The Cowboys haven’t won against a Big 12 opponent this season, and that seems destined to continue.

After starting 3-0 and entering the top 15, OSU appeared to be a strong contender to make the Big 12 Championship and the College Football Playoff. However, its loss to Utah to start conference play was the first of a six-game losing streak.

With this streak still active, the Cowboys are looking for a glimmer of hope in the remaining three games. Although the program’s streak of bowl appearances and winning seasons seems almost guaranteed to end, OSU still has an opportunity to prevent a 3-9 record.

During the worst season in Stillwater in two decades, OSU struggled to look like a competent team. As OSU’s offensive struggles from years past under Kasey Dunn re-emerged, Bryan Nardo’s defense has been among the worst in the nation.

While other schools near OSU and the Big 12 made midseason coaching changes, the Cowboys refused to move on from their coordinators this year. There’s obviously an argument for not making any changes to the coaching staff mid-season, but that couldn’t have hurt the Cowboys much, given their track record.

ESPN favors OSU to win its senior game against Texas Tech on November 23. Meanwhile, TCU and Colorado are the expected winners of OSU’s final two road games.

While OSU should beat Texas Tech, the margin is so narrow that it’s a toss-up. Given OSU’s recent play and Texas Tech’s quest to make the Big 12 championship, this game could go as poorly as the others so far.

OSU needs big changes this offseason to avoid another season like this in 2025. And if the Cowboys can’t win one of their final three games, the changes could be bigger than expected.

Would you like to join the discussion? Like the Oklahoma State Cowboys on SI on Facebook And follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest Cowboys news. You can also meet the team behind the cover.