Mike Gundy confirms Alan Bowman will start at quarterback against Kansas
Coming out of Oklahoma State‘s bye week, head coach Mike Gundy had a decision to make. A starting quarterback needed to be named heading into Kansas State. Alan Bowman wound up being the decision, with the veteran leading the Pokes. Gundy’s move paid off, getting a huge win on Friday night in Stillwater.
Next up on the schedule is Kansas and Gundy does not have any plans to make a quarterback switch. He said Bowman will be the guy against the Jayhawks, even if there has not been a discussion between him and the quarterbacks.
“Yes,” Gundy said when asked if Bowman is his starter. “I haven’t talked to anybody about it but I would venture to say yes.”
Something clicked for Bowman and Oklahoma State against Kansas State. They scored a season-high 29 points in the win. Bowman did not have the most accurate day, completing just 19 of his 35 pass attempts. However, the 235 yards helped complement what was an effective night running the ball.
Ollie Gordon averaged 6.5 yards per carry, finishing with 136 yards and a touchdown on 21 touches.
Bowman originally earned the opportunity to start following Oklahoma State’s off week, with Gundy citing his performances in practice. A veteran with experience at Texas Tech and Michigan, Bowman could be the presence the Cowboys needed all along.
Alan Bowman, Oklahoma State have opportunity against Kansas
The story surrounding Kansas football has been incredible in recent years. Lance Leipold has turned the program around and turned them into a competitive team in the Big 12. There was even a bowl game appearance last season, something they could not say for the last 15 years.
But there are still areas where you can attack the Jayhawks — specifically on the defensive side of the ball. Oklahoma State is going to have an opportunity to have another good offensive performance, especially in front of the home crowd.
Kansas is allowing just under 370 yards per game, ranking ninth in the Big 12. It’s been a mixed bag between allowing teams to have success on the ground or letting quarterbacks have a big day through the air.
Bowman will likely want to be more efficient from a completion standpoint but the chances will be available against the Jayhawks. Earning a win would put Oklahoma State square in the Big 12 title race heading into the second half of the season too.