Lead: On Sept. 6, 2025 at Autzen Stadium, Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy accepted responsibility after the Cowboys were routed 69-3 by No. 6 Oregon, calling the game-plan overly complicated and promising to use the upcoming open week to simplify and correct errors before facing Tulsa on Sept. 19.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon beat Oklahoma State 69-3 on Sept. 6 at Autzen Stadium.
- Coach Mike Gundy said the game plan was too complex and took responsibility for the result.
- The Cowboys fall to 1-1 and have an open week before hosting Tulsa on Sept. 19.
- Gundy singled out execution, fundamentals and youth as factors behind the lopsided loss.
- Fresh quarterback Zane Flores gained live reps despite turnovers; Gundy emphasized repetition as a learning tool.
- Trent Howland was seen wearing a boot after the game; the team expects more clarity after evaluation.
- Gundy said he saw no bench infighting and expects a hard-practicing response in the coming week.
Verified Facts
Oregon scored early and often, building a large margin that left Oklahoma State playing from behind for the majority of the game. The final score was 69-3 in favor of No. 6 Oregon. The Cowboys’ record moved to 1-1, and they have a scheduled home game against Tulsa on Sept. 19 after an open week.
Gundy repeatedly attributed the defeat to a preparation and execution problem rather than player attitude. He said the staff and he tried to implement too many concepts across offense, defense and special teams and that the team became inconsistent because it was overcomplicating assignments.
Rookie quarterback Zane Flores took multiple snaps and had throws that resulted in turnovers in the second half; Gundy called the experience valuable for Flores’ development while acknowledging timing and protection issues that must be corrected on tape review.
Injury update: freshman offensive lineman Trent Howland left with an ankle concern and was seen in a walking boot postgame. The staff indicated more information would be available after further evaluation.
Context & Impact
This result underscores the gap between a top-tier home program like Oregon—large, fast up front and skilled at executing—and an Oklahoma State roster that Gundy says remains young and integrating new coaches. The Ducks’ performance aligns with expectations for a top-10 team playing at Autzen.
For Oklahoma State, the timing of an open week now provides a chance to reset fundamentals: simplify play-calling, emphasize tackling and rushing the football, and clean up defensive assignments. Gundy framed the bye as an opportunity to re-establish base football and regain consistency.
Immediate impacts to watch:
- How the coaching staff adjusts the offensive and defensive game plans to match personnel strengths.
- Flores’ growth curve after live-game repetitions and how protection schemes are adjusted.
- Recovery timeline for Trent Howland and whether his absence affects the offensive line rotation.
“I take responsibility for our preparation and the plan we put in; we tried to do too much and must be simpler and more consistent,”
Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State head coach
Unconfirmed
- Exact severity and recovery timetable for Trent Howland’s ankle are pending medical evaluation.
- Whether specific pass batted-down plays were primarily a protection failure or related to Flores’ pre-snap vision will require detailed tape review.
Bottom Line
Gundy framed the loss as a coach-driven error in preparation and called for immediate, focused corrections during the open week. With a young roster and new staff elements still settling in, Oklahoma State’s priority will be to simplify assignments, reinforce fundamentals and use the bye to prepare for Tulsa on Sept. 19.