For the second time in three seasons the Oklahoma State Cowboys reached the Big 12 Championship football game in Arlington, Texas, and lost.
This time, the Cowboys fell to the Texas Longhorns, 49-21, as the Longhorns won the Big 12 and reached the College Football Playoff for the first time. The Cowboys went on to beat Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl to wrap up a 10-4 season.
The Cowboys have always been a good team under coach Mike Gundy, at times great. In two of the last three years they’ve knocked on the door like never before. And, with a huge raft of returning starters on both sides of the ball, the Cowboys have a shot to win the league crown for the first time.
Here’s how things could shake out this season.
OKLAHOMA STATE OFFENSE: GOT EXPERIENCE?
The Cowboys have so much experience at key positions, starting with reigning Doak Walker Award winner and running back Ollie Gordon II. He rushed for 1,732 yards a year ago, which led the nation. Gordon opted to return for another year and the Cowboys will benefit.
But, along with Gordon, the Cowboys have one of the most experienced offensive lines in college football. Left tackle Dalton Cooper leads five returning starters, and even the backups have significant game experience. Oklahoma State could be the rare team that can survive offensive line injuries and still play at a high level.
Quarterback Alan Bowman, who is entering his seventh season of college football, returns too, along with wide receivers Brennan Presley and Rashod Owens. It’s an embarrassment of riches returning for OSU.
OKLAHOMA STATE DEFENSE: A POWERFUL UNIT
Three defensive players return with 100 or more tackles last season — linebacker Nick Martin (140), safety Kendal Daniels (105) and safety Trey Rucker (100). Those three give the Cowboys terrific coverage if teams can get past the front three.
Martin was All-Big 12 First Team last season while Oliver was a Third Team selection. Martin and Oliver combined for 31 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Up front the Cowboys return nose tackle Justin Kirkland.
Martin and Oliver could be the equivalent of Gordon on the defensive side of the ball.
Yes, the defense was one of the worst against the pass last season and averaged fewer than two sacks per game as a unit. Those are areas the Cowboys hope to improve at this season. This will be the unit’s second year under coordinator Bryan Nardo and his 3-3-5 defensive alignment.
OKLAHOMA STATE SPECIAL TEAMS: VERSATILITY AND OPTIONS
The Cowboys actually have two punters, a rarity in the college game. Wes Pahl handles the punts where distance is needed and Hudson Kaak can handle the targeted kicking.
A previous Cowboys punter, Logan Ward, returns to handle the full-time placekicking duties for the first time.
PREDICTION: OKLAHOMA STATE CAUGHT IN THE CRUNCH
The Cowboys have two huge games to start Big 12 action — at home against Utah on Sept. 21 and at Kansas State on Sept. 28. By the end of that stretch, everyone will know whether the Cowboys have a chance to reach the Big 12 title game or not.
OSU’s schedule in conference play is manageable after that. But, can the Cowboys run that table after those initial two Big 12 games? Witness the UCF loss on the road last year. Yes, Oklahoma State still got to the Big 12 title game. But, does OSU want to take that chance? The Cowboys may fall just short.
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
