As Oklahoma State University approaches 2025, the Cowboys are trying to rebound from a challenging 2024 season that ended with a disappointing 3-9 record. This outcome marks their worst performance in thirty years, characterized by a troubling streak of nine consecutive losses, all within the Big 12 Conference.
The team’s drastic decline is perplexing, especially considering that they had recently competed for Big 12 championships in two of the previous three seasons. Despite returning 20 starters, the Cowboys struggled significantly, particularly on offense, where a failure to adapt led to their overall decline. Injuries plagued the defense, but the offense could not recapture its previous form, even with the same core of players.
Coach Mike Gundy reflected on the season, attributing some challenges to inconsistent quarterback performance. Alan Bowman, in his seventh year, showed flashes of brilliance in some games but was average in others, reflecting the team’s offensive struggles throughout the season. Gundy’s metaphor about the “slot machine” highlights the team’s inability to synchronize efforts across all phases of the game, resulting in missed opportunities and poor performance.
Key factors that contributed to the Cowboys’ disappointing season included:
– **Offensive Line Struggles**: The offensive line, composed of experienced seniors, faced difficulties in establishing a running game. Ollie Gordon II, last season’s top running back, had a promising start but failed to maintain consistent production, putting extra pressure on the passing game.
– **Run Defense Issues**: The Cowboys’ run defense was lackluster, allowing multiple opponents to gain significant yardage on the ground. Injuries to key defensive players exacerbated the situation, leading to a defense that spent too much time on the field and allowed over 500 yards per game on average.
– **Quarterback Changes**: The quarterback position saw a revolving door of players as Bowman struggled, leading to benching and the emergence of Garret Rangel and true freshman Maealiuaki Smith. This carousel of quarterbacks hindered any chance of building offensive momentum.
As the Cowboys look ahead to rebuilding, there is hope that the lessons learned from this difficult season can lead to a renewed focus on addressing their weaknesses. With potential coaching changes and fresh talent coming in, OSU can reorient itself towards a more successful 2025 season.
In summary, while the 2024 season was undoubtedly challenging for Oklahoma State, it provides a foundation for improvement. By addressing key issues such as offensive consistency, run defense, and quarterback stability, the program has an opportunity to rejuvenate and aim for a more promising season ahead. The resilience of the players and coaching staff could pave the way for a turnaround, fostering hope among fans and stakeholders.