Ranking the Worst Losses of the Mike Gundy Era

Happy Monday!

This had to be done. I argued on Saturday that the Kansas State loss in BPS was the worst of the Rudolph era and maybe the worst in Gundy’s 13-year tenure in Stillwater, given what was still at stake.

Before we rank these, we need a working definition of “worst.” To me, the worst is the not the one in which you were defeated by the most points but rather the one in which you definitely should have won and you got embarrassed in some of form or fashion. Other factors include: What was at stake, how the loss happened and other extenuating circumstances.

With that, a list.

1. OU for the Big 12 title (2013)

Not sure it can be topped. OSU was a double-digit favorite and had its best defense in school history. They didn’t get blown out, but they did get embarrassed by four different pass-throwers for OU. I think this was the worst loss of Gundy’s career, and it was certainly the most haunting.

2. Kansas State (2017)

Yep, I’m going there. Are people aware that Baylor almost beat OU earlier this year, and that the Big 12 title is at stake? It didn’t seem like anyone on Saturday was aware of it. If not for the late fourth-quarter rally, this could have been No. 1. Getting your doors blown off at home by a 20.5-point underdog playing a third-string QB?

Come on.

3. Iowa State (2011)

It would have ranked higher if not for the plane crash. I don’t know if that’s a free pass, but it certainly is a qualifier when you talk about this game in any way over the next few decades. OSU was a four-TD favorite and led for most of the game (it was 24-7 with 27 minutes left). Until they didn’t.

4. Houston at home (2009)

The ultimate stomach punch game, although I discount non-conference losses because the point is to win Big 12 titles. OSU was clearly not equipped to shoulder a post-Georgia win expedition, but we didn’t know that at the time. We also didn’t know we’d only see Dez one more time. Then Gundy hired Dana.

5. Central Michigan* at home (2016)

All the asterisks.

6. Texas at home (2014)

This was rock bottom of the Post Fedora era (P.D., as it shall be known from here on out). OSU stepped into what we know as the modern Gundy era with the hiring of Dana in 2010, and this was the lowest point from 2010-Present.

7. at OU (2009)

It was just more embarrassing than anything. Not a great OU team. Not a good OSU team. And Quinn Sharp had 656 punt yards on 14 punts.

8. at Troy (2007)

It’s difficult for me to remember the context here. Certainly losing at Troy or a place like Troy is not an abomination, and I don’t really think it was at the time (even if it felt like it). The problem is that OSU got blown out at Troy (it was 41-10 at the end of the third quarter). This was also the game that eventually led to The Rant which *probably* changed OSU football so I can’t rank it higher than eighth.