Oklahoma State football fans have been wondering if, or when, Mike Gundy might give redshirt freshman Zane Flores a chance to lead the Cowboys offense. But that time wasn’t coming on Saturday in a 42-20 loss to Kansas State.
Mike Gundy was asked after the loss why he didn’t go to a different quarterback late in the game, and the head coach said, “I don’t think that’s what’s best at times for what we’re trying to get accomplished offensively.”
Zane Flores is a former three-star prospect and No. 2 player in the state of Nebraska, according to 247Sports. He was the MaxPreps Nebraska Player of the Year in 2022 and 247Sports ranked Flores as the No. 27 quarterback in the Class of 2023. Flores chose Oklahoma State over reported offers from Nebraska, Oregon State, Kansas, Kansas State, Pittsburgh, Washington and others.
Oklahoma State football starting quarterback Alan Bowman struggled as the game progressed, finishing 26 of 50 for 364 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. This comes one week after he struggled in a loss to Utah and was pulled in favor of back up Garrett Rangel.
With Oklahoma State football now 0-2 in Big 12 play, the Pokes are arguably out of the Big 12 title race for 2024. And if there’s a time for Gundy and company to see what they have in Flores, it might be best to do that sooner than later.
But the Pokes might want to wait, given the chaos that is likely to ensue across the Big 12 Conference. Oklahoma State hosts West Virginia next week, followed by a trip to BYU following a bye week. We will know much more about the Oklahoma State football season come October 18th, which might be the date when Gundy decides whether or not it’s time to look to the future.
