Safety Markelle Martin
Q: What has to be done to stop Andrew Luck?
A: I think that's something that we've been harping on. We want to run to the ball, we want to tackle as a team, just run to the ball because we want the whole team to be there. We have to have relentless effort. Get after them and have fun. That's one of the biggest things we make a point of is having fun, celebrating with each other and making plays.
Q: What problems do you expect from the Stanford offense?
A: We have to be physical upfront and we have to read our keys. I think we have to play every down and we have to pay attention to the tight ends. You can't look in the backfield. Everybody has an assignment and everybody is going to be held accountable for their assignments. We're going to pay attention and just play our game.
Q: You have to watch out for the run too.
A: We understand that. We understand they are a very physical team. If everyone is reading their key and doing their assignments, we should be all right.
Q: What does it mean to be the first OSU team to play in the BCS?
A: It means a lot. It means that throughout the years we've taken the right steps to get to this point. Since I've been here we've had stepping stone type of careers. We can leave a legacy here that we started that is remarkable, everything we've been through. I think we've shown the younger guys and some of the other people that we are recruiting that Oklahoma State is on the rise to do something special here.
Q: Is it extra special since Coach Gundy played at OSU?
A: I think that has added benefits, to have a coach that's been here and understands exactly what you're going through. Just to have a coach that is an alumnus I think that helps a lot.
Q: What do you expect from this game as a defense?
A: We expect a physical game; a grind out type of football game. They are going to try each and every play on defense individually and they are going to run the ball at you and see if you will run up and tackle. They will just physically try to punish you. I don't think it will be a high scoring game. I think there will be some points scored, but eventually one of the defenses is going to have to step up. For me, I think it's going to be a very physical game.
Q: There tight end depth is very unique. How difficult does it make them?
A: It makes it a little different. In the Big 12 we face a lot of slot receivers and occasionally tight ends, so it makes it a little different. I don't think it's as difficult we are used to seeing, some speedy guys. They have great speed, but we are used to being spread out one on one. But they have some great athletes, the type of tight ends that we don't see week in and week out.
Q: Have you put your focus on tackling those guys?
A: They are big, bigger than most people expect. They are faster than most people expect. When we watch films, they get on top of guys because they aren't expecting their speed. One thing, we just have to respect what they're doing.
Q: What does Brandon Weeden do well?
A: To see him go through his progressions and quick snap reads, to see him place balls where no defender can get it, there's certain things that unless you see it on a daily basis you really don't understand. He just does a tremendous job of being the captain for us. He's a quiet guy, he doesn't speak much, but he lets his arm do the talking. He's a guy that should be a higher draft pick then where he's projected.
Q: Is there extra motivation to slow down Andrew Luck?
A: I think as a team you kind of want to do that. It's not necessarily in the back of our head, we understand what we need to do first. I just think we have to stop their run. That's something that they harp on and something we have to focus on.
