Oklahoma State has been a steady program since 2008 and has won nine games or more every year since then except for two (2014 and 2018). Mike Gundy has turned Stillwater into a desirable destination for top recruits and the pokes are constantly fighting for the top spot in the Big 12. After last seasons disappointment, the Gundy lead Cowboys look to rebound in 2019.
Prestige Ranking (if NCAA Football 20 existed): 4 stars
2018 Record: 7-6
Losses came to Texas Tech, Iowa State, Kansas State, Baylor, Oklahoma, and TCU.
Projected Returning Starters
Offense: 7
The Cowboys had the third-best offense in the Big 12 a season ago and are returning a good portion of their offense. Justice Hill may have left for the NFL but Chuba Hubbard is back to take his spot and should be more than sufficient at running back. Tylan Wallace is also back and is arguably the best receiver in the country. After hauling in almost 1,500 receiving yards in 2018, the All-American is poised to have another standout year. The entire offensive line is back and should be better than they were in 2018. These returning pieces have Oklahoma State ready to be one of the most explosive offenses in the country.
Defense: 5
The Big 12 isn’t known for its defense and that’s good because neither is Oklahoma State. The Cowboys only return five starters on this side of the ball and look weak just about everywhere. They lost their entire defensive line and the linebacker depth isn’t great. If there’s one bright spot on this defense it’s the secondary. Although they only had five interceptions as a unit last year, the secondary proved to be the strength of this defense. With AJ Green returning for his senior season, they should at least be able to defend the deep well adequately.
Specialists: 3
Matt Amendola is back for kicking duties after a miserable 2018 season. Chuba Hubbard is also back to return kickoffs and Dillon Stoner is back returning punts.
Key Losses:
Taylor Cornelius, Justice Hill, Tyron Johnson, Justin Phillips, Kenneth Edison-McGruder, and Jordan Brailford.
The losses on defense are what hurt the worst. Phillips was the teams leading tackler at linebacker and Edison-McGruder was the team’s third-leading hitter. Brailford was a freak pass rusher and his presence will be missed on the line.
Key Newcomer – Offense: Spencer Sanders
Although he’s a redshirt freshman, this season will provide his first in-game experience at the college level. The former top recruit is surrounded by one of the best offenses in the country and has all the weapons to make this season one to remember. Sanders will likey to beat out Dru Brown for the starting job and replace Taylor Cornelius. Cornelius threw for 32 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2018 and Sanders should be able to easily repeat or even better that this year.
Key Newcomer – Defense: Sione Asi
Asi is a JUCO transfer from Utah who will play a key role on a weak defensive line. He’s a big body (6’1″ 302 pounds) and should be a big part of the Cowboys run defense. His experience and leadership will allow him to anchor this young line.
Breakout Player of the Year: Chuba Hubbard
We all know that Tylan Wallace is going to have another standout year but Chuba Hubbard is someone that some people might not be expecting. As a redshirt freshman backing up Justice Hill, Hubbard ran for 740 yards and 7 touchdowns while pulling in 229 receiving yards and two more touchdowns. Hubbard is easily on watch to rush for 1,000 yards or more this season and could open up the passing game for Tylon Wallace.
Wins Conference if:
They’ll win the Big 12 if the defense plays better than anticipated and they win the games they’re supposed to win. Everyone knows that Oklahoma, Iowa State, and Texas are the teams to watch out for in the conference but you can’t get caught looking ahead at them and lose focus towards other opponents. Last seasons losses to Baylor, TCU, Kansas State, and Texas Tech were bad and the Cowboys can’t afford those losses if they want to contend for a conference title.
Alcohol Prediction: Malört
It looks bad and tastes bad but when it comes out you know you’re going to have a good time.
Outlook 2019:
This years team will be much better than last seasons but this defense will be bad even by Big 12 standards. As mentioned, this offense will be among the best in the country and is what’s going to keep them in games. I think there’s six for sure wins on their schedule and two for sure losses. The remaining four games I see as 50/50 and they could really go either way. I’ll say they split those and go 8-4
AUG 30 at Oregon State W (Don’t be surprised if the Beavers give them a run for their money)
SEPT 7 vs McNeese State W
SEPT 14 at Tulsa W
SEPT 21 at Texas L
SEPT 28 vs Kansas State W
OCT 5 at Texas Tech W
OCT 19 vs Baylor W
OCT 26 at Iowa State L
NOV 2 vs TCU L
NOV 16 vs Kansas W
NOV 23 at West Virginia W
NOV 30 vs Oklahoma L
