The Oklahoma State Cowboys are facing a significant hurdle as they look to keep their season on track. In a surprising turn of events, starting quarterback Garret Rangel, who had taken over for Alan Bowman, will be out indefinitely due to an upper-body injury sustained during the team’s recent game against the BYU Cougars.
Rangel’s Untimely Injury
Rangel, a redshirt sophomore, had been thrust into the starting role after Bowman struggled with consistency and accuracy issues. The young quarterback showed promise, completing 6 of 9 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown before his unfortunate exit. His dynamic playmaking ability was on full display as he also rushed for an impressive 77 yards on just five carries.
However, Rangel’s breakout performance was cut short when he suffered what is believed to be a collarbone injury following a daring 54-yard run. Coach Mike Gundy confirmed the severity of the situation, stating, “He’ll be out a while.” The lack of a definitive timeline for Rangel’s return leaves the Cowboys in a precarious position.
Bowman’s Chance at Redemption
With Rangel sidelined, the Cowboys will turn back to Alan Bowman, the seventh-year senior who led the offense during their surprising run to the Big 12 championship game in 2023. Despite his experience, Bowman has struggled to find his footing this season, prompting the coaching staff to give Rangel a chance to spark the offense.
In relief of Rangel, Bowman showed flashes of the quarterback he once was, throwing for 85 yards and a touchdown while also contributing 19 rushing yards. Most importantly, he orchestrated the go-ahead touchdown drive late in the game, although the Cowboys ultimately fell short against BYU, 38-35.
Alan has been through a lot in his career, and we know he has the talent and leadership to get the job done. We have full confidence in him to step up and guide this team in Garret’s absence.
– A source close to the Oklahoma State program
The Road Ahead
As the Cowboys look to regroup and maintain their position in the Big 12 standings, all eyes will be on Bowman to see if he can recapture the magic that made him so effective in 2023. The team’s upcoming schedule features critical matchups against conference rivals, making Bowman’s performance all the more crucial.
While the loss of Rangel is undoubtedly a setback, the Cowboys remain optimistic that their seasoned roster and coaching staff can weather this storm. As Coach Gundy and his team prepare for the challenges ahead, they will lean on their depth, resilience, and unwavering commitment to success.
A Season Defined by Adversity
The 2024 campaign has been one of ups and downs for Oklahoma State, with the team showcasing moments of brilliance alongside periods of inconsistency. The quarterback situation has been a microcosm of this rollercoaster ride, as the Cowboys have navigated the delicate balance between experience and potential.
Now, as they face yet another obstacle in the form of Rangel’s injury, the Cowboys must once again prove their mettle. With Bowman at the helm and a roster filled with talent on both sides of the ball, Oklahoma State has the pieces in place to overcome this latest challenge and make a strong push in the second half of the season.
Adversity reveals character, and I have no doubt that this team will rise to the occasion. We’ve faced challenges before, and we’ve always found a way to come out stronger on the other side.
– An Oklahoma State team captain
The Cowboy Way
Through it all, the Oklahoma State Cowboys remain committed to their identity—a team built on toughness, resilience, and an unwavering belief in one another. As they navigate this latest twist in their season, they will draw upon the strength of their brotherhood and the support of their passionate fanbase.
The road ahead may be uncertain, but one thing remains clear: the Cowboys will face each challenge head-on, united in their pursuit of excellence both on and off the field. With Alan Bowman leading the charge and a team rallying around him, Oklahoma State is poised to write the next chapter in their storied history, one marked by perseverance, resilience, and the indomitable spirit that defines the Cowboy way.
