Meacham Embraces Homecoming, Demands Improvement at QB
During his homecoming-week media session, interim head coach Doug Meacham leaned into the emotional and symbolic weight of the moment. He spoke of reinvigorating tradition, giving the fans something to rally behind, and trying to deliver a performance that matches the nostalgic backdrop of homecoming at Stillwater. But the optimism wasn’t blind: he also stressed the need to improve, particularly at quarterback, and challenged his roster to rise to the moment. Meacham made it clear he expects more than just energy; he wants execution.
He praised the full-game film Sam Jackson V now has to study, noting that watching himself in action provides lessons no amount of drawing up plays can. That self-awareness, he implied, should accelerate his growth under center. As Jackson adapts, Meacham pointed to the importance of pairing that development with real-world reps, recognizing that mistakes will happen, but progress is non-negotiable.
Balancing Realism and Rallying the Crowd
Meacham didn’t shy away from the spectacle of homecoming. He acknowledged the tradition, the alumni, the pageantry, and the energy that such a game brings. But he’s careful to remind that spectacle doesn’t substitute for substance. He wants the crowd fired up, sure but he also wants the players to back it up. In his view, there’s no contradiction: the atmosphere can be electric and the margin for error still small.
One playful moment came when Meacham complimented a shirtless fan in the student section. He joked about getting the fan’s number to see if he wanted to hang out at practice, a light moment showing how he’s trying to bridge the gap between the sideline and the stands. He clearly values the fanbase and wants that connection to fuel, not distract, his team.
Defenses, Matchups & Strategic Adjustments
Meacham also dove into schematic challenges. He discussed the difficulty of robber‑safety coverages, and how offenses must account for them convincingly. What looks like a light box may actually be loaded which means the Cowboys need to be precise about where they go and when. Meacham emphasized the run-pass balance, the importance of RPOs and play-action, and the challenge of leveraging matchups when the defense drops more in coverage.
He praised Jackson’s willingness to play quarterback even though there are rumors about his potential in other roles (receiver, special teams). That flexibility and buy-in, Meacham said, reflects maturity and leadership.
Stability Amid Change; Coaching Partnering Up
Even with the upheaval in the program, Meacham stressed continuity in staff roles. He doesn’t intend to shake up assignments midstream; assistants will continue executing what they know. That steadiness matters, he feels, especially in times of transition.
He also lauded interim defensive coordinator Clint Bowen, calling him smart and respected — someone capable of steadying the defensive unit and helping smooth out the bumps that come when schemes evolve midseason.
The Bearcats will be coming into Stillwater for Homecoming after winning their fifth straight game, taking down UCF last week. Hoping to remain unbeaten in Big 12 play this weekend, Cincinnati could soon push itself into the Big 12 title discussion.
The Challenge Ahead
The message from Meacham is both honest and pointed: improvements are needed, especially at quarterback, but the framework’s there to make them. He’s betting on growth, on the cumulative effect of film study, reps, and coaching consistency. Homecoming is a stage. The team arrives with burdens, but also with a chance to show character.
If OSU can clean up execution, reframe distractions, and harness the crowd’s energy into ferocity rather than pressure, Meacham believes the framework is in place. At least at the mic, he sounds like a coach betting on his players more than the critics betting against them.