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.
2008 Season:
The 2008 season was one of the best in recent memory and has Cowboys fans intensely excited to see the follow-up. After going 7-6 in both 2006 and 2007, Mike Gundy's Cowboys broke through in 2008, winning their first 7 games, including a huge road victory at defending Big XII North Champion Missouri. Unfortunately for Oklahoma State, it was a banner year for the Big XII South and losses to Texas Tech, Texas and OU put them in 4th. Nevertheless, the team went 9-3 in the regular season and earned a Holiday Bowl berth against Oregon.
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: Gunter Brewer - since 2008
Co-Offensive Coordinator: Joe Wickline - since 2009
Defensive Coordinator: Bill Young - since 2009
Associate Head Coach: Joe Deforest - since 2005
2009 Schedule:
* = Home Game
Sep 05 *Georgia
Sep 12 *Houston
Sep 19 *Rice
Sep 26 *Grambling State
Oct 10 Texas A&M
Oct 17 *Missouri
Oct 24 Baylor
Oct 31 *Texas
Nov 07 Iowa State
Nov 14 *Texas Tech
Nov 19 *Colorado
Nov 28 Oklahoma
2009 Outlook:
It is quite possible that there has never been as much optimism and as many expectations for Oklahoma State football as there is in 2009. Though the team didn't perform as well down the stretch, losing 3 of its last 4, including the bowl game, the Cowboys were competitive with some of the best teams in the country in Texas and Oklahoma. And with returning starters and Heisman Trophy candidates at the three "triplet" positions on offense, Oklahoma State has been picked by many to have a fantastic 2009.
The offense certainly will not be what holds them back from crashing the Big XII party of Texas and Oklahoma. With senior QB Zac Robinson, an explosive Kendall Hunter at running back and perhaps the best wide receiver in the nation in Dez Bryant, this is a Cowboys team that should be able to score with anyone. Despite losing Brandon Pettigrew to the NFL, the team returns the bulk of its offensive line as well and should pick right up where they left off in 2008 with a tremendously balanced and potent attack.
The other side of the ball is where the questions lie. For the past several seasons, defense has been Oklahoma State's Achilles heal. Can the Cowboys stop a likewise potent offense such as Texas, Oklahoma or Texas Tech? The coaches are saying all the right things, and all indications are there has been some nice improvement. But the ability to get pressure and slow some teams down might be the key to how far this team can go.
For fans, they should get an indication right from the start how good OSU can be. That's because the Cowboys open their season with a talented SEC team, Georgia. The Bulldogs have to replace plenty of starters on offense, but it will be a quick test on whether OSU is what most expect them to be.
As with last season, when I correctly picked them to start 5-0, the schedule is favorable early. If OSU gets by Georgia, expect them to rattle off wins over the rest of their non-conference slate and Texas A&M before the mid-October game against Missouri. The Tigers are breaking in a new QB this year and lost several players to the NFL, so another 7-0 beginning certainly won't be beyond possibility.
From there, it's just a question of whether OSU can get over the hump and start knocking off the big boys. Georgia is tough, no doubt, but they don't come into 2009 with the lofty rankings of Texas (#2) and Oklahoma (#3). Oklahoma State fans had a taste of the success, and they are ready to take the next step. Pick up one or two of those crucial late-season victories, and the Cowboys are in uncharted territory for 2009, competing for the Big XII Championship and eyeing BCS possibilities.
