EUGENE — In a surprising turn of events, the Oklahoma State Cowboys faced a staggering defeat, being overwhelmed by the No. 6 ranked Oregon Ducks with a final score of 69-3 on Saturday afternoon at Autzen Stadium. This marked the first loss of the season for the Cowboys, who now hold a record of 1-1. Coach Mike Gundy addressed the media in a postgame press conference, reflecting on the game and outlining the team's path forward.
In his opening statement, Coach Gundy took full responsibility for the game plan, stating, “I told the team that I did not do a very good job of getting our players in the right position. We were too complicated in all three phases.” He acknowledged that the Cowboys struggled to execute effectively, attributing the failure to a lack of simplicity in their game strategy. “Oregon is a very good football team,” Gundy noted, emphasizing that the early scores from Oregon forced his team to play catch-up, complicating their ability to find rhythm on the field.
Gundy shared insights on the challenges of matching Oregon’s speed and strength, stating, “We have to evaluate if it was the concept or just their skilled players.” He recognized that the coaching staff had to adapt their approach, especially given the youth and inexperience of the team. Reflecting on the execution plan, he admitted, “We should have just gone out and tried to execute,” suggesting that the Cowboys needed to streamline their strategy to focus on foundational skills.
When asked about the implications of playing against teams with different NIL budgets, Gundy reiterated that his earlier comments were meant to commend Oregon for their achievements. He emphasized the importance of being fundamentally sound and acknowledged that sometimes teams face opponents who can outpace them. “We didn’t play good enough with the systems we had,” he reiterated, stressing the need for improvement moving forward.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Gundy conveyed optimism about the team's future. He stated, “The good news is this was just one game,” and emphasized the importance of returning to practice with a focused mindset. The Cowboys have an open week ahead, allowing them to regroup and prepare for their next match against Tulsa on September 19. “We need to get back into a game routine,” he added.
Gundy also addressed the development of quarterback Zane Flores, who faced challenges during the game, including two interceptions that led to touchdowns for Oregon. “Every time he plays, it is going to benefit him,” Gundy said, highlighting the value of experience and live reps for a young player. He acknowledged the need for Flores to improve but expressed confidence in his ability to learn from these experiences.
As for the team’s culture, Gundy noted that the true test would come in the following week. He observed a sense of disappointment among the players, which he viewed positively, stating, “They should be disappointed because they want to play better.” He was encouraged by the absence of finger-pointing on the sidelines, indicating a willingness among players to accept coaching and work on their shortcomings.
Looking ahead, Gundy affirmed his belief in the team’s potential to bounce back. “I think they will practice really well next week,” he declared, stressing the importance of hard work and commitment. He encouraged fans to remain supportive, acknowledging that while the loss was tough, the team is dedicated to improving and performing better in future games. “We would love for the fans to come out and support their team,” he concluded, expressing hope for a brighter outcome against Tulsa.
For more updates on Oklahoma State football and insights into their upcoming games, stay tuned as the team prepares for their next challenge.
