Oklahoma State manages two-quarterback system

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) - Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy often has said he's not in favor of two-quarterback systems.

J.W. Walsh changed his mind.

Walsh, best known for his running ability, was the starter last season before he suffered a season-ending right foot injury. Eventually, true freshman Mason Rudolph stepped in and helped the Cowboys beat Oklahoma and win the Cactus Bowl.

In the offseason, Gundy announced that Rudolph, a 6-foot-4 pro-style passer, would be his starter. Walsh could have transferred, but he chose to stay for his senior season. Gundy and offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich created a plan that would make Walsh the red zone and short-yardage quarterback. Rudolph has passed for 3,591 yards, with 21 touchdown passes and just eight interceptions for the ninth-ranked Cowboys. Walsh has 11 rushing and 11 passing touchdowns, and Oklahoma State ranks fourth nationally in red-zone efficiency and seventh in scoring heading into Saturday's showdown with No. 5 Oklahoma.

"I think that we need to give the offensive staff and coach Yurcich some credit," Gundy said. "It's not easy to game plan and to be as diverse as we are at times. They have done a good job of trying to play to the strengths of both quarterbacks. We need both of them, and we're fortunate that they've both played pretty well up to this point."

Gundy said the plan had to involve the right players to work.

"The reason that we're able to have success with both of those players to this point is because they're both great human beings," he said. "They're unselfish. They're team players, and they put the team first."

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops compared Oklahoma State's plan to the "Belldozer" package the Sooners incorporated for Blake Bell in recent years.

"They are both good athletes," Stoops said of Oklahoma State's quarterbacks. "Both are good throwers, but one throws it better and the other guy is bigger and stronger to run it with.

"You just have to know there's a good number of plays there when Walsh is in, and there's 11 games to look at the certain plays when he's in and we'll practice those."

Rudolph said Walsh makes his job easier.

"When he gets in there, he converts whenever he's in," Rudolph said. "I knew the kind of player he was from day one and the competitor that he is and that I am. I can't say that it's surprised me. He's done an awesome job."

Rudolph has had several big-time performances - he has passed for more than 400 yards three times this season. His best game might have been in the 49-29 win over TCU, when he passed for 352 yards and five touchdowns.

"He played very well against a very good football team," Walsh said. "For him to come out and play the way he did is huge for us. He was big spark for our offense, and I'm really proud of him."

Gundy said Rudolph has settled down as the season has progressed. He threw six interceptions in a three-game stretch earlier this season, but he has thrown 12 touchdown passes with just one interception the past five games.

"I think his ability to see defenses now, recognize coverages and his understanding of our own offense and concepts have grown," Gundy said.

At the start of the season, Walsh spent more time helping Rudolph along. Now, Rudolph is off and running.

"As the season goes on, there's not as much mentoring going on as there was in the beginning," Walsh said. "He has it figured out and is a great leader for our football team. If he needs help or has questions, I'm always there for him."

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Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter @CliffBruntAP.