Mike Gundy explains the reason behind Oklahoma State's style change

If you compare this year’s Oklahoma State team to previous ones in coach Mike Gundy’s tenure, you’ll quickly discover one of these is not like the others. Although the Cowboys have made a name for themselves over the past few seasons as a prolific passing offense, the 2021 version has been forced to lean heavily on defense and running back Jaylen Warren.

It’s worked so far, as No. 7 Oklahoma State sits at 10-1 behind the third-best defense in the country. Entering Week 13, they were also the nation’s leader in sacks with 42. In an appearance on FOX Sports’ “Breaking the Huddle,” Gundy explained the reasoning behind the sudden style change.

“Early in the season we lost three wide receivers,” the coach said. “We played two or three games where we were starting true freshmen wide receivers. So to a certain extent you’re not gonna be as good on offense. The only way to overcome that is to play really good defense, be sound in special teams and slow the game down. Years ago when I used to go across campus and watch (basketball) coach Eddie Sutton, he told me, ‘If you don’t feel as confident in your team, you want to make sure you travel up and down the court the fewest amount of times.’ Really, that’s the kind of team we’ve been up until a couple of weeks ago. We play well on defense, we’re experienced and have got a lot of reps there. We play well on special teams and offensively we’ve gotten a little better every week.”

Sophomore receiver Langston Anderson, slated to be a starter, suffered a broken foot during warmups in the season opener against Missouri State. Senior slot receiver Braydon Johnson hasn’t played since the season opener.

The losses have led to unexpected players taking on bigger roles, such as redshirt freshman receiver Rashod Owens (16 catches, 232 yards). But, more noticeably, it has forced the Cowboys to completely change their style of play.

Warren ranks second in the Big 12 in total carries (220) behind only Iowa State bell cow Breece Hall. However, Warren carried the ball only 12 times this past week against Texas Tech as he played at less than full strength. In his place, Dominic Richardson led the team with 20 carries for 84 yards.

The Cowboys have already secured their spot in the Big 12 Championship Game in Arlington, but are playing for much more Saturday against Oklahoma. They find themselves squarely in the middle of the race to the College Football Playoff, but need to win out to give themselves a chance.

That could be a tall task, as Mike Gundy is just 2-14 in Bedlam games at Oklahoma State. But perhaps this change of style is just what the coach needs to notch his first victory in the rivalry since 2014.

Kickoff between the Cowboys and Sooners is set for 7:30 p.m. ET in Stillwater, Oklahoma.