Orie Lemon isn't the star of his team.
In fact, the linebacker might not even be one of the three best known members of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, despite being selected to the All-Big 12 first team by the media and coaches.
Lemon, a senior whose 7.75 solo tackles per game is third-best in the country, anchors a defense that seems like an afterthought next to the Cowboys' high-flying offense.
Entering the Dec. 29 Alamo Bowl against the Arizona Wildcats, the Cowboys are ranked No. 90 in the nation in total defense. Only five teams allow more than the Cowboys' 275.5 passing yards per game.
But perspective is everything.
OSU is 10-2 - the best record by far for a team that allows so many yards.
Of the worst 55 defensive teams in college football, only one - the Cowboys - has 10 wins.
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The star spoke with Lemon this week about the Wildcats, the bowl and what he wants to do in San Antonio:
On the Arizona Wildcats: "They're a good team. They have a great running back, a great quarterback, a great wide receiver.
"I love a challenge. I'm always up for a challenge and ready to do whatever it takes."
On the regular season: "It seemed like a month since our last game (against Oklahoma), but it was just a week. (The season) was better than what everyone predicted. We went to work and did whatever it takes to get 10 wins. We're glad to get back rolling again."
On losing to their rival to end the season: "It's a motivator. We know we've got to trust in one another and trust that our team will be there. Come ready to work - attitude, effort and all that good stuff."
On being the anchor of the defense: "You could say that if you want to. If it wasn't for the other 10 guys, I wouldn't be able to do my job."
On waiting to see where the Cowboys were going: "I just try to be surprised on what bowl game and where we were going. I was waiting patiently to find out the good news.
"I'm from Houston. San Antonio is a great place to go. They have a Sea World out there. I'm excited."
LEMON'S LAW
His team allows 412.83 yards a game (90th in Division I), but Orie Lemon gets it done:
7.75
Solo tackles per game - third-best in Division I
