Oklahoma State football: How is Wes Lunt at the 'mental rep?'

Oklahoma State's J.W. Walsh had to do that when he was the second-team quarterback. And in recent weeks, Wes Lunt has had to use that technique while recovering from a left knee injury sustained against Louisiana-Lafayette on Sept. 15.

So how is Lunt at the mental rep?

“I'm going to guess he's pretty cerebral and he understands and he pays attention,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said. “He doesn't talk much. It's really hard for me to say, but I would guess that he stays with it pretty good, because I know he studies tape.

“I felt like that he studied tape like he was going to play against Texas, so that would be a sign that he's in tune pretty good.”

Lunt's status for Saturday's game against Kansas is uncertain. If he is unable to play, Walsh will start for the second consecutive game.

EVAN EPSTEIN READY FOR EIGHT GAMES IN EIGHT WEEKS

Conference realignment is largely to blame for the scheduling quirk that gave OSU two byes in a three-week period.

That means the Cowboys don't have any more weekends off — which usually allows players to travel home to visit their families or simply take some time to relax. Instead, they will play eight games in eight weeks to finish the season.

Count center Evan Epstein as a guy who is looking forward to getting back into a routine.

“I don't like bye weeks as much as other guys,” Epstein said. “I think that kind of takes you out of a flow that you end up getting into. We're so used to our schedule, and I think when you have an eight-week stretch (of games), it kind of helps out.

“You've just got to make sure you stay healthy and stay mentally in the game.”