Oklahoma State quarterback Zane Flores continues to face mounting questions after another underwhelming performance, this time against a subpar Tulsa defense. What was expected to be a bounce-back game coming off a tough loss to Oregon quickly turned into another showcase of a stagnant offense — one that couldn’t find rhythm, consistency, or confidence under center.
From the opening drive, Flores looked tentative, relying heavily on checkdowns and short throws rather than challenging Tulsa’s secondary downfield. Despite having an extra week to prepare following a bye, the Cowboys offense appeared disjointed, choppy at best, with little to no sense of urgency or rhythm.
Flores’ reluctance to push the ball downfield became glaring as the game progressed. With Tulsa defenders quickly catching on, they began stacking the box, daring the Cowboys to beat them through the air. Oklahoma State had no answer. The offense stalled repeatedly, unable to sustain drives or flip field position, leading to mounting pressure on the defense.
At times, it seemed Flores was simply trying not to make a mistake rather than attempting to make a play. That kind of hesitation can be understandable for a young quarterback — but this isn’t his first year in the program. The expectation was that Flores, with time in the system and experience under his belt, would begin to take a step forward in 2025. Instead, he's struggling to take control of the offense against teams Oklahoma State should be outclassing.
It’s one thing to struggle against a team like Oregon, who brings elite speed and talent at every level of the defense. But Tulsa, a team rebuilding and not loaded with high-end defensive talent, should not have been the type of opponent to completely shut down Oklahoma State’s offense. Yet, that’s exactly what happened.
The problem isn’t just with Flores. The offense as a whole is lacking identity, momentum, and spark. And when one unit falters, the effects ripple throughout the entire team. The defense is asked to shoulder a heavier burden. Special teams lose their edge. The sideline feels flat. It all snowballs and it starts at the quarterback position.
There’s no denying Flores has the physical tools, but the confidence and decisiveness just aren't there right now. Whether it’s play-calling, internal pressure, or simple inexperience, something is clearly holding him back — and until it’s resolved, Oklahoma State’s offense will remain stuck in neutral.
The Cowboys need more from the quarterback position. And fast.