Three straight double-digit win seasons for Oklahoma State has been great, but the season outcomes have left something to be desired in Stillwater. While the Cowboys have been one of the best in the Big 12 in recent years, they haven’t be the best. Can OK State finally dethrone in-state rival Oklahoma?
Oklahoma State 2018 regular season win total
Over 8.5
Under 8.5
Odds courtesy of BetDSI Sportsbook.
What Happened Last Year
While Oklahoma State had a great season, the Pokes had a little trouble at home with all three losses coming at Boone Pickens Stadium. Two good road wins at West Virginia and Iowa State made for season highlights, but dropping shootouts with Oklahoma, TCU and Kansas State at home prevented the Cowboys from having a great season.
What Will Change This Year
Mason Rudolph is no longer behind center, leaving Oklahoma State in the market for a new starting quarterback. Taylor Cornelius is the leader in the clubhouse completing 6-of-10 passes for 148 yards in five appearances. But Hawaii transfer Dru Brown and incoming freshman Spencer Sanders will look to take the spot when they arrive on campus. Whoever is behind center will have running back Justice Hill to lean on after rushing for 1,467 yards last year 15 touchdowns. The top-two receivers from last year also gone, but behind them everyone else is back and the Cowboys are always deep in that position.
Defensively OK State will have some pieces returning with Justin Phillips at linebacker, A.J. Green at cornerback and defensive end Jordan Brailford at defensive end. If the Cowboys can somehow sure up things on the defensive side of the ball with solid pieces back and guys stepping up, the Pokes could have a good season once again.
Outlook & Prediction
Outside of Boise State, Oklahoma State should have no issues going 3-0 open the season, but the Big 12 schedule won’t be easy for the Cowboys. They’ll have to take a first year starter into Oklahoma, TCU and Kansas State, as well as Kansas and Baylor. The Pokes will host Texas, Texas Tech, Iowa State and West Virginia but Stillwater wasn’t sweet to the Cowboys last season.
With a new quarterback running the show, it leaves a big question mark with the Cowboys. The road looks to be unkind to them and home games against teams with a lot returning, it might not be home sweet home again.
Oklahoma State will in a bowl game once again, but look for the Cowboys to fall back in the Big 12 standings as a new quarterback gets his feet wet.
