12/9/08
The Cowboys can no longer fly under the radar. A target is now painted on their collective chest, so the pressure becomes greater and the expectations are larger. This means head coach Mike Gundy will still have to prove he is a man, and at age 42, he is ready for the challenge. This will be the first time in a very long time that OSU will carry these types of expectations. Just as well, for they will still only be predicted to finish third in the brutally tough Big 12 South Division. Hmm, think about that…ranked No. 6 nationally, but only third in their respective division. This aspect might actually be doing the Stillwater program a favor so they can remain under most radar. Make no mistake however, when a team such as this returns the likes of Zac Robinson, Kendall Hunter, Dez Bryant and six other returning starters to the nation's seventh ranked offense, a lofty preseason ranking has to be warranted. The question remains - can this defensive backfield solve its horrific problems (NCAA's 110th ranked pass defense) with a group that losses most of its parts? Only senior Perrish Cox is back in the fold. Maybe that is a good thing as some might say, but this is one area that likely keeps the Cowboys from finishing the season ranked as highly as they start. Only six months ago, it was Texas Tech and the Mike Leach system that was universally thought to be the offensive juggernaut of the league. That title could soon rest with Robinson and the boys. Zac continues to define the true essence of "dual-threat". Over the past two seasons he has racked up 1,355 yards rushing and 5,559 yards passing. Through his prosperity, others such as young RB Kendall Hunter and WR Dez Bryant have benefited to seize the limelight (All-American candidates). Defensively the front seven remains in place. They held their own stopping the run, and their aggressive style of play is a refreshing concept for the Big 12. This should be an enjoyable off-season since coaches only have to worry about plugging a few holes. Ranking this highly may be the biggest preseason expectation in the history of the program.