Mike Gundy shows off dance moves following win vs. Kansas State

If any coach needed a win Friday, it was Mike Gundy. His Oklahoma State team lost its last two games, including a 34-27 loss to Iowa State last week, and was looking to get back on track.

The Cowboys did just that — and Gundy celebrated accordingly in the locker room.

Oklahoma State entered Friday as a home underdog against Kansas State, but pulled off the 29-21 victory over the Wildcats to get to 3-2 on the season. The Cowboys led 26-7 at one point and, although K-State got back into it late, managed to do just enough to get the win.

For Gundy, it was time to dance.

STOP EVERYTHING YOU’RE DOING AND WATCH THIS RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/Mm2srjtHWD

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) October 7, 2023

The Oklahoma State offense was firing on all cylinders. Alan Bowman had a strong day at quarterback, completing 19 of 35 passes for 235 yards while Ollie Gordon had 136 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The defense also had a big night, led by Cameron Epps’ two interceptions — including a pick-six.

Considering the way the last two weeks went, Gundy had nothing but praise for his team to gut out a victory and get an important Big 12 victory.

“They worked their butt off the last two weeks. I’m really proud of our players, really proud of our coaches,” Gundy said. “I didn’t think we did a very good job of coaching [the last two weeks]. I thought we were excellent tonight. The players bought in. They didn’t let the outside noise affect them.”

Mike Gundy: Oklahoma State ‘mixed up coverages’ against Kansas State, created pressure on Will Howard

Oklahoma State didn’t make things easy on K-State quarterback Will Howard. He completed 15 of 34 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown, but threw three interceptions in the effort. Gundy said he and the staff changed things up to try and disrupt the Wildcats offense, and the players were up to the challenge.

“We mixed up our coverages in our rush. Late in the game, we were able to get pressure on [Kansas State’s quarterback],” Gundy said. “We needed that pressure. And we had some guys make some plays. If we can put them in a decent position, they gotta make plays. Kids made good plays tonight. I was proud.”

Friday night games can change up teams’ rhythms a bit. But with a packed house on hand, the Cowboys had plenty of support behind them as they went against the reigning Big 12 champions. Gundy made sure to give credit to the fans after the game, especially for selling out Boone Pickens Stadium on a Friday night.

“The fans and the blackout was unbelievable,” Gundy said. “Pretty impressive. This is a hell of a place to play college football and we’re a sell out now. Our people simply love Oklahoma State football and they looked awesome tonight and helped us win the game.”

On3’s Grant Grubbs contributed to this report.