Bill Young's arrival in 2009. From 2009-11, OSU led the nation with 108 takeaways, 17 more than second-place Oregon during that span.

But so far in 2012, OSU has forced just two turnovers in two games, including zero against Arizona in Saturday's 59-38 loss.

Defensive end Cooper Bassett said his unit needs to refocus on gaining takeaways, starting with practice.

Keep in mind, through two games last season, the Cowboys had forced only three turnovers. They went on to snag 41 takeaways in their final 11 contests.

COWBOYS LEAD NATION IN TACKLES FOR LOSS

Through two games, OSU leads the nation with 23 tackles for loss.

Those stops have resulted in 84 yards in losses.

By comparison, OSU produced 91 tackles for loss all of last season — 13 games — meaning the Cowboys are already one-fourth of the way to that total.

End Ryan Robinson leads the way with three tackles for loss and 1 1/2 sacks.