Hi Stewart: Since you acknowledge that Mike Gundy is “perennially underrated,” what does Bob Stoops’ retirement mean for Oklahoma State’s chances to win the conference this year?
"Yes, for exactly the reason I said earlier — Riley will be learning on the job this fall — there’s a window of opportunity there for 12-year head coach Gundy. He’s got the makings of a great team, led by QB Mason Rudolph and WR James Washington. The offense should be able to score in bunches. The Cowboys have rarely been a defensive juggernaut under Gundy, but that hasn’t stopped them from winning 10 games in three of the past four years.
But Oklahoma with Riley as its offensive coordinator has certainly had its rival’s number the past couple of seasons. In both 2015 and ’16, Oklahoma State went into Bedlam with a chance to win the Big 12 title. The Sooners won 58-23 and 38-20.
But a couple of changes may play into the Cowboys’ hands this season. For one thing, the game is earlier, Nov. 4, in Stillwater. And even if they lose, there’s a chance the two could meet again in the new Big 12 championship game a month later.
Or maybe Kansas State will just win the thing instead."
"Yes, for exactly the reason I said earlier — Riley will be learning on the job this fall — there’s a window of opportunity there for 12-year head coach Gundy. He’s got the makings of a great team, led by QB Mason Rudolph and WR James Washington. The offense should be able to score in bunches. The Cowboys have rarely been a defensive juggernaut under Gundy, but that hasn’t stopped them from winning 10 games in three of the past four years.
But Oklahoma with Riley as its offensive coordinator has certainly had its rival’s number the past couple of seasons. In both 2015 and ’16, Oklahoma State went into Bedlam with a chance to win the Big 12 title. The Sooners won 58-23 and 38-20.
But a couple of changes may play into the Cowboys’ hands this season. For one thing, the game is earlier, Nov. 4, in Stillwater. And even if they lose, there’s a chance the two could meet again in the new Big 12 championship game a month later.
Or maybe Kansas State will just win the thing instead."
