Which way do you look at 3-0?

Originally Published: Sep 20, 2010 8:29 PM CDT

There are two ways to look at OSU’s 3-0 start to what has been called a rebuilding season. One is that the Cowboys’ new offense is much, much better than anticipated. The other is that OSU has rolled to wins over opponents the Pokes should be handling with ease even in a rebuilding year.

Troy and Tulsa will each win their share of games. Washington State will struggle to add to the one victory the Cougars have so far in 2010. OSU should be 3-0 at this point, but the offense shouldn’t be putting up the ridiculous numbers it has. Not this early. A healthy Kendall Hunter has definitely made Brandon Weeden’s job easier, but if Justin Blackmon hadn’t jumped into a starring role so quickly the Cowboys would still be on the outside of the top 25 in the coaches’ poll.

Weeden’s job won’t be as cushy next week when Texas A&M’s improved defense comes to Stillwater, even if star sackmaster Von Miller is still struggling with a bum ankle. How Weeden handles stronger pressure, and whether he can stay away from that one crushing blow to his already injured thumb are the keys to the Cowboys being able to keep those offensive numbers burning up calculators everywhere.