2009 Oklahoma State Cowboys Football Preview
2009 Oklahoma State Cowboys season preview from Maddux Sports. Below you can find our official Oklahoma State Cowboys football preview as well as the 2009 Oklahoma State Cowboys Football Schedule. If you dont know how to beat the odds, give Maddux's winning NCAA picks a shot.
Coach: Mike Gundy (5th year at Oklahoma State)
Team Name: Cowboys
2008 Overall Record: 9-4
Returning Starters: 13
The 13th ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys (9- 4 overall, 5- 3 Big 12) finished fourth in the Big 12 South after losing three regular season games to Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma. They went to the Holiday Bowl, losing to 15th ranked Oregon 31- 42. This year, the Cowboys could move up a notch in the Big 12 standings.
The Cowboys return one of the best offenses in the nation—averaging 40.8 PPG (9th nationally) and 487.7 YPG (6th nationally). Senior QB Zac Robinson (314 ATT, 204 COMP, 3,064 YDs, 25 TDs, 10 INTs) continues to improve with each season. Big things are expected from him in 2009. The rushing attack includes speedster Kendall Hunter (241 ATT, 1,556 YDs, 16 TDs), backup Keith Toston (102 ATT, 686 YDs, 9 TDs) and Robinson (146 ATT, 562 YDs, 8 TDs). This is a formidable group. They will be supported by a solid O-line. Junior wideout Dez Bryant (87 REC, 1,480 YDs, 19 TDs) was second in the nation and first in the conference in receiving last season. He’s back and that’s great news for the Cowboys.
In 2008, the Oklahoma State defense was problematic, allowing 28.1 YPG (76th nationally) and 267.7 passing yards per game (109th nationally). The “D” was ranked 107th in the nation in sacks with 15. Former DE Derek Burton (23 TKLs, 0.5 SK, 5 TFL), now a senior, has been moved inside to try to utilize his speed. This unit must improve. All three starters return to their linebacking spots. The three—MLB Orie Lemon (90 TKLs, 4 TFL), SLB Andre Sexton (100 TKLs, 1.5 SKs, 2.5 TFL, 1 INT) and WLB Patrick Lavine (70 TKLs, 1.5 SKs, 4 TFL, 2 INTs)—are all seasoned seniors. CB Perrish Cox (32 TKLs, 1 TFL, 2 INTs) is the most experienced guy in the secondary. The other corner and the two safety spots will feature new starters. This unit is questionable.
The Oklahoma State return guys are tops. Bryant (17 Punt Ret, 305 YDs, 17.9 YPP, 2 TDs) is a threat to break one every ball he handles and Parrish Cox (30 Kick Ret, 895 YDs, 29.8 YPR, 2 TDs) is an elusive and dynamic runner. Junior kicker Dan Bailey (65- 65 Extra Pts, 15- 19 FG) needs to improve from within 50 yards. Freshmen punter Quinn Sharp must replace Ray Guy Award-winner Matt Fodge.
Head coach Mike Gundy (27- 23 in four years with Oklahoma State) has gotten the Cowboys to a bowl game three of his four years at the helm. In his first season, which was 2005, the team missed the post-season, winning just four games. Gundy has recruited a fine defensive class and a smaller offensive group that will make an immediate impact. This team has a favorable schedule with the toughest teams visiting Oklahoma State. Non-conference opponents Houston, Rice and Grambling should all be wins but the first game on September 5 versus Georgia could be a close one. The 2009 Oklahoma State Cowboys will finish third with a winning record and earn an invite to a middle tier bowl.
Oklahoma State Cowboys Football Schedule
| Date | Team | Opponent | Site | Line | Total | Points | Opp Points |
| 9/5/2009 | Oklahoma St. | Georgia | home | ||||
| 9/12/2009 | Oklahoma St. | Houston | home | ||||
| 9/19/2009 | Oklahoma St. | Rice | home | ||||
| 9/26/2009 | Oklahoma St. | Grambling St. | home | ||||
| 10/10/2009 | Oklahoma St. | Texas A&M | away | ||||
| 10/17/2009 | Oklahoma St. | Missouri | home | ||||
| 10/24/2009 | Oklahoma St. | Baylor | away | ||||
| 10/31/2009 | Oklahoma St. | Texas | home | ||||
| 11/7/2009 | Oklahoma St. | Iowa St. | away | ||||
| 11/14/2009 | Oklahoma St. | Texas Tech | home | ||||
| 11/19/2009 | Oklahoma St. | Colorado | home | ||||
| 11/28/2009 | Oklahoma St. | Oklahoma | away |
For more info on the 2009 Oklahoma State Cowboys football program, view the Cowboys website or read up on the rest of the Big 12 ncaa football teams below.
