Bundage's return this season remains up in air
STILL WATER— Oklahoma State linebacker Calvin Bundage is quickly running out of time to take the field this season.
Whether that actually happens, that remains to be seen.
Bundage has missed the entire season with a back injury and it's looking more likely each week that he will redshirt and return for his final season in 2020.
“He could still actually play, but in my opinion, it' s not really beneficial for him,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said Monday. “When you have an injury like his, which nobody knows how to tell how that's going to recover, nobody knows that.
“I don't think it's beneficial for him to, but obviously he and his family, his dad, they'll have to make that decision on their own. And then we'll follow.”
Bundage has a followup appointment with a doctor in early November, sources close to Bundage told The Oklahoman.
Gundy said Bundage has been cleared to practice since early in the season. Bundage has been rehabbing and going through physical therapy, but has not been at practices.
“He just hasn' t got to where he really feels good,” Gundy said. “Now, I was told a week ago that he felt considerably better, which is encouraging.
“I'm hoping that he'll feel a lot better and be able to rally back and play next year.”
An Edmond Santa Fe product, Bundage is a senior, but has not used his one redshirt season. He could play in the final four games this season, including the possible bowl game, and return next season.
Gundy to players: `I told you so'
Last week, Gundy said there would be no complaining after two straight losses. Only that his team would pull its pants up and go to work.
Hard work would be the solution.
Now, he can say, “I told you so.”
After upsetting then-ranked No. 23 Iowa State on Saturday, the Cowboys enter Saturday's game against TCU with a better feeling.
Asked if Gundy felt like this win was more gratifying, he said he was just happy for his players more than himself.
“My reward i s to see the team get something out of hard work,” Gundy said. “I said this last week when I was in here, I told the players, `You need to work harder. That's the only thing I know what you can do.'
“So, I'm glad they had success because I can say, `I told you so. If you just work hard to stay the course, good things will happen.'”
Rodriguez named Big 12 Defensive Player of Week
OSU linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez' s heroic son Saturday did not go unnoticed.
Rodriguez was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.
The Wagoner product had t he game- winning interception and touchdown return in Saturday's 34-27 upset at Iowa State. He also l ed all tacklers with 11 and recorded a pass breakup.