SI doesn't agree, but OSU does seem improved
Published: 8/19/2006 8:04 PM
Last Modified: 8/19/2006 8:04 PM
Preseason predictions are conversation pieces. Media and fans alike – everyone is entitled to an opinion. And while predictions mean nothing, Sports Illustrated's Big 12 outlook could bruise the optimism of Oklahoma State fans.
OSU is only one season removed from a third consecutive bowl appearance, but SI apparently expects the Cowboys to be among college football's worst teams this year. The magazine predicts OSU will close with an overall record of 3-9 and a conference mark of 0-8.
``A slap in the face,'' Cowboy QB Bobby Reid called it.
From 1 through 119, SI ranked all teams in Division I-A. OSU is 96th – 28 spots worse than Kansas State, 30 spots worse than Kansas, 41 spots worse than Baylor, 44 spots worse than Tulsa.
Having spent most of August in Stillwater, watching the Cowboys labor in extreme heat, I can report with no reservation that OSU seems significantly better than it was last season (4-7 overall, 1-7 Big 12, 35 turnovers, etc.).
The key word in that paragraph is ``seems.''
OSU clearly has more playmakers and more speed.
The stakes are higher than ever before at OSU. The university raised ticket prices while continuing to pour millions into the stadium renovation.
No question – there is pressure on Mike Gundy. Not to win eventually, but to win now. To win not only against September middleweights, but against October and November heavyweights.
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
