Oklahoma State football: J.W. Walsh remains Cowboys' starting quarterback

“He's made mistakes and corrected those mistakes and had successful plays that have followed those mistakes. He's different in that way than he was on Sept. 1.”

The extended practice reps during the two bye weeks have also benefitted Walsh. Monken said he has noticed Walsh recognizing his own mistakes faster and having a better understanding of what corrections to make. Walsh added he feels like everything is moving at a slower pace now that he's more comfortable running the first-team offense in a game.

“I've got a long way to go, still,” Walsh said. “But I feel like three weeks ago, my eyes, head, my heart was beating fast and everything was just all over the place. I feel like now I'm starting to slow it down a lot more, and I'm going to continue to do that.”

Could Lunt be healthy enough to play when the Cowboys take the field in Lawrence on Saturday afternoon? Perhaps. Gundy said Lunt's practice reps will continue to increase as his pain decreases.

But Walsh will be ready to start again if needed.

“I'll continue to prepare like I'm the starter, no matter who they name,” Walsh said. “We'll see what they say, and we'll go from there.”