OSU can grade itself with a Saturday test against Texas
BY JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
Monday, September 24, 2012
9/24/12 at 2:58 PM
High definition or not, the broadcast of Oklahoma State's Big 12 opener against Texas should provide a degree of definition for both teams.
After nonconference games, here's what is known about Texas:
The Longhorns seem better - and more steady at quarterback - than they were the last two seasons. In 2010 and 2011, the Horns managed to go slumming (13-12 overall, 6-11 in league play) despite unlimited resources and their pick of recruits.
But is Texas significantly better? UT is 3-0 this season with victories over opponents (Wyoming, New Mexico and Mississippi) who have combined for three wins over FBS programs. The Horns launched the 2010 and 2011 seasons with 3-0 records and, of course, that was fool's gold.
After nonconference games, here's what is known about OSU:
The Cowboys played an exhibition game against Savannah State to start the season.
They self-destructed (four turnovers, school-record 167 penalty yards) in a 21-point road loss to an Arizona team that just lost 49-0 at Oregon. "If only we could get that AZ game back," OSU linebacker Ryan Simmons tweeted Saturday night.
And, despite losing starting quarterback Wes Lunt to a first-quarter knee injury, the Cowboys set a school record with 742 total yards while crushing a Louisiana squad that won nine games last season.
Got OSU figured out?
How about Texas?
By late Saturday night, fans may know if the Longhorns have taken steps down the road to recovery or if the defending Big 12 champion Cowboys have the pieces in place to make a run at another crown.
OSU has never beaten Texas three years in a row and the Cowboys have defeated the Longhorns in Stillwater just once, when redshirt freshman quarterback Tony Lindsay ran for 126 yards and three touchdowns en route to a 42-16 decision in 1997.
UT was in the midst of a slump in '97. The Horns went 4-7 that season even though Ricky Williams ran for 1,893 yards. Coach John Mackovic didn't get a chance to dig out because lost his job at season's end.
Enter Mack Brown. The Longhorns won at least nine games in every one of his seasons at the helm until 2010 and 2011.
Now the Horns are back. Or the Cowboys aren't going away. Tune in to see both teams present their case.
Up next
Vs. Texas
6:50 p.m. Saturday
TV: KOKI 5/23
Radio: KFAQ am1170
Original Print Headline: OSU faces trial from Texas
Jimmie Tramel 918-581-8389
jimmie.tramel@tulsaworld.com
