Mike Gundy at Big 12 media days 2024: Top 5 questions we want Oklahoma State HC to answer

The 2024 Big 12 media days open a new world for Mike Gundy and Oklahoma State. With Oklahoma and Texas joining the SEC, the Cowboys, arguably figure to be the most prominent team in the reconfigured Big 12.

Heading into July 9 and 10 media days, here's what we'd like to hear Gundy discuss from the OSU perspective.

Top 5 questions for Mike Gundy of Oklahoma State at Big 12 media days

Oklahoma State QB Alan Bowman is a key to the Cowboys' season. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

1. Is Ollie Gordon good to go?

With Gordon, arguably the nation's top running back this season, the question isn't can he produce? It's whether he's in good standing and ready to play. After a recent arrest on suspicion of DUI, Gordon could be in Gundy and Oklahoma State's disciplinary doghouse.

If Gordon is good to go, he's great. A year ago, he rushed for 1,732 yards and 21 scores. Given the returning receiving talent, he's capable of even more production. But again, college football is waiting for official word on Gordon's status for 2024.

2. How much better can Bowman be in 2024?

QB Alan Bowman has the apparent nod as OSU's starting QB. A year ago, Bowman was incredibly up and down. He threw for 3,460 yards but also finished with a poor ratio of 15 touchdowns to 14 interceptions. Given his talent at wideout and running back, Bowman needs to be better.

But how much better can he be? Can offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn scheme up enough plays to get him to a 4,000-yard season? Perhaps with a 2 to 1 TD-to-interception ratio or better? At least offensively speaking, Bowman's upside is Oklahoma State's upside.

3. Are Rashod Owens and Brennan Presley going to be the best 1-2 punch in the nation at receiver?

Oklahoma State returns two of the most talented wide receivers in the nation, and they're a wonderfully different pair. Owens is the 6-foot-2 lanky playmaker on the edge (63 catches, 895 yards last year), while the 5-foot-8 Pressley is a waterbug of a target (101 catches for 991 yards).

With Pressley's speed and Owens's size, OSU always has at least one big play target. It is a little mysterious that with the two combining for 1,886 yards a year ago (and with Gordon racking up rushing yards), OSU still scored just 29.6 points per game. Can Pressley and Owens be even better (and better used) in 2024?

4. Can the linebackers boost the defense?

A year ago, OSU had two of the best linebackers in the Big 12 in Nick Martin (140 tackles, 10 tackles for loss) and Kendal Daniels (105 tackles). Collin Oliver (73 tackles, 9.5 TFL) was also brilliant.

But meanwhile, OSU allowed 28.6 points and 442 yards per game. Particularly rough was the secondary, as opponents threw for 275 yards per game. Coordinator Bryan Nardo is back and the question is can he use those great linebackers to improve OSU to at least a good defense, if not a great one?

5. Is the CFP in play?

A year ago, Oklahoma State arguably underachieved in winning 10 games. Losses to South Alabama and UCF kept the Cowboys from a better season. Still, that was OSU's fifth double-digit win total in the last decade, including a 12-2 mark in 2021.

The CFP will no longer require winning the Big 12 (as Oklahoma and Texas are gone anyway). Can the Cowboys pick up another timely double-digit winning season and work their way into the Playoff? It's not a crazy expectation for such a talented, veteran team.

What do you think of the Cowboys and Mike Gundy? Let's hear your thoughts in our comments section!