Daily Bullets (November 2)

Two more sleeps til’ Bedlam.

Job Security

Yesterday a USA Today piece made the rounds about a recently discussed clause in Mike Gundy’s contract, one that allows Gundy an upper hand if he’s run off for disobedience.

However, it would have to pay Gundy the buyout if the termination is for insubordination, which is defined as: “Employee’s failure or refusal to obey a directive from the (Athletics) Director after reasonable opportunity to comply, and/or failure by Employee to maintain communication with Director as may be reasonably necessary to maintain a proper working relationship”.

The buyout would be subject to Gundy’s obligation to try to find other employment, and his income from that work would offset what Oklahoma State would owe him.

“The contract was drafted with the expectation that Mike Gundy will remain at OSU as long as he wants to coach football,” university spokesman Gary Shutt said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. [USA Today]

I don’t know what impasse this doesn’t resolve – “Oh you don’t like me wearing snakeskin boots to the Caravan? That’s unfortunate.”

This is how we do it in Stillwater, darlin. You’re welcome. pic.twitter.com/qKm3a4j4CN

— (((Seth))) (@FreshGroundSeth) October 31, 2017

Behaving Defensively

Prior performance is one of the best indicators, even in the wacky world of college football. And Oklahoma State’s most recent defensive performance inspires confidence.

OSU won 50-39, but don’t let the score mislead you. The Cowboy defense was pristine. Five takeaways. Twelve defensive stops. Twelve. The Mountaineers scored two late touchdowns after OSU took a 19-point lead, but pay that no mind. When this game was on the line, the Cowboy defense stiffened for the second straight game.

And this wasn’t against passing-challenged Texas. This was against one of the Big 12’s better gunslingers. [NewsOK]

Shutting down a guy who averages 344 yards a game and picking him off four times – five interceptions previously on the year – is an important data point here in Bedlam week.

OSU and NCAA Notes

Jake Trotter on the “Bedlam curse” is a well-written dose of unwanted reality….Inaugural CFP rankings are (too early) frightful for too many power conferences….J.D. King playing second fiddle has been a revelation….Picks for week ten games….Where the Playoff Title games will be held through 2024 announced

538 still has the Pokes on the playoff radar.

Our college football playoff odds just updated to reflect the committee's first set of rankings: https://t.co/3Km7wd0f6V pic.twitter.com/tydmXRzd9o

— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) October 31, 2017

Congrats to the Cowboys’ cerebral, classy center on the great scholarship and a well-deserved award.

Congrats to @CowboyFB C @BradLundblade, a 2017 #CampbellTrophy finalist and NFF National Scholar-Athlete! https://t.co/xLnh2NjG0u pic.twitter.com/YuHXPRGjh3

— Football Foundation (@NFFNetwork) November 1, 2017

Cowgirl Soccer blazed the path for this weekend.

Cowgirls get 3rd #Bedlam win of 2017 to advance to #Big12SOC semifinals! #GoPokes #okstate pic.twitter.com/kVmQPyjfyi

— Cowgirl Soccer (@CowgirlFC) November 1, 2017

Let’s call them the OKC Orange.

Year 3.. but year 5 with the brodie✊???

A post shared by Mike Cobbins (@cobbo20) on Nov 1, 2017 at 2:39pm PDT

What You Missed on PFB

• Take a look at the top Bedlam plays of the Gundy era
• Brad Lundblade is happy to be back for Bedlam
• Check out all the kiddo Gundys from Halloween 2017
• Cowboys are savoring one last shot at Baker Mayfield
• Get your five thoughts on the first CFP rankings

Other Stuff I’m Reading

• Cal Newport on spending more time alone challenges me as an extrovert
• The “How I Built This” with the Chipotle founder is wild
• Tough to read/ eye-opening perspective on life in the south for a black man (h/t Cayden McFarland)

Whoever has Kit Kats in the top five ahead of Snickers needs to go home.

THE ULTIMATE HALLOWEEN CANDY POWER RANKING https://t.co/V5VPCJZBIf pic.twitter.com/A8Xv7LdSgK

— FiveThirtyEight (@FiveThirtyEight) October 31, 2017