Poll perception
Published: 1/8/2009 4:45 PM
Last Modified: 1/8/2009 4:45 PM
I am big believer in perception. How you are viewed in the short term can go a long ways in determining how you are viewed in the long term.
When the final Associated Press and USA Today coaches' football rankings are released early Friday morning, I expect Oklahoma State will wind up around 16th with its 9-4 record. Raise your hand OSU fans if you would have taken this final outcome back in the heat of July and August?
But almost 10 days later, one cannot let go what the final perception of OSU football 2008 could have been. Beat Oregon in the Holiday Bowl to finish with a 10-3 record likely would have earned the Cowboys a spot in the final top 10 since teams ranked ninth (Boise State), 10th (Ohio State) and 12th (Cincinnati) all fell in their respective bowl games.
Nine wins and a top 20 finish are not too bad. But the perception from a 10-win, top-10 season would have gone a long way to build for a potentially better 2009.
---Matt Doyle
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
