Oklahoma State

Coach: Mike Gundy
Record: 27-23, 4 years
Last season: 9-4, 5-3 Big 12
Bowl game: Lost to Oregon 42-31 in the Holiday Bowl
Overview: After three tough years, the Mike Gundy era took off last season when the Cowboys won their first seven games. But then they ran into some offensive powerhouses when they gave up 56 points to Texas Tech and 61 to Oklahoma. They finished the season by giving up 42 points to Oregon in the Holiday Bowl.
Key returnees: QB Zac Robinson, Sr.; RB Kendall Hunter, Jr.; WR Dez Bryant, Jr.; OT Russell Okung, Sr., OLB Andre Sexton, Sr.; DB/KR Perrish Cox, Sr.
Why Oklahoma State is dangerous: The Cowboys are one of the scariest offensive teams in the country. Quarterback Zac Robinson passed for 3,064 yards and 25 touchdowns last season; running back Kendall Hunter rushed for 1,555 yards and 16 touchdowns; and wide receiver Dez Bryant caught passes for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns. Bryant is also a threat on special teams; he returned two punts for touchdowns. Another special-teams threat is defensive back Perrish Cox, who averaged just under 30 yards per kickoff return and two touchdowns. Sporting News selected Oklahoma State as the best special-teams unit in the country. Senior linebacker Andre Sexton was productive.
Why is Oklahoma State vulnerable: To reach the next level, the Cowboys need to play better defense. Last season they were 93rd in the country in total defense. Mike Gundy hired Bill Young from Miami (Fla.) to repair the defense. He’s been in the Big 12 before, spending 2002-07 as the defensive coordinator at Kansas.
Prediction: Oklahoma State has another chance at a fast start. The season opener against Georgia could be a problem, but the Cowboys should be able to handle the Bulldogs’ defense. OSU could win its first seven games again, then comes a home date against Texas on Oct. 31. As always, it ends the regular season against Oklahoma. Another nine-win season is doable.