Oklahoma State University Athletics
Down but Not Out
October 03, 2024 | Cowboy Football
Despite facing adversity early in the season, Oklahoma State football is no stranger to making a strong finish even when faced with a slow start.
After starting the season 3-0, the Cowboys have dropped their first two conference games to ranked opponents. In 2021, the Pokes won their first three non-conference games by a combined margin of 13 points. OSU went on to finish 2021 by winning eight of their last nine games with a point differential of plus 172 and an appearance in the Big 12 title game.
Last season, OSU got off to a similar start to this season, going 2-0 before losing the next two. The Pokes responded again, going on to return to the conference championship game and record another 10-win season.
Ollie Gordon II, last year's Doak Walker Award winner, isn't ready to hit the panic button on the 2024 season.
ÂRedshirt senior linebacker Jeff Roberson is also focused on what's ahead. After being in a similar situation last year, the Cowboys know what it takes to improve in the middle of the season.
"Last week is gone," Roberson said. "It's time to move on. We have a big week ahead of us, and last week is last week. That's how we approach every week, new opportunities to get better. We've been through this before, so we understand what it takes to be great, and we will be great. We'll fix our mistakes. We have to go out there and execute. We'll be back."
De'Zhaun Stribling, a redshirt junior wide receiver, also believes the Cowboys' story is far from over.
"Nothing's done, nothing's written already," Stribling said. "We have to take it one day at a time. Keep moving forward. That's all it is. Stay together as a team, keep motivating and lifting each other up. We didn't get the outcome we wanted, but that doesn't mean we lay down. We have to get in early, stay later, work harder and find a way."
This Saturday, Oklahoma State hosts West Virginia. Cowboy coach Mike Gundy looks forward to the challenge ahead.
"I like things that are challenging," Gundy said. "I like things that are intriguing. I like the attitude of our team."
Kickoff at Boone Pickens Stadium is set for 3 p.m. on ESPN2.
