As OSU Readies For Season Opener, Mike Gundy Reflects

Thoughts of big plays, missed opportunities and moments gone by -- they definitely weigh on Oklahoma State head football coach Mike Gundy's mind. But he and his staff don't need to remind the Cowboys players that they came inches from a Big 12 title last season.

"With the team on social media nowadays, we don't have to bring any of that up," Gundy told News On 6's Dusty Dvoracek.

Dusty talked with Gundy ahead of OSU's 2022 season opener against Central Michigan Thursday night at Boone Pickens Stadium.

And they talked about OSU's big comeback against Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl to end the season. Down 28-7, OSU came back to beat the Fighting Irish 37-35 on Jan. 1.

"It was huge for our brand. You know, in the fourth quarter we had 14.2 million people watching the game," Gundy said.

And at the trophy celebration?

"There were still 5 million watching, so we got a (lot of) national exposure, probably second to none," he added.

But it's on to the new season. Dusty asked Coach Gundy about camp, and he said the Cowboys practiced hard.

"Sometimes we get guys beat up. I take a lot of heat from the staff. They're on me all the time about coaching. 'We're being too physical,' and 'You know, this is a lot,'" he said.

Gundy explained that while he doesn't draw up the plays anymore, he does dictate the physicality and toughness the team will bring to every practice.

"Maybe a guy or two's banged up a little bit. Even though none of us like that," Gundy said, he'd rather it be that way than to get punished by an opponent in a real game situation because they weren't ready for the physicality.

Dusty asked Gundy about how he's evolved as a coach since 2005.

"I wasn't smart enough to know how hard it was. I just worked; that's the way I was raised," he said.

But also, Gundy has learned patience.

"That comes from my mom," he said.

As for the keys to the 2022-23 football season and an opportunity to win a second Big 12 championship, Gundy said staying healthy is at the top of the list.

"Quick, significant improvements at linebacker and quality running back play that will allow Spencer Sanders to distribute the ball to the playmakers," he added.

Oklahoma State and Central Michigan kick off the season at 6 p.m. Thursday.