Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy happy no bye week following loss this time

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said Sunday that he was thrilled OSU’s did not have a bye this week, because the only way to erase the feeling of the 59-38 loss at Arizona was to get right back on the field.

It’s a different situation from the last time OSU suffered a loss, when, after Iowa State upset the No. 2 Cowboys, the schedule followed with an open week over Thanksgiving before Bedlam. In that case, Gundy welcomed the November bye to allow his players recover physically and mentally late in the season, and regroup after the tragic plane crash that killed women’s basketball coach Kurt Budke, assistant Miranda Serna and school supporters Olin and Paula Branstetter.

“Everybody was just beaten down,” Gundy said. “Two, we were at a point in the season where we were fatigued. I’ve always liked having an open date late in the season, because you’re tired. The kids are tired.

“If you handle it right way as a coach–give them a break and get them out of here for four or five days–they’ll come back here fresh, not only physically, but mentally.”

Here’s more from Gundy about why he’s happy the Cowboys return play again right away: