Ranking the Big 12 &#8211; #2 Oklahoma State

Throughout the summer, HornSports’ Chris Flanagan will countdown the college football season by projecting his season-ending records among Big 12 teams. At number 2, we head to Stillwater in West Oklahoma and preview the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

#4 – TCU

#3 – Kansas State Wildcats

Why not higher?

There is only one spot higher and not to spoil anything, but the team ranked number 1 took Oklahoma State to the woodshed last year in Norman. I don’t think the Cowboys can get through the grueling Big 12 schedule and end up at the top of the league when the season is all said and done.

Why not lower?

The Cowboys return 18 starters, with most being on offense, making this a very potent team. Mike Gundy’s teams have typically fielded bad defenses for the most part, but it’s never kept them from winning games thanks to a high-powered offense.

Bright spots

Mason Rudolph is now the stud and full-time starter of the Pokes this season. He will not have the release valve and game-changer, J.W. Walsh, to bail him out but he doesn’t need it. He needs to play consistent football, especially against great defenses. However, when Mike Gundy has a very good quarterback under his wing who isn’t fighting for his job, he usually does very well.

Also, the addition of Barry Sanders Jr. will be an added dimension to the Oklahoma State running game. Sure, he isn’t his dad, but he doesn’t have to be. Oklahoma State was 107th in rushing last season, which is atypical of the Oklahoma State offense. They need to run the ball well to have a chance to win the Big 12.

Season prediction

Every national media member believes last year was a fluke for the Pokes. I don’t get it. Mike Gundy has proven he can win at a high level in Stillwater, and on a consistent basis. He knows what he needs to do to win it all in the Big 12. He has the talent and the offense to compete for a Big 12 Championship.

Unfortunately, the number 1 team is a team of destiny this year. Oklahoma State will be close, but not quite there.

Final 2016 record prediction: 11-1 (8-1 Big 12)