Did Shaquille Richardson Give Oklahoma State Extra Motivation?

Losses of 26 and 23 points would seemingly leave a bad taste in a team's collective mouth -- the taste of humble pie. Oklahoma State's routs of Arizona the last two seasons were veritable buffets of humility, especially for a Wildcat defense that surrendered a combined 73 points.

Yet, a statement made this week was attributed to UA cornerback Shaquille Richardson that suggests he's been chewing on a different sentiment since last season's Thursday night debacle in Stillwater. Via NewsOK.com:

"I know he’s young," Richardson said. "That’s going to be fun."

"He" is Wes Lunt, the Cowboys' true freshman quarterback. Lunt was named the starter in the spring, taking the reins from 10-years-his-senior Brandon Weeden. Weeden dissected the Wildcat secondary in the past two meetings, so perhaps Richardson's confidence stems from that. Also gone is wide receiver Justin Blackmon, who dominated no other team in his illustrious career quite like Arizona.

Any hope the Wildcats may have had for catching the Cowboys overlooking them might now be gone. Lunt is making just his second ever collegiate appearance, but his career is off to a fine start. The next incompletion he throws will be his first -- he was 11-11 in an 84-0 drubbing of Savannah State not as close as the final score would indicate.

Richardson's had fun against quarterbacks in the past -- his four interceptions led the team last season. But he's also been susceptible to over-pursuit of turnovers, giving up big gains from opponents. The second of Toledo's two touchdowns on Saturday was surrendered in just such fashion (pictured).

Todd Monken's air raid spread offense thrives on such miscues, so walking the walk to go with that talk is going to be critical for Richardson.