In an unexpected and out-of-the-blue move Wednesday, Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy confirmed that offensive lineman Michael Bowie is no longer a part of the Cowboys football program. While the term “dismissal” was not frivolously tossed about, the standard explanation for a departure of this nature was -- an unspecified violation of team rules.
“Any time you lose a good football player that has got experience, it affects your team,” Gundy was quoted as saying after his annual media golf outing. “Mike was a good player for us, but it didn’t work out. And I think the one thing people have to realize that it’s extremely difficult to play college football and there are certain standards and requirements that you have to meet in order to be a part of our football team, and that’s coaches and players.
“We don’t really bend for anybody at any particular time. The team will be fine. Another player steps in. We expect them to compete.”
What “them” will be competing for is the starting left tackle job. On the most recent depth chart, the senior Bowie, who started five games last season, was listed as the No. 1 tackle on the left side of the line.
Presumably, redshirt freshman Devin Davis, listed as the No. 2 LT, will get the first shot at providing the blindside protection for Wes Lunt, the true freshman and early enrollee who was named the Cowboys’ starter at quarterback exiting spring practice earlier this year.