Chat about KU’s game against Oklahoma State with Michael Rigg

Once upon a time, Michael Rigg prowled KU games for 6News and KUSports.com. Nowadays, he’s on a different sideline – covering Oklahoma State for KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City. He comes home on Friday to take your questions about the Jayhawks versus the Cowboys.

Joel

Mike– How is Barry Sanders supposed to get playing time with Thurman Thomas ahead of him on the depth chart? I’ve got a good feeling about that youngster.

Sorry; 1987 was about the last time I was aware of OSU football.

bigdickbill

The OSU defense was bad under Bill Clay but it seems to have gotten worse since Lance Bedford took over. Why?

Joel

Who is the best Woods brother to ever play at OSU?

jsido

Michael – with OSU’s big play potential (28 plays over 20 or more yards) who do you see the matchup on the outside with Bowman, Woods vs Talib, Webb, etc?

jsido

Moderator – A pox on thy house.

Mike – tell me a little about OSU’s pass protection.

hnaylor

What do you like best about living in Oklahoma?

hnaylor

oh common Kevin, one more question!

hnaylor

I’m here!!!!! What’s the difference between working with Mangino, Stoops, and Gundy??

hnaylor

I’m here! I’m here! The pork council would like to ask a question!!

Moderator

Hello everyone. Thanks for joining us. I’m 6News Sports Director Kevin Romary. Please Welcome KOCO’s Mike Rigg (formerly of Ch. 6) to today’s chat. Mike, thanks for joining us. Are you ready to talk OSU football.

Michael Rigg

Let’s get it on. And let’s all try to ignore Romary’s poor grammar.

Moderator

Always a comedian. Let’s get started.

gdiepenb

What do you think are the major reasons for Oklahoma State’s fall in football after such success under Les Miles?

Michael Rigg

I think it starts with recruiting. OSU just doesn’t have the same players that it did a few years ago. Les knew that things were going to slide a little bit.

Also, when Mike Gundy was promoted to head coach, he installed a completely new offense (the spread, of course). Last year, he didn’t have the personell to run the offense, but he did it anyways. However, the offense — and the team — both look much better this season.

Moderator

Mike, how are things in Pokeland following last Saturday’s 4th quarter collapse in Manhattan?

Michael Rigg

Not good. Probably pretty similar to the way things are in Lawrence right now. Going into the season, I thought that OSU had to get a split of the two games in Kansas to go to a bowl. So Saturday is certainly a “must win” for the Pokes’ bowl aspirations.

Joel

Seriously, though, break down who has the advantages in this weekend’s game.

Michael Rigg

I think it’s going to be a fascinating matchup between two mediocre teams. OSU can play a lot of offense, but can’t defend right now. KU has the opposite problem. And both teams are coming off devastating fourth quarter losses. I think KU will win just because the Jayhawks are at home, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Pokes head back to Stillwater with the W.

deaton

With all the publicity about T. Boone Pickens gift of $165 million to the OSU athletic program, do you see that could later cause problems – that a rich alum could expect to exert influence over the athletic teams in return for his contributions?

Michael Rigg

It’s already caused plenty of problems at OSU. A lot of alums think their school has “sold out.” A neighborhood just to the north of the football was demolished to make room for new athletics facilities. Personally, as a KU alum, I’m jealous of the support that Boone gives OSU. I think it’s a very unique situation. College athletics are all about money right now, and I don’t see that trend stopping anytime soon.

Michael Rigg

Just got a call from former 6News guy James Sido…small world.

Moderator

Who is the best Woods brother to ever play at OSU?

Moderator

Yes, James Sido is small. But, we still love him. Oh, “small world.” My apologies.

Michael Rigg

Despite his struggles in the NFL, it’s Raushaun. Speaking of the Woods brothers, D’Juan is kind of struggling right now. Also, Donovan Woods has been moved to safety, where the coaches think that he has NFL potential.

Michael Rigg

Pet peeve…I didn’t spell his name right. It’s Rashaun. I hang my head in shame.

Moderator

What else should we know about Cowboy football for Saturday’s game? How is Reid developing?

Michael Rigg

I can’t stress enough how hungry OSU is for this game. The Cowboys really need a win right now. Bobby Reid is much better in year two. He looks much more comfortable. He doesn’t throw a lot, but he’s one of the nation’s leaders in pass efficiency. He’s finally developing into the QB that Gundy hoped he would be.

Moderator

Time for one more question Mike. Lynn Harrod wants a prediction from you on the game. KU or OSU? And what’s the score?

Michael Rigg

No questions from the Oklahoma Pork Council?

Michael Rigg

Back to the subject. I see this game going down to the wire. I’ll say 27-24 Kansas, assuming that Meier avoids the costly interceptions.

Moderator

Strangely enough, none!

Moderator

Thanks Mike. That will do it for today’s online chat. And Mike, be careful traveling to Lawrence for the game. We’ll see you on Saturday.

Michael Rigg

Thanks for having me. Save me a seat at the Red Lyon on Saturday night!

Moderator

Thanks to everyone for joining us today. We’ll see you next week. Go Jayhawks!