Sports
Oklahoma State Cowboys Struggle with Conference Losses, Face Uncertain Bowl Future
The Oklahoma State Cowboys are currently navigating a challenging season, with their coach acknowledging the unexpected downturn in performance. Despite a promising start, where the Cowboys boasted a 3-0 record with a notable victory over the SEC‘s Arkansas in an overtime thriller, they have since faced significant setbacks. The team has been unable to secure a win in their conference matches, extending their losing streak to seven consecutive games.
The Cowboys have struggled particularly in their last three games, being outscored 118-62 by their opponents. The team’s difficulties have been further compounded by the diminished output of their star running back. Heading into the season with high expectations, he was considered a potential contender for the Heisman Trophy. However, his current performance shows a career-low average of 4.2 yards per carry, totaling 714 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 games. This is a substantial drop from his previous season’s achievement of 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns.
The recent string of defeats puts the Cowboys at risk of missing out on a bowl game for the first time since their coach’s inaugural year. Oklahoma State has sustained 18 straight bowl game appearances, a record that is among the longest in the country. In contrast, their in-state rivals, the Oklahoma Sooners, are battling to extend their 25 consecutive seasons of bowl game participation, the second-longest streak nationwide.
This week, the Cowboys have a bye, marking their second during the current college football season. They are slated to return to the gridiron in Week 13, where they will face the Texas Tech Red Raiders, a fellow Big 12 Conference team, in Stillwater. Following this matchup, Oklahoma State will conclude its season by taking on No. 20 Colorado, led by Coach Deion Sanders and star player Travis Hunter.
Fans and analysts will be keenly watching the Cowboys’ remaining games, as outcomes will significantly influence their bowl eligibility and overall assessment of this turbulent season.