2008 Oklahoma State Cowboys Football Predictions

Head coach Mike Gundy has made major improvements to the Cowboys in just three seasons, but with back-to-back 7-6 campaigns, which featured a pair of bowl victories, the fans are expecting even more. Will Mike Gundy and his team deliver? Find out in Jimmy Boyd's 2008 Oklahoma State Cowboys predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

The Cowboys boasted the most balanced offense I've ever seen in 2007, rushing and passing for 3,161 yards a piece. I have to give all the credit for OSU's balanced attack to offensive coordinator Larry Fedora's zone spread scheme which showcases the talents of QB Zac Robinson. Robinson set a school record for total offense with 3,671 yards despite not taking over the starting job until the third game of the year. Robinson also staked claim to OSU's single-game total offense record with 486 yards. Oklahoma State's hope is that Robinson won't be a one hit wonder and I think it's safe to say that he's the real deal. He showed smarts and toughness last season in maneuvering his way to 847 rushing yards and nine scores. And unlike so many other run-oriented QB's, he can actually pass. Robinson ranked 12th in the country in pass efficiency and murdered the Texas secondary with 430 passing yards. With four full-time offensive line starters returning and talented tight end Brandon Pettigrew, the Cowboys' offense should be rocking and rolling again this season.

Defense

The Cowboys were atrocious on defense last season which surely kept them from three more wins. They ranked 101st nationally in total defense and a pathetic 112th against the pass. The Boys gave up 562 yards against Troy and 718 yards to Texas Tech. They also went through a stretch later in the season where they allowed 500 or more yards in three straight games. OSU signed six junior college transfers to try to add experience in a hurry. But with just six starters coming back, all signs point to another tumultuous season on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive tackle Jeray Chatham is the only returning starter on the line. Patrick Lavine has led OSU in tackles the last two seasons at linebacker but doesn't have any other experienced backers around him to help the cause. The secondary has slightly more experience with Perrish Cox and Jacob Lacey back on the corners and Ricky Price back at safety, but it is tough playing defensive back for a team that doesn't get enough penetration.

Special Teams

The Cowboys have one of the best punters in the Big 12 in Matt Fodge who averaged 42.4 yards per punt. Perrish Cox doubles as a corner and a return man and is one of the nation's very best. He had a touchdown on a kick and punt return last season despite teams trying their best to keep the ball away.

Prediction – 5th in Big 12 South

Gundy has raised the expectations for his team, but he does not yet have a defense in place to contend with the elite schools. The Cowboys do get Oklahoma at home this season and will be looking to spoil any league title hopes for the Sooners in that regular season finale.  They'll finish in the mix behind Texas, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M, but ahead of Baylor.

Beating the college football odds in the Big 12 Conference will be easy as pie this season with Jimmy Boyd's college football picks. No handicapper works harder to ensure that their clients are the wealthiest in the industry.

June 18th, 2008