The pressure is mounting for Mike Gundy as his Oklahoma State Cowboys are reeling from a devastating 69-3 defeat to No. 6 Oregon, marking the most crushing loss in the school's history and capping off a dismal 3-9 season.

In what was already the worst year of Gundy's two-decade coaching tenure, this blowout loss underlines a critical point: the Cowboys' struggles have hit a new low. Just a couple of games prior, the team suffered a staggering 52-0 loss to Colorado, an indication of ongoing turmoil.

Defensive and Offensive Fiasco

Oklahoma State was a heavy underdog heading into the Oregon game, with quarterback Zane Flores getting his first start after Hauss Hejny's injury. However, the defeat transcended the performance of a rookie quarterback; it raises serious questions about the entire program's direction.

The Ducks showcased an explosive offense, racking up 473 yards on just 36 plays—averaging over 13 yards per attempt. Oregon’s dominance was palpable, scoring a staggering 38 points by halftime. Their ground and aerial assaults saw players like Noah Whittington and Jayden Limar net runs over 50 yards, while Dakorien Moore added a 25-yard touchdown run and a 65-yard touchdown reception.

Worryingly, Oklahoma State's defense appeared even worse than last season, conceding nearly 36 points and allowing 6.8 yards per play, ranking among the worst nationally.

Attempts to Revitalize a Struggling Program

In a bid to turn things around, Gundy made sweeping changes, hiring longtime assistants Doug Meacham and Todd Grantham as coordinators. Both have rich backgrounds but haven't called plays since 2021, raising eyebrows about the strategy.

Instead of opting for fresh, ambitious faces, Gundy chose familiar veterans, signaling an urgent need to 'win now'. This move comes after substantial adjustments to Gundy's contract, which now extends to 2028 with a buyout reduced to $15 million.

A Controversial Past and Uncertain Future

This offseason, Gundy faced backlash after making controversial remarks about the criticism levied at his struggling team. He seemed to deflect the blame onto a fanbase that expects success. With the Oregon defeat fresh in everyone’s minds, fans are left questioning Gundy’s leadership.

Amid the turmoil, Gundy has been tasked with increasing fundraising efforts, crucial for improving the program's resources—something he acknowledged as lacking compared to schools like Oregon.

The Road Ahead is Tough

Oklahoma State still has 10 games left this season, but the upcoming schedule promises no easy wins. After a game against Tulsa, they'll kick off Big 12 play against a revitalized Baylor team and face off against Arizona.

As the Cowboys navigate this challenging season, the odds of Gundy turning things around are uncertain. What was once a solid footing in the college football landscape now feels precarious, with fans and analysts alike wondering if substantial changes are on the horizon.