Oklahoma State enters this week’s in-state showdown against Tulsa as a significant favorite, and on paper, it’s easy to see why. The Cowboys are the more talented team with a deeper roster, more resources, and a 10-game winning streak in this series to back it up. But if there’s one thing college football teaches us every year, it’s that rivalry games — especially those with state pride involved — are never a given. Tulsa isn’t expected to win, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to back down without a fight.
Tulsa head coach Kevin Wilson has shown plenty of respect for Oklahoma State and Mike Gundy in the lead-up to the game. Wilson has spoken about how much he’s looked up to Gundy over the years, calling him a steady presence in the sport and someone he admires. But come kickoff, respect goes out the window. Tulsa will be hungry to make a statement, especially as a sizable underdog with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
For Oklahoma State, this game may be more about proving something to themselves than to Tulsa. After a rocky start to the season and growing questions around the direction of the program, this is the kind of game Mike Gundy needs to win and in convincing fashion. His seat is extremely hot at the moment and needs this game to calm the talks of his job being on the line. A lackluster performance against Tulsa would only add to the speculation surrounding his long-term future in Stillwater.
One of the biggest factors in this Week 4 game will be the play of freshman quarterback Zane Flores. He’s shown flashes of ability but also the inexperience that naturally comes with taking over the reins at a Power Five program. Oklahoma State is expected to lean heavily on the run game to take some pressure off Flores and minimize the risk of turnovers. Establishing the ground game early will be key, not only to control the clock and wear down Tulsa’s defense, but also to create easier passing lanes for Flores as the game progresses.
Tulsa will need to get creative if they hope to pull off an upset. Forcing turnovers, executing on special teams, and capitalizing on short fields could keep them within striking distance. Defensively, they’ll aim to rattle Flores early, take away quick reads, and force Oklahoma State into third-and-long situations. Tulsa’s offense has shown the ability to move the ball in spurts, and they’ll try to test OSU’s secondary down the field.
While the Cowboys have had their struggles this season, there’s still enough raw talent and experience on both sides of the ball to expect them to come out on top. That said, the performance matters as much as the result. Oklahoma State doesn’t just need a win — they need a tone-setter. A dominant outing would calm the noise around Gundy, give the young quarterback more confidence, and reassert OSU’s standing within the state and beyond.
In the end, Oklahoma State is likely to win, but don’t be surprised if Tulsa hangs around longer than expected. Rivalry energy, quarterback inexperience, and outside pressure make this more complicated than the point spread suggests. If the Cowboys take care of the ball, establish the run, and get just enough from Flores, they should extend their win streak to 11 against Tulsa. But if they slip up, Tulsa could make things very uncomfortable in Stillwater and make the questions around Mike Gundy grow a little louder