Why self-scouting is key for Bryan Nardo, Oklahoma State football ahead of Texas Bowl

STILLWATER — As he spoke to the media immediately following Oklahoma State’s 49-21 loss to Texas in the Big 12 Championship Game last weekend, Bryan Nardo sounded like a man ready to get back to work.

The Cowboys’ first-year defensive coordinator knew he wouldn’t coach another game for nearly a month, and he’ll get that chance when the 20th-ranked Cowboys take on Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl at 8 p.m. Dec. 27 at NRG Stadium in Houston.

And Nardo knew he wouldn’t coach another practice for eight days, with OSU coach Mike Gundy giving his team a rest after a grinding season.

So, as he stood amid a cluster of media beneath AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, a week ago, Nardo knew his most important next step.

“I’m gonna self-scout, even more than I usually do,” Nardo said of his immediate priority in the Big 12 title game aftermath.

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Getting his first experience at the Power Five level, OSU’s Bryan Nardo now has the chance to adjust his defensive scheme to the variety of attacks he saw.

Nardo faced a slew of gifted and experienced offensive minds in his first year coordinating a defense above the Division II level. He saw things he couldn’t have envisioned. His defense was attacked in ways that couldn’t have happened in stops at places like Emporia State or Gannon University.

And finally with some time to reflect, Nardo knew he needed to dig deeper into the areas where his defense was exploited.

“Getting ready for this bowl is practice and preparation for spring,” Gundy said. “We have a new structure on defense where we have found that coaches are able to identify flaws in our schemes and attack us, and we have to come up with answers for that as we move forward. Bryan has to do the same thing for himself and our…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-self-scouting-key-bryan-140053061.html

Author : The Oklahoman

Publish date : 2023-12-10 14:00:53

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