History:
Oklahoma State's football program has often taken a back seat at the University to other sports such as basketball, golf and wrestling. Formerly Oklahoma A&M, OSU has been playing football for over a hundred years, but it was the 80's that finally brought some recognition. With Pat Jones coaching such stars as Thurman Thomas and Barry Sanders, OSU became known as "Tailback U." Recent years have again brought success with NFL caliber backs such as Reggie White, Tatum Bell and Vernand Morency.2007 Season:
The 2007 season was a fairly successful one for the Cowboys. Though the team didn't improve on 2006's 7-6 mark the season resulted in a winning record and an Insight Bowl victory over Indiana. Thanks to one of the better offenses in the Big 12, the Cowboys pulled off big wins over Texas Tech, Nebraska and Kansas State. However, the team couldn't quite turn the corner as much as they would've liked in 2007, losing to highly ranked opponents in Georgia, Kansas and Texas, not to mention a 32 point defeat at the hands of the Sooners.Location:
Boone Pickens Stadium on the Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater is over 80 years old but has been extensively renovated. Its current capacity is just over 60,000, and the stadium features club seats and concessions.Tickets:
Season tickets are available that discount the per game price by nearly 20%. Also available are 3 game packages and premium donor seating for members of the OSU POSSE. Purchase tickets online or by calling (877) All-4-OSU.Primary Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Mike Gundy - since 2005
Former 4 year starter at QB for OSU
Co-Offensive Coordinator: Trooper Taylor - since 2008
Co-Offensive Coordinator: Gunter Brewer - since 2008
Defensive Coordinator: Tim Beckman - since 2007
Associate Head Coach: Joe Deforest - since 2005
2008 Schedule:
* = Home Game
Aug 30 Washington State
Sep 06 *Houston
Sep 13 *Missouri State
Sep 27 *Troy
Oct 04 *Texas A&M
Oct 11 Missouri
Oct 18 *Baylor
Oct 25 Texas
Nov 01 *Iowa State
Nov 08 Texas Tech
Nov 15 Colorado
Nov 29 *Oklahoma
2008 Outlook:
In many ways, my 2008 outlook will resemble my post from last year. While there's no doubt Oklahoma State has improved in recent years, becoming one of the more potent offensive teams in the nation with Zac Robinson at the helm, the team hasn't been able to far surpass the label of mediocre. Two straight regular seasons ended at 6-6, and while bowl wins helped the impression, OSU players and coaches are ready to take the next step.In order to do so, they'll need to improve upon what has been a lackluster defense. Ranked as one of the worst defenses in college football and giving up nearly 30 points per game, Oklahoma State had to rely on its offense to score and score and score in 2007. In some cases (Texas Tech, for example), they did just that. But in others (Kansas comes to mind), they fell just short. Unless the defense makes great strides in 2008, the team may be in for similar results.
They'll rely on some experienced defensive players in safety Ricky Price and corner Perrish Cox to lead that plan of improvement. With those two, the secondary looks to be quite solid. But questions remain in the front seven. Junior college players will join the defensive unit, expected to make a quick impact, and the Cowboys will need big things from highly-touted youngsters such as Richetti Jones.
Offensively, OSU returns a talented dual-threat signal-caller in Zac Robinson. He has a very good, veteran offensive line including David Washington and Russell Okung, and he'll be able to rely on plenty of playmakers such as breakout receiver Dez Bryant and runningbacks Keith Toston and Kendall Hunter. Throw in an NFL caliber tight end in Brandon Pettigrew, and Oklahoma State should rarely struggle to score points despite the inevitable growing pains of replacing an offensive coordinator.
Oklahoma State's schedule is very favorable to start the season. Washington State is a below-average team and should be a quick road win. OSU then comes home for four in a row. Though these won't be without challenges (Troy beat OSU last year and A&M is somewhat of a wild card with a new coach and offense), it's also not out of the realm of possibility for the Cowboys to start 5-0.
The question will then be, as it was last year... Can the defense shut down quality opponents? Missouri, Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma all possess top offenses, and the Cowboys haven't yet shown that they can rise up against the best of the best on any consistent basis. They'll need a greatly improved defensive performance in 2008 to get a big win or two over one of the conference's best.
