Oklahoma State Caps Worst Season of Mike Gundy’s Tenure with Blowout Loss to No. 25 Colorado

In what will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most disappointing seasons in the history of Oklahoma State football under head coach Mike Gundy, the Cowboys’ 2023 campaign came to a disastrous end with a crushing 42-10 blowout loss to No. 25 Colorado. The defeat, emblematic of the struggles the Cowboys faced all year, left fans and pundits alike questioning the direction of a program that has long prided itself on consistency and competitiveness in the Big 12.

For Mike Gundy, the loss to Colorado marked the end of his 19th season at the helm of the Oklahoma State football program, a tenure that has seen many highs, including a Big 12 championship, multiple 10-win seasons, and several high-profile bowl victories. But 2023 was different — it was the worst season of Gundy’s career, both in terms of the team’s record and the disjointed, uncharacteristic performances that plagued the Cowboys throughout the year.

A Season of Struggles: Oklahoma State’s Fall from Grace

Oklahoma State entered the 2023 season with optimism and expectations of contending for a Big 12 title. The Cowboys were coming off a solid 2022 season that saw them earn a bowl appearance, and despite some roster turnover, the team retained a solid core of veteran players, including a talented backfield and playmakers on defense. However, from the very start, the season went off the rails.

Inconsistent quarterback play, a leaky defense, and a slew of injuries hampered Oklahoma State’s ability to gain any sort of momentum. The Cowboys opened the season with a shocking loss to an unranked opponent, setting the tone for a season that would be filled with missed opportunities and frustration. They struggled to string together wins, finishing with a dismal 4-8 record, their worst finish since 2005, the year before Gundy took over as head coach.

One of the most glaring issues for Oklahoma State in 2023 was their inability to generate consistent offense. Long known for their high-powered, dynamic attacks under Gundy, the Cowboys ranked near the bottom of the Big 12 in scoring, averaging just 22 points per game. A revolving door at the quarterback position saw multiple players take snaps, but none were able to establish themselves as a reliable option. The lack of cohesion on offense was evident in the team’s performances, as they often looked disjointed and out of sync, failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities and frequently turning the ball over at critical moments.

Defensively, Oklahoma State fared no better. The Cowboys’ defense, which had been a strength in past seasons, regressed significantly in 2023. They allowed an average of 32 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the conference in most major defensive categories. Missed tackles, blown coverages, and an inability to pressure opposing quarterbacks were recurring themes throughout the season, leaving the Cowboys vulnerable to big plays and unable to close out games.

The Blowout Loss to Colorado: A Season’s Worth of Frustrations on Display

The final game of the season against No. 25 Colorado encapsulated the struggles that Oklahoma State had faced all year. Playing on the road in Boulder, the Cowboys were thoroughly outmatched from the opening kickoff, as Colorado dominated in every phase of the game.

Led by their star quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, Colorado’s offense was firing on all cylinders, shredding the Cowboys’ defense with ease. Sanders, who has emerged as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country, threw for 350 yards and four touchdowns, picking apart Oklahoma State’s secondary with precision passing and impressive decision-making. His top target, wide receiver Xavier Weaver, torched the Cowboys’ defense for 150 yards and two touchdowns, including a 60-yard strike that effectively ended any hope of an Oklahoma State comeback.

On the other side of the ball, Oklahoma State’s offense continued to sputter. Starting quarterback Alan Bowman struggled mightily, completing just 14 of his 32 passes for 170 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions. The Cowboys’ running game, which had been one of the few bright spots earlier in the season, was held in check by a stout Colorado defensive front, managing just 85 rushing yards on 30 attempts. The Cowboys’ lone touchdown came late in the third quarter on a short run by Ollie Gordon, but by then, the game was already out of reach.

The loss to Colorado not only capped Oklahoma State’s worst season under Gundy but also exposed the deep-rooted issues that plagued the team throughout the year. The lack of offensive identity, combined with a porous defense, made the Cowboys non-competitive against top-tier opponents. The lopsided nature of the defeat underscored just how far Oklahoma State has fallen from its once-competitive status in the Big 12.

Reflection on Gundy’s Tenure: Has the Magic Worn Off?

Mike Gundy’s tenure at Oklahoma State has been marked by stability and success, with the Cowboys regularly finishing near the top of the Big 12 standings and competing in bowl games. His high-flying offenses, led by star quarterbacks like Brandon Weeden and Mason Rudolph, became a hallmark of the program, and Gundy’s ability to develop talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, earned him widespread praise.

However, the 2023 season has raised serious questions about the direction of the program and Gundy’s ability to adapt in an increasingly competitive Big 12 landscape. Oklahoma State has now experienced back-to-back disappointing seasons, and while injuries and roster turnover have certainly played a role, the team’s struggles in 2023 were largely self-inflicted. Poor execution, inconsistent play-calling, and an inability to adjust in key moments all contributed to the Cowboys’ downfall.

One of the most concerning aspects of the 2023 season was the decline in player development, particularly at the quarterback position. For years, Oklahoma State was known for producing top-tier quarterbacks who could run Gundy’s offense with precision and efficiency. However, the carousel of quarterbacks in 2023, none of whom were able to solidify the starting job, highlighted a significant drop in the level of play at the position.

The defensive regression was another major issue. In recent years, Oklahoma State had made strides in improving its defense, with several standout players emerging as leaders on that side of the ball. However, in 2023, the defense took a massive step backward, failing to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and struggling to stop both the run and the pass. This marked a departure from the more balanced teams that Gundy had fielded in the past.

Where Does Oklahoma State Go from Here?

As the dust settles on a forgettable 2023 season, Oklahoma State now faces critical decisions about the future of its football program. Gundy, who has been the face of the program for nearly two decades, will need to evaluate both his coaching staff and the team’s overall direction. With several key players set to graduate or leave for the NFL, the Cowboys will need to restock their talent pool and address the deficiencies that led to their worst season in years.

One area that will undoubtedly be a focal point is the quarterback position. Finding a consistent, reliable option at quarterback will be essential if Oklahoma State hopes to bounce back in 2024. Whether through recruiting or the transfer portal, Gundy will need to identify and develop a player capable of leading the offense and restoring the Cowboys’ reputation as a high-scoring team.

Defensively, Oklahoma State must address its lack of playmakers and improve its ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This could involve changes to the coaching staff, new defensive schemes, or a focus on recruiting more athletic and versatile defenders who can adapt to the fast-paced offenses of the Big 12.

Conclusion: A Season to Forget, but Lessons to Learn

The 2023 season will undoubtedly go down as the worst in Mike Gundy’s tenure at Oklahoma State, but it also presents an opportunity for reflection and growth. For a program that has enjoyed sustained success over the past two decades, this year’s struggles serve as a reminder that maintaining excellence in college football is a constant challenge, requiring adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to innovation.

As Oklahoma State looks toward the future, the lessons learned from this difficult season will be crucial in shaping the path forward. For Gundy and the Cowboys, the goal will be to bounce back stronger in 2024, with renewed energy and a return to the winning ways that have defined Oklahoma State football for so long.