Split decision
Published: 8/19/2006 6:45 PM
Last Modified: 8/19/2006 6:45 PM
OK, the decision is in and I'm sticking with it.
If you didn't see Sunday morning's Tulsa World College Football Preview section with the page of the 2006 season predictions, here's your chance to find out.
The Cowboys are going 6-6 this fall. Better than last year's 4-7 debacle, but not as good as the last three years of the Les Miles coaching era.
Mike Gundy has upgraded the talent base since replacing Miles right after New Year's Day 2005. OSU, though, is still young at several key positions. Bobby Reid still must show he is a capable college quarterback. The defense has to show it can stop opponents on a consistent basis.
My key question entering this season, though, how will this team fare away from Boone Pickens Stadium? The Cowboys were horrendous on the road last season. Most pundits agree that the three-game road stretch of Houston on Sept. 23, Kansas State on Oct. 7, and Kansas on Oct. 14 will be the gauge of this team's ultimate success or failure.
Win at least two, or even sweep all three, and there will be plenty of intrigue and high hopes for the second half of the season. Win one of the three and hopes for a bowl game still remains a possibility. Get swept in all three, and Sports Illustrated's pick of 3-9 overall and 0-8 in the Big 12 Conference could actually come true. So much then for the SI jinx.
So here’s my breakdown of Ws and Ls. As always, this is strictly for entertainment purposes and should not be used in any wagering activities.
Wins: Missouri State, Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, Kansas State, Texas A&M, Baylor
Losses: Houston, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma.
--- Matt Doyle
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
