Oklahoma State-Tulsa Could Reveal Nightmarish Reality for Cowboys

Oklahoma State is set for a matchup with Tulsa that could show just how far the program has regressed.

Over the past two decades, OSU has seen the most successful stretch in program history on the football field. With Mike Gundy at the helm, the Cowboys have been a consistent contender in the Big 12, but that status has started to change over the past two seasons.

Last year, OSU went 3-9 and failed to win a Big 12 contest after being projected as a conference title favorite and College Football Playoff contender. That horrendous campaign resulted in the Cowboys making significant changes in the offseason, bringing in an almost entirely new coaching staff and adding the largest transfer portal class in program history.

After a 69-3 loss at Oregon in Week 2, the Cowboys get a bye week before what could be one of the most disappointing games in recent OSU memory. In the nonconference finale on Sept. 19, the Cowboys will host Tulsa in a matchup that might show just how grim the program’s outlook is.

In the Gundy era, the Cowboys have never lost to the Golden Hurricane, and most matchups against their in-state rival haven’t even been close, as seen in their 2024 matchup that OSU won 45-10. That game in Tulsa was also the last time OSU beat an FBS opponent.