Oklahoma State Cowboys
Overall Rank: #28
#4 Big 12
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When Oklahoma State was sitting at 8-1 in mid-November, many thought the Cowboys were ready to fall apart since the tough games were yet to come. However, for a while at least, OSU proved the doubters wrong with wins at Texas and at home against Baylor. The Cowboys did lose their regular season finale against Oklahoma and the Cotton Bowl to Missouri, but overall a 10-3 year in the Big 12 is a great year for the Cowboys.
2013 Record: 10-3, 7-2
2013 Bowl: Cotton Bowl Classic vs. Missouri (L 31-34)
Coach: Mike Gundy (77-38 at Oklahoma State, 77-38 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Yurcich
Defensive Coordinator: Glenn Spencer
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Desmond Roland, RB, 811 yards
Passing: J.W. Walsh, QB, 1,333 yards
Receiving: Jhajuan Seales, WR, 571 yards
Tackles: Ryan Simmons, LB, 67
Sacks: Jimmy Bean, DE, 4.5
Interceptions: Kevin Peterson, CB, 2
Other Key Returnees: TE Marcell Ateman, DT James Castleman, K Ben Grogan, P Kip Smith
Key Losses: QB Clint Chelf, RB Jeremy Smith, WR Tracy Moore, WR Josh Stewart, WR Charlie Moore, OL Parker Graham, LB Caleb Lavey, LB Shaun Lewis, DL Calvin Barnett, DL Tyler Johnson, CB Justin Gilbert, S Daytawion Lee, S Lyndell Johnson
Strengths:
The quarterback shuffle has seemingly ended and landed on J.W. Walsh. A part-time starter as a sophomore, Walsh threw for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns, while rushing for 294 yards and three more scores. There is absolutely no experience behind him, so this is Walsh’s team. He is not a bad passer and his ability to scramble does add another dynamic to this team. However, running too much may not be a good idea unless Coach Mike Gundy has faith in his backups. Desmond Roland and Rennie Childs can carry the ball so Walsh does not have to. Roland came on strong during the back half of the 2013 campaign and rushed for 811 yards and 13 touchdowns despite staring just seven games. Childs added 189 yards and a score as a freshman and showed plenty of potential. Tyreek Hill, a junior college transfer, won the Big 12 indoor 200 and finished second in the 60 yard dash. Needless to say, he is a speedster who will come and get the ball in space on occasion. Technically a wide receiver, Hill has the potential to move around and line up in multiple places.
Weaknesses:
But there are major concerns with the rest of wide receiver spots and on the offensive line. The top two receivers are gone from a group that was inconsistent at best. Jhajuan Seales is easily the top returning target after catching 39 passes for 571 yards and three touchdowns. The line will be led by seniors Daniel Koenig and Chris Grisbhy, but there is not much experience beyond those two. The defense played very well last year because they forced so many turnovers. However, only four starters are back and there are major losses across the board. Jimmy Bean and James Castleman will anchor the front four, while Ryan Simmons will feel the pressure at linebacker without Caleb Lavey and Shuan Lewis by his side. Cornerback Kevin Peterson played well last season, but that was with Justin Gilbert on the opposite side of the field. Now Peterson is the top corner and will be tested by the opposition’s top receiver.
The Bottom Line:
The Cowboys have a lot of potential, but much depends on how well role players can turn into starters, especially on both lines. The season begins with a fun one against Florida State in Arlington before a couple easier games where Coach Gundy will get a chance to get things sorted out before Big 12 play. Once again Texas, Baylor and Oklahoma are the last three games of the year, so this team should be able to hang around in the Big 12 race and make a late push when their inexperience is no long a factor.
Projected Bowl: Texas Bowl
2013 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 171.6 (63rd in nation, 5th in conference)
Passing Offense: 277.2 (29, 3)
Total Offense: 448.8 (37, 3)
Scoring Offense: 39.1 (14, 2)
Rushing Defense: 142.4 (32, 4)
Pass Defense: 242.5 (79, 9)
Total Defense: 384.9 (52, 5)
Scoring Defense: 21.6 (19, 1)
Turnover Margin: 1.15 (4, 1)
Sacks: 1.92 (66, 6)
Sacks Allowed: 1.08 (9, 1)
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