2008 record: 9-4, 5-3 (4th in Big 12 South)
2008 bowl: Lost to Oregon 42-31 in Holiday
2008 final AP/coaches' ranking: 6/18
Coach: Mike Gundy (27-23, 5th year)
Offensive coordinator: Gunter Brewer (2nd year)
Defensive coordinators: Bill Young (1st year)
Returning offensive starters: 7
Returning defensive starters: 6
Location: Stillwater, Okla.
Stadium: Boone Pickens Stadium (artificial; 48,000)
Last league title: 1976 (Big Eight/tie)
2009 schedule: [view]
2009 roster: [view]
2008 statistics: [view]

Offensive: On paper, Oklahoma State’s offense looks electrifying. There’s an experienced, smart quarterback in senior Zac Robinson. There’s an All-American (and maybe all-world) junior wide receiver in Dez Bryant (87 catches, 1,480 yards, 19 touchdowns), whose physical style makes it look like men playing against boys. There’s a terrific running back in junior Kendall Hunter, who galloped for 1,555 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. There are three returning starters on the offensive line, which is paced by senior left tackle Russell Okung.

Defensive: It might be the best set of linebackers in Oklahoma State history with three seniors — Patrick Lavine, Orie Lemon in the middle and Andre Sexton, a converted safety. They must be aggressive and help the sack total (only 15 in 13 games last season), but the move of ultra-quick senior Derek Burton from end to tackle is expected to improve the overall effectiveness of the defensive line. Potential All-American Perrish Cox, a senior cornerback, is the secondary’s only returning starter.

Specialists: The Cowboys are in great shape. Junior place-kicker Dan Bailey made 15 of 17 field-goal attempts from inside 50 yards. There are exceptional return men with Cox on kickoffs and Bryant on punts. Matt Fodge, a punter who won the Ray Guy Award, must be replaced.

Coaching: Now and forever, Mike Gundy will be remembered for a flammable soundbite — “I’m a man! I’m 40!’’ — but some attention should also be paid to the job he has done in restoring Oklahoma State’s respectability. The offense is electrifying. Veteran defensive coordinator Bill Young was hired to slow down some of the potent opposing Big 12 pass-and-catch tandems (good luck with that, by the way).

Heisman Hopefuls: Robinson will put up huge numbers, but let’s be realistic here. He plays in the same conference as the returning 1-2 finishers in last season’s Heisman race (Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford, Texas’ Colt McCoy). Receivers generally fight an uphill battle in attracting Heisman attention, but Bryant could be the best pass-catcher in the land.

Game of the year Sept. 5 vs. Georgia This game has nothing to do with Big 12 title contention. But an opening-game victory against the Bulldogs, an established SEC powerhouse, would do wonders for Oklahoma State’s psyche.

Overview: It’s not a stretch to suggest this could be one of the best teams in Oklahoma State history. OK, now the bad news. Oklahoma State resides in the same division (Big 12 South) as Texas and Oklahoma, a pair of likely Top 5 teams. The Cowboys could actually be a lot better this season, yet gain no tangible foothold. Unfortunate, but true. Either way, though, it’s bound to be another fun season in Stillwater. 

Next up: No. 10 LSU

MORE FROM COLLEGE FOOTBALL

College football Section Front

USC, LSU, Miami alive for BCS at-large bids Bowl Projections: Penn State in BCS picture CFT: Michigan St. players allegedly part of ‘mass assault’ Weis turning focus to finale at Stanford   Kelly says job speculation not a problem CFT: ‘By the Numbers’ — LSU batting .467 Out of Bounds: Easy win for Ole Miss over KKK CFT: USC’s leading WR doubtful to play vs. UCLA Black and blue affair for Tebow's home finale CFT: FSU’s top lineman probably out vs. Florida College football Section Front   Add College football headlines to your news reader: