3 Can't Miss Games for Oklahoma State

Originally Published: Jul 30, 2010 7:10 PM CDT

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David Goff
Oklahoma Sports Staff

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- The Pokes capitalized on down years from Big 12 teams such as Oklahoma and Texas Tech last season. Oklahoma State University finished second in the Big 12 South in 2009 with a conference record of 6-2. The Cowboys’ only losses came against Texas and OU. The team made it to its fourth straight bowl appearance but got run out of the Cotton Bowl by Ole Miss 21-7.

OSU’s offense was solid last season, but it will have lots of holes to fill starting with Zac Robinson’s replacement. At the moment, Brandon Weeden looks to be taking over the reins.

The junior quarterback had his best game against Colorado last season when he filled in for an injured Robinson. He completed 10-of-15 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns.

Though the team is going to be young, coach Mike Gundy and his crew are confident and ready to prove themselves. The preseason media poll has the Cowboys ranked fifth in the Big 12 South. Despite their low ranking, don’t underestimate these Cowboys because they could end up surprising opponents who take them too softly. Here are some games to look for in the upcoming season.

BIGGEST NON-CONFERENCE GAME: Friday, October 8 at Louisiana-Lafayette, 8 p.m.

Don't look past the Ragin' Cajuns. If there is one game on the Pokes' calendar this year that could be considered a "trap game," it's this Friday night, nationally-televised game on the road against a team that has been very successful at home in recent years. Rickey Bustle's team hasn't won the Sun Belt conference in a while, but the Cajuns know how to get after teams at The Swamp.

Oklahoma State will have already enjoyed an entire month of home cooking before heading down to Lafayette. The team's first road game of the year will be at the smallest stadium they'll see all season, but could provide some problems. UL has plenty of offensive threats, including sophomore quarterback Chris Masson, who threw for over 2,400 yards last year in his first season under center. The Cajuns' offensive lines have been notoriously great through the years. The group produced a career 4,000 yard rusher in Tyrell Fenroy back in 2008.

The crowd is intimate at Cajun Field, holding about 31,000 total fans, but those rowdy Cajuns are right on top of the sidelines. Fans can sit in the grass behind the goal posts, up against the walls on the opposing sideline and can even stand on walkways behind the away team's endzone. OSU will have a tough time focusing if they don't come in prepared for the noise level.

The challenge is this: Can the Pokes rally around each other in the team's first road game of the season against a team that every radio talk show and newspaper clipping will say they should beat by 40? If you think this game will be a breeze, think again.

BIGGEST CONFERENCE GAME: Saturday, November 13th at Texas, time TBA

This selection will all depend on what the Cowboys’ record is going into this game. Prior to this matchup, OSU plays five Big 12 opponents, with the toughest being against Nebraska Saturday, October 23.

While the Cornhuskers could present some difficulties, the Cowboys should be able to steamroll the remaining four Big 12 adversaries leading up to the game against Texas. If that happens, then the game against Texas may be huge in terms of which bowl OSU goes to and if they have a shot to reach the Big 12 Championship Game. The Cowboys have never played in a Big 12title game.

The Cowboys have not beaten the Longhorns since 1997. OSU won that game 42-16 at home. The team will desperately be looking to end that nine-game losing streak when they travel to Austin.

MOST EXCITING GAME: Saturday, November 27th vs. Oklahoma, time TBA

Of course Bedlam has to be the choice when it comes to the most exciting and thrilling game of the season. Boone Pickens Stadium will be filled with orange and black supporters on one side and crimson and cream on the other.

Every time Oklahoma and Oklahoma State clash, sparks fly and hits are sure to come. Both teams really don’t like each other, and that shows up in how physical the game is every season. Neither team gives an edge to the other as they vie for the bragging rights over their hated rivals.

The Sooners have dominated the all-time series and have been extra vicious over the past ten years, winning seven straight and eight of the past ten. The Cowboys would relish the chance to ruin the Sooners’ hopes of making it to another potential BCS National Championship.