Oklahoma State football notebook: Mike Gundy reflects on 2011 Iowa State game

That's the day everyone learned of the plane crash that killed women's basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna. But apart from the tragedy of the day, Gundy had a couple of thoughts, as he first dodged the thousands of fans who flooded the field, then pondered the defeat in the locker room.

“I did think, we've come a long way at Oklahoma State when people rush the field after beating us,” Gundy said. “I remember when they just went out to their tailgate, finish their drink.”

But Gundy also thought that if someone had to take out the Cowboys, the Cyclones and coach Paul Rhoads were about the most appetizing.

“I like Paul and I think he does a really nice job,” Gundy said. “Certainly would rather have won that game, but I don't mind seeing people who work hard and not having things given to 'em have success.”

Cowboy philosophy: Next man up

Injuries remain one of the main storylines of the week in Stillwater, with the Cowboys missing several key contributors by game's end Saturday at Kansas.

There's hope that wideouts Tracy Moore and Isaiah Anderson, running back Jeremy Smith, linebacker Caleb Lavey and even quarterback Wes Lunt will be back.

If not, the focus shifts to the backups.