Mike Gundy continues to refer to Central Michigan game as a win

No matter what the ESPN box score record might show, Mike Gundy continues to count the team’s early season “loss” as a tally in the win column. He did so again after Saturday’s win over TCU.

“I know Kirby had mentioned that the committee feels a certain way about that game,” Gundy said after the win in Fort Worth. “I think Kirby’s playing poker and that they see us as a 10-win team. That’s just my opinion.”

Kirby’s stance seemed pretty clear early in the week, saying that “We [the CFP committee] treat it as a loss.

“It’s not within the purview of the selection committee to determine wins and losses. … However, the selection committee is aware of what transpired in that football game.”

Seven weeks ago, the outcome of the controversial Central Michigan loss seemed to not matter. The Cowboys early season struggles against Central Michigan seemed to be a red flag for the season.

Now, Oklahoma State is one win away from a Big 12 title — and perhaps a college football playoff berth on the line.

Even though the outcome of that game likely won’t change, Gundy has smartly kept the conversation going regarding the “loss.” By doing so, he has kept the topic relevant, and has now given the committee something to consider as they head into the bye week.

Gundy: "I think that the committee sees us as a one-loss team in my opinion."

— Mark Cooper (@mark_cooperjr) November 21, 2016

If Oklahoma State does knock off Oklahoma in Bedlam in two weeks, the presence of mind from Mike Gundy to keep it at the top of his talking points could result in one of the more controversial decisions from the college football world.

Ultimately the fate may come down to the playoff committee, but Gundy has kept the topic relevant for a reason that is now crystal clear. And by doing so, he has smartly positioned his team to be one of the most talked about programs in the country for the next two weeks.