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For tommorow’s opener I was lucky enough to talk to 2 Oklahoma State experts in Micah Allen from our SB Nation sister blog Cowboys Ride For Free and Chris Ross from the Big 12 blog Land Grant Gauntlet. Here is what they had to say on tomorrow’s match ups
Mike Gundy hasn’t named a QB yet, who do you think it’ll be?
Micah Allen:
Dru Brown. (Much the the dismay of our fanbase.) I think he has the lowest floor right now. He’s got college football experience and I think Gundy is gonna choose the guy that he thinks is gonna make less mistakes and to me that’s Brown.
Chris Ross:
I am not the biggest fan of this, but it is pretty clear that both quarterbacks will see the field in Corvallis. The two quarterback system has worked for Gundy before, but I don’t think that’s what Gundy is looking for long-term. My gut feeling, from listening to the things Gundy says, is that he feels obligated to let Dru Brown play since he transferred into the program from Hawaii, and redshirt freshman Spencer Sanders hasn’t given him enough of a reason not to play Brown. I think we see Brown take the first snaps on Friday, as it is just a matter of time before Sanders takes over for good. One thing is for sure. We are going to find out if Oklahoma State has two quarterbacks or if they have none.
What is the strength of the Cowboy offense
Micah Allen:
Wide receiver. That’s always been a strength of OSU and this year is no different. They return key guys like Tylan Wallace and Dillion Stoner who both should put some some impressive numbers. Wallace could be a finalist for the Biletnikoff award again this year. With some unknowns at QB it’s nice to know you’ve got some guys down the field that are gonna be able to make some clutch catches.
Chris Ross:
For the last few years it has been the ridiculously talented receiving corps. And while Tylan Wallace looks like the next great receiver to wear orange and black, the strength of this team with be Chuba Hubbard and the guys up front. Hubbard showed flashes of what he is capable of behind Justice Hill last season, and I expect that he will be in contention for All-Big 12 honors at the end of the year.
What is the strength of the Cowboy defense
Micah Allen:
Corner back 100%. This is the position that we have the most maturity in. AJ Green and Radarius Williams provide a safety net in a young defense. AJ Green has made some clutch plays throughout his career.
Chris Ross:
This unit is looking to improve in Jim Knowles second season as defensive coordinator. He has stated that he underestimated the big play potential in the Big 12 and that everyone is looking to score on every play. We will see what kind of adjustments are made, but the strength of the defense is the secondary. Especially as they are tasked with replacing a bunch of production up front. This game, against an improving Beaver offense, should tell us a lot more about the defensive side of the ball and just what the Cowboy’s ceiling is this year
Names to know for Beaver Fans
Micah Allen:
Tylan Wallace for sure. The guy has put up some video game numbers over his career. He has some plays where you’re just sitting in aw like “ How did he catch that?” The you’ve got Chuba Hubbard. Nicknamed “The Canadian Speedster” the running back will get by defenders and if you give him space he’s gone.
Chris Ross:
On the offensive side of the ball, of course there is Brown, Sanders, Hubbard and Wallace, but if Beaver fans don’t know the names Dillon Stoner, they will by Saturday morning. Stoner’s speed and hands in the slot position is going to give the Oregon State defense fits. On the defensive side of the ball, AJ Green will anchor the secondary. Linebacker Calvin Bundage is also a name to know, though he may be limited in Friday’s action as he is coming off an injury.
Do you ever find yourself getting lost as you stare deeply into the beautiful mane that rests upon Mike Gundy’s head?
Micah Allen:
Dude I was speechless when I saw it in person at Big 12 Media Days. The flo is insane and if he ever cuts I’ll have to go into mourning for a couple days.
Chris Ross:
This is probably the unpopular opinion, but the mullet lost its luster when Gundy admitted that he’s become complacent. Those things are fun when you’re winning. If you’re losing though, and the team looks as lost and undisciplined as they did last season, there are more important things to be doing than waving the mullet all over ESPN.
Prediction
Micah Allen:
The OSU orange and black team is gonna win. In all seriousness. I think this game is gonna be closer than Oklahoma State fans would like it to be. Oklahoma State is the better team, but I’m not convinced the score is gonna reflect that in the sense that OSU is up by 30 at halftime. I’m gonna say 35-20.
Chris Ross:
I don’t think this Oklahoma State team is as bad as their record indicated last season. I also like the fact that Gundy has owned the fact that he got too comfortable and that last season was a wake-up call. That’s kind of bad news for the Beavers, because I think they are as bad as they appear. I expect the Pokes to cover the spread.
Thanks to both Micah and Chris for more information on the Beavs opponent check out their websites Cowboys Ride For Free and Land Grant Gauntlet