STILLWATER — The question that hung over Bryan Nardo’s first year as Oklahoma State’s defensive coordinator was whether he could viably make the jump from Division II to Big 12 football.
The results of his first year were mixed. The overall numbers weren’t great, but the defense made significant improvements in areas that helped the Cowboys win 10 games.
But the true test of Nardo’s staying power in major college football will come this year, with returning starters at nearly every position and an offseason to adjust to how Big 12 offenses attacked his 3-3-5 scheme.
With an established, talented offense already in place, the Cowboys’ ultimate level of success in pursuit of a Big 12 title and a playoff berth in 2024 rides heavily on Nardo’s defensive improvement.
“This was an unusual defense last year,” head coach Mike Gundy said. “There were times that they won games for us, and then there were times that we gave up too many yards, we dropped coverage and the first three games we didn’t tackle very well.
“The good news is we have identified what the issues were and now the coaches have to work to fix those issues and find a plan to get the players to understand why that happened and how we can get better.”
More: Why Oklahoma State football game at West Virginia was ‘special experience’ for Nardo family
Defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo runs drills during an Oklahoma State football practice in Stillwater, Okla., on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
According to those who have seen him in action through the offseason and early part of preseason camp, Nardo looks more settled than a year ago. He never seemed overwhelmed with the jump to power conference football, but it was a learning experience that benefited him.
“Just like us, Coach Nardo has shown improvement and growth,” edge rusher Collin Oliver…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/oklahoma-state-football-defense-fare-120119443.html
Author : The Oklahoman
Publish date : 2024-08-18 12:01:19
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