Doug Meacham reflects on Oklahoma State overcoming adversity: ‘Just a game,’ team ‘had fun’

Oklahoma State interim head coach Doug Meacham put things into perspective despite the latest Cowboys’ loss Saturday. Baylor dominated, winning 45-27 in Stillwater.

But it’s just a game right? Oklahoma State was within one score in the fourth quarter but just couldn’t close the gap, falling to 1-3.

It was the energy and excitement level that stood out to Meacham. And that was from players and the rest of the coaching staff.

“I think beyond, you know, the schematics of things and things that didn’t go right or wrong, and beyond all that, it’s very impressive to me to watch these guys, under all the adversity, come out with all the energy,” Meacham said postgame. “And to me, they were the most excited team to play that game, and had no reason to be. And so it’s a testament to Mike building a culture here, picking the right kind of guys that will fight through adversity and come together as a team. 

“And I think that I was really impressed with that part. Had a lot of fun. They were having fun, you know? And that’s really what it’s all about. This is just a game at the end of the day, and, you know, they call it a game so you can have fun doing it right? And I think our guys had fun. I think the coaches had fun.”

However, the rest of the season goes, Meacham doesn’t want to see his guys quit. It’ll be a tough rally, considering the circumstances, but perhaps Meacham can give them a little boost.

“I just really enjoyed watching how they rallied around each other, how they played as a unit, and picking each other up, encouraging each other when things didn’t go well, and it was really good,” Meacham said. “I think we got to continue, obviously, to take the momentum of the first half in the second and push through and keep the train rolling, so to speak, in the second half. 

“But really pleased with the guys on their adverse situations, and we’re going to stop saying that, because we’re going to move forward. And the next thing is, it’s not going to be an excuse, and I’m really proud of the guys and proud of the staff, because they spend a ginormous amount of time preparing these guys, and it’s not easy, but I think it’s pretty cool. Everybody keeps it compartmentalized and just focuses on the job and their kids and work. And I think it’s kind of special. I hated that we lost, but it’s a phenomenal building block for the next one.”