Oklahoma State football: Cowboys struggle to find consistency in 20-14 victory

The biggest play of the game for the Cowboys — the longest play from scrimmage for OSU this season, in fact — came when Charlie Moore did the majority of the leg work on a short pass that turned into a 72-yard catch and run down the sideline for a score. Walsh also used his arm to set up OSU's first touchdown when he hit Tracy Moore for a 31-yard pass before taking the ball into the end zone himself from four yards out. But the only other points OSU could muster against a defense that ranked 97th in the nation entering Saturday were a pair of Quinn Sharp field goals.

All told, the offensive output halted OSU's streak of 22 consecutive games of scoring 30 points or more.

“It was a serious struggle,” Gundy said. “And it was painful for me to watch. We've been fortunate over a number of years, we just kind of roll out there on offense. It frustrates me, because that's my background.”

Despite the inconsistencies, Monken said there were no thoughts of switching from Walsh to Lunt during the course of the game. The plan had been built for Walsh, and Walsh got the needed practice time.

“Without taking as many reps during the week, you have no idea what you're going to get with Wes,” Monken said.

So has Walsh made his last start for the Cowboys? It's still difficult to say.

Monken and Gundy are both pleased with the rate at which Lunt is recovering, noting that his pain is steadily decreasing. But his status is likely to remain day-to-day next week as the Cowboys prepare for their Homecoming contest against Iowa State.

And Walsh refuses to approach next week like he's about to return to backup duty.

“(Sunday I'll) look on film and make corrections,” Walsh said, “and move forward like I'm the starter, like I've always prepared.”