Mike Gundy’s farewell week was filled with events. Due to an odd event with his livestock over the weekend, Oklahoma State football’s head coach decided not to have his regularly scheduled in-person press conference on Monday. He chose to have a Zoom chat with reporters instead, even though he didn’t have his camera on.
“Over the weekend, I had a minor incident involving my cattle,” Gundy remarked. They must have been watching us play because they were head-butted. I mean, I don’t think it would be all that fun for people to stare at my gorgeous face during a live interview, but I have a poor eye. More importantly, though, is that it’s bloody and makes me queasy. So, maintaining an upright posture and functioning normally is difficult. Other than that, though, I’m doing fantastic.”
The news conference will be audio-only on Monday morning, according to a spokesman for Oklahoma State who informed the media about “some issue with [Gundy’s] eye.”Later this week, Oklahoma State will visit BYU for a Friday night kickoff in Provo, Utah, with hopes of securing its first Big 12 victory of the year.
The previous time the Cowboys went three Big 12 games without winning came in 2005, the inaugural season when Gundy took over as head coach at his alma mater. After their bye week, Oklahoma State attempts to reorganize as outside worries about a possible downturn for the rest of the 2024 campaign grow.
One could argue that Oklahoma State is among the most disappointing teams in the nation this season, if not the most. Despite a sluggish start in September, the Cowboys were expected to be a strong contender for the Big 12 Championship and returned most of their starters from the previous season, which saw them make it to the conference title game. Expectations were high for Oklahoma State because of standout running back Ollie Gordon, who led the FBS in rushes the previous season, and the entire starting offensive line. But those dreams soon dissipated, as the Pokes are having their worst start since 2007.
Gundy is under more pressure than ever to make changes that might spark some kind of encouraging momentum for the second half of the season. Boos rained down from the crowd during a 38-14 rout versus West Virginia at home in Week 6, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction in Stillwater.
After the game, Gundy remarked, “My job is to pay attention to the game and not pay attention to the audience.” It’s not my responsibility to converse with the supporters. I am the team’s coach. That is my role in this. Everyone who pays to attend a game is entitled to exhibit any behavior that makes them feel comfortable. That doesn’t bother me in the least.