Texas Tech game huge for Mike Gundy
Published: 9/21/2007 12:31 AM
Last Modified: 9/21/2007 12:31 AM
Even considering the humiliating nature of Oklahoma State's loss to Troy, and considering that his record is three games under .500, any suggestion that Mike Gundy might be on a "hot seat" is absurd.
Boone Pickens strongly approved of Gundy's hiring in January 2005. Gundy has a five-year contract and a current income of $953,000.
But while Gundy's job security is not currently an issue, it could become one if the 2007 Cowboys fail to make a bowl and if the 2008 Cowboys follow with another clunker of a season. By that point, Gundy would have been the head coach for four seasons.
OSU is expanding Boone Pickens Stadium from 44,000 seats to 60,000. Gundy is responsible for filling those seats, and that happens only if Oklahoma State is successful.
Saturday's meeting with Texas Tech is important for the obvious reasons – because it is the Big 12 opener, and because the Cowboys played poorly in losses at Georgia and Troy.
The Texas Tech game is the most important game Gundy has faced since becoming the head man.
Part of his Gundy's description, obviously, is to correct flaws. OSU is rife with flaws. The Cowboy road schedule is extremely difficult, so a bowl berth hinges to a great extent on whether OSU can win on its home field.
A loss on Saturday would result in a 1-3 start for a Cowboy program that had been viewed as a rising star.
Against Texas Tech, Mike Gundy is attempting to do more than just win a football game. He is trying to save the season.
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
