Q: What’s behind the big outburst by Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy after last week’s game against Texas Tech?
-- M.A. from Iowa
A: Gundy was upset (small understatement) about a game-day piece written by Jenni Carlson, a columnist for The Daily Oklahoman. Carlson wrote about the Cowboys’ quarterback situation, in which Bobby Reid was benched in favor of Zac Henderson (even though Reid was listed as the starter going into the Troy game, where Henderson started).

Carlson’s column speculated about some reasons why Reid had been replaced (in some instances, questioning the player’s toughness).

Gundy, understandably, stood behind Reid and defended him. “Come after me! I’m a man! I’m 40!” Gundy screamed in a performance for which YouTube was created. It was a startling display by someone who said he doesn’t read the newspaper.

Gundy’s method? Unprofessional. Devoid of class. Flat-out inappropriate.

After Oklahoma State outlasted Texas Tech in Saturday’s shootout, Gundy used his entire post-game news conference to rip the Oklahoman and Carlson with a loud tirade that would have rivaled the best of Bobby Knight. Gundy didn’t even talk about the game.

Do columnists get paid to express opinions? Of course. Is Gundy, a high-profile employee of a public university, justified in his reaction? Absolutely not.

MSNBC video Oklahoma State coach lashes out Sept. 23, 2007: Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy defends his quarterback and screams at a reporter in a memorable, passionate outburst. MSNBC

Gundy embarrassed himself and his university. If he had problems with the column, he should have handled it professionally, one-on-one. His actions overshadowed a great game. In this Internet-driven age, the meltdown video will have a long shelf life.

And we still don’t know exactly why the Cowboys switched quarterbacks.

Q: What has caused Colorado State to fall apart last two seasons? It’s not like Colorado — or even Air Force — owns the state.
-- Todd from Temecula, Calif.
A: The usual things. Injuries. Turnovers. Fading confidence. Colorado State (0-3) has 10 straight losses (last victory: 28-7 against UNLV on Oct. 7, 2006).

Colorado State used to be the team no one wanted to play. Now it has turned into a nightmare. And it continued Saturday with a 38-27 road loss against Houston. Colorado State actually led 17-3 at halftime before it fell apart in a hurry.

Special feature Pac-10 not as good as its bowl showing

The Rams may never have the profile of state rival Colorado. But in seasons past, Colorado State was always a worthy opponent for Colorado – or anyone, really – because of overlooked players who developed in the program. Players who performed with a chip on their shoulder.

Under Sonny Lubick, the Rams had 10 straight winning seasons (1994 through 2003), while winning or sharing the conference title six times. Even if Colorado State can’t pull the upsets, it still should be very competitive in the Mountain West Conference. That’s not happening. Colorado State has failed to build on its success, and the program has regressed. 

Q: I see Florida Atlantic’s Tavious Polo has a jaw-dropping six interceptions already. What’s the record for a season in major college football?
-- Paul from Auburn, Wash.
A: That would be Washington’s Al Worley, who had an equally jaw-dropping 14 interceptions in 1968. Eight other players had 14-interception seasons in the lower levels of college football, including Carl Ray Harris for Fresno State in 1970 (when Fresno State competed as a Division II program).

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