Alan Bowman: Navigating Challenges After Tough Outing Against Utah
Oklahoma State QB Alan Bowman Faces Criticism and Offers Optimism After Week 4 Loss
Oklahoma State quarterback Alan Bowman is no stranger to adversity, and his latest performance against the Utah Utes has been a stark reminder of the challenges he and the Cowboys face this season. In their Week 4 matchup, Oklahoma State suffered a 22-19 loss, a game that highlighted significant struggles on both the ground and in the air.
Statistical Struggles and Bench Time
Bowman had one of his worst statistical games as a Cowboy, completing just 16 of his 33 passes, resulting in a completion rate of under 50%. He threw two interceptions and managed only two touchdown passes, a performance that led to his benching in favor of redshirt sophomore Garret Rangel for part of the game.
In the first half, Bowman's numbers were particularly dismal, going 8-for-22 for 89 yards and an interception. This poor start led to his temporary replacement, although he was re-inserted later in the game and managed to lead two touchdown drives to make the final score more respectable.
Adjusting to New Defensive Schemes
One of the key factors in Bowman's struggles was Utah's defensive strategy. The Utes frequently employed Cover 1 or a Cover 1 blitz, which included a deep safety, a scheme the Cowboys had not encountered this year. Bowman acknowledged the difficulty in adjusting to this new style of defense, stating, "That was the first time we had seen that all year — fall camp or not. So, it was going to take some time to get adjusted to a new style of defense that we haven’t seen yet this year".
Coach Mike Gundy's Assessment
Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy was candid about Bowman's performance, noting that the quarterback simply did not play as well as expected. Gundy expressed that Bowman got uncomfortable and started to move his feet around, which exacerbated the issues. However, Gundy also reiterated his confidence in Bowman as the team's starting quarterback moving forward.
Gundy also criticized the lack of adjustments in the game plan, suggesting that the team should have stuck with plays that were working instead of changing them. He humorously mentioned his own tendency to second-guess game decisions on Sundays, emphasizing the need for consistency in play-calling.
Ground Game Woes
The struggles were not limited to Bowman's passing; the running game also failed to deliver. Running back Ollie Gordon had just 11 carries for 42 yards, a far cry from his usual production. Gundy attributed this to the stacked boxes defenses have been using against the Cowboys, making it difficult to achieve significant yardage on the ground.
Bowman's Positive Outlook
Despite the tough outing, Bowman remained positive and focused on the future. He emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and moving on, rather than dwelling on the loss. "It’s just one loss at the end of the day," Bowman said. "We can’t worry too much on, ‘Oh my gosh, this happened. Oh my gosh, this happened,’ or, ‘We couldn’t complete this or that.’ Worrying about those things is not gonna make us a better football team. We still have everything in front of us. We can still win the Big 12".
Bowman also highlighted his experience and the team's resilience, drawing from last season's performance where the Cowboys rebounded from early losses to make the Big 12 title game. "Realistically, we wouldn’t want it any other way at Oklahoma State — the hard way. That’s the way we like to do things around here, so, you know what, as we did last year, we showed. I think we’re a better team than what we were last year, so I wouldn’t doubt us to go run the table".
Looking Ahead to Kansas State
As the Cowboys prepare to face Kansas State in their next game, Bowman's ability to bounce back will be crucial. With the team's visit to Manhattan set for Saturday, Bowman is determined to put the Utah game behind them and focus on the challenges ahead. His positive attitude and experience will be key in guiding the team through this tough period.
In summary, while the loss to Utah was a setback, Alan Bowman's resilience and the team's historical ability to rebound from early losses offer a glimmer of hope for the remainder of the season. As Bowman and the Cowboys look to redeem themselves against Kansas State, their focus on learning from mistakes and maintaining a positive outlook will be essential in their pursuit of Big 12 success.