Oklahoma State fans let their displeasure be heard as the team lost to Tulsa at home for the first time in 74 years. The 19-12 defeat, which saw Tulsa take a commanding 16-3 lead at halftime, prompted fans to chant ‘Fire Gundy’ throughout the game. The chants, which were heard on the ESPN broadcast, marked a somber moment for the Cowboys, who had endured a brutal start to the season after a 27-7 victory over UT Martin in their opener. The loss to Tulsa, however, was a stark contrast, with the team’s performance falling far below expectations.
Gundy, who has led Oklahoma State to a 170-90 record over 21 seasons, was asked about the fan backlash in the aftermath of the game. Despite the calls for his resignation, Gundy remained defiant, praising the fan base for their energy and support. ‘They were awesome tonight, they really were,’ Gundy said after the game. ‘The stadium was full, and they were fired up. And they were awesome.’ The coach, who is in his 22nd season with the program, emphasized his commitment to the team, stating, ‘Those aren’t decisions that I make. My decision is to do exactly what I mentioned earlier and get these guys and keep on moving forward and go on down the road, and that’s what you do.’ The response from fans, however, suggested otherwise.
The loss to Tulsa has left Oklahoma State with a 1-2 record, a far cry from the expectations of a program that has produced multiple conference champions. The team’s recent loss to No. 6 Oregon, which saw them get blown out 69-3, only exacerbated the concerns about their current performance. With a critical game against the Baylor Bears on the horizon, the Cowboys will need to regroup quickly and find a way to turn their season around. If they do not, the calls for Gundy’s resignation may continue to grow, potentially leading to a major shake-up in the program’s leadership.
Meanwhile, the broader college football landscape has also seen its share of drama, including the tragic death of a college football player in Mississippi following a game. While the Oklahoma State loss may be the latest in a series of controversies, it has sparked renewed debates about the expectations placed on coaches and the level of support they receive from their fan bases. For now, the focus remains on the Cowboys and their ability to bounce back from one of the worst performances in program history.