Key Takeaways from Mike Gundy’s Pre-Tulsa Press Conference
Mike Gundy addressed the media this week ahead of Oklahoma State’s matchup with Tulsa, and his press conference offered valuable insight into the team’s mindset, the development of young quarterback Zane Flores, and how the Cowboys are responding following their blowout loss to Oregon. Gundy is never one to sugarcoat anything, but he also didn’t panic. He remained calm and composed, even as speculation around his job security continues to circulate. His tone was measured, optimistic, and focused on steady improvement.
Unsurprisingly, one of the main topics was Zane Flores. Gundy acknowledged the quarterback’s inexperience and the challenges that come with starting a young player in high-pressure moments. With Hauss Hejny going down early in the season, Flores may have been thrust into action sooner than anticipated. Still, Gundy stood by his quarterback, preaching patience for the inexperienced signal-caller. He described Flores as a player still developing, noting that it had been over two years since he last played meaningful game snaps. Gundy emphasized that there’s no “fast-forward button” for young quarterbacks. The goal is to get better with each rep, whether in practice or in games. It's up to the coaching staff to put him in the best position to succeed through smart game planning. The message was one of long-term vision — Oklahoma State remains committed to Flores, even if part of that commitment is due to a lack of other immediate options.
In the aftermath of the 69–3 loss to Oregon, the team’s response during the bye week and into this week’s practices was critical. Gundy said the practices have been encouraging — crisp, enthusiastic, and emotionally sharp. That’s the word Gundy seemed to keep coming back to: encouraged. The team didn’t let the Oregon loss spiral into a confidence issue; instead, they’ve used it as motivation to refocus. A bye week can be both a blessing and a curse — a team can either overthink and dwell on the loss, or use the time to adjust and improve. This week's game will serve as an indicator of which route Oklahoma State is taking. According to Gundy, the energy and effort in practice have been where they need to be — a positive sign for a group still searching for its identity early in the season.
Looking ahead to Tulsa, Gundy made it clear that the Cowboys aren’t overlooking their in-state opponent. He noted that Tulsa has shown growth under its new coaching staff, particularly with a young quarterback who is beginning to find his footing. It’s a storyline that mirrors Oklahoma State’s own situation, albeit with different levels of expectations. While Tulsa isn’t a ranked team or national contender, Gundy stressed the importance of respecting every opponent and staying locked in on continual team development. Focus will be key if OSU wants to get over the hump and deliver a much-needed statement win. Gundy expects a more complete version of Tulsa this week than what fans may have seen earlier this season.
Gundy’s message was simple: trust the process. Whether it’s Zane Flores adjusting to the speed of the college game or the entire team responding to adversity, the Cowboys are not panicking. The belief is that progress will come with time, and every game presents a new opportunity to improve. With Tulsa on deck, Oklahoma State will look to translate focused practices into on-field results — not just to bounce back from the Oregon loss, but to begin building something stronger moving forward.