OSU football fans are used to seeing high-energy play, explosive offenses, and gritty defenses. Yet the Cowboys are struggling in all those departments in 2024, and concerns are growing that the season will slip away unless major adjustments are made quickly.
One of the most significant talking points concerning the Cowbous is the defensive scheme under the new defensive coordinator, Bryan Nardo. Brought in to run the 3-3-5 defense, a system he was renowned for, Nardo was expected to shore up the defense and make the “0” man—the defensive lineman positioned in the center of the formation—a disruptive force. But that disruption has been hard to find through in 2024. Rather than creating chaos for opposing offenses, State’s defensive front has struggled to get off blocks and is overpowered too often by more physical offensive lines.
West Virginia’s Garrett Green runs through the OSU defense during last Saturday’s game in Stillwater (photo courtesy The Oklahoman)
In a system where the nose guard is supposed to control the line of scrimmage and help free up linebackers, the Cowboys’ inability to apply pressure or shed blockers consistently has been glaring. Time and again, offenses have found ways to neutralize the defensive front, leaving the edge rushers looking sluggish and disjointed. For a defense that thrives on speed and aggression, this slow start off the line and lack of physicality is a worrying trend.
The struggles are just as pronounced on the offensive side of the ball. Running back Ollie Gordon, who showed promise early in the season, seems to be battling an injury. Time after time, we’ve seen him lying on the ground during games, visibly in discomfort. His productivity has taken a hit, making you wonder what’s happening behind the scenes. Without Gordon at full strength, the Cowboys’ ground game has lacked the punch needed to keep defenses honest.
Meanwhile, quarterback Alan Bowman has faced his share of issues. Bowman, a Michigan transfer with potential, has been plagued by interceptions, many the result of ill-advised throws. He tends to force passes when not set, leading to errant throws across his body. Bowman is a capable passer in rhythm, but his accuracy takes a nosedive when pressured or forced off his spot. Bowman’s turnovers have been costly for a team trying to gain consistency. With a thin margin for error, Oklahoma State needs Bowman to clean up mistakes.
Head Coach Mike Gundy will use the bye week to reevaluate and decide next steps (photo courtesy The Stillwater News Press)
The root of many OSU issues seems to lie in energy and execution on both sides of the ball. The offensive line is losing battles in the trenches, while the defensive line can’t impose its will. The edge rushers, critical in Nardo’s 3-3-5 system effective, have either been sluggish or outmatched by offensive tackles. Moreover, a lack of a pass rush has exposed the secondary, making it difficult for the defense to get off the field on third downs.
Oklahoma State is a storied program with a tradition of success and a fan base that expects a certain standard of play. But right now, the coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Gundy, must seriously consider changing the play-calling and personnel usage. Something needs to change, whether it’s tweaking the scheme, getting back to basics, or finding a way to reignite the fire in this team.
There’s still time. Oklahoma State can still make a run, but only if it pulls together, finds its rhythm, and cleans up the mistakes. Doing that will require urgency and execution, which have yet to be seen this season.
A turnaround is still possible–and even a Big XII Championship is not out of the question, But getting back on track to play Cowboy football will take a lot more than we’ve seen thus far in 2024.
