Baylor Football
2016 record: 10-3 7-2 Big 12
Postseason results: Won Alamo Bowl 38-8 v. Colorado
Coach: Mike Gundy (104-50, 104-50 at OSU)
Top three players: QB Mason Rudolph, WR James Washington, LB Chad Whitener
Starting with the maybe not-so-obvious, Chad Whitener looks to be the nucleus of this defense that lost its top two tacklers. Whitener not only grabbed the third-most tackles last season but also flexed his muscles in coverage, leading all linebackers with four defended passes. On offense, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better QB-WR duo than Rudolph and Washington. The two could have been drafted early in the NFL Draft but decided a Big 12 ring would be cooler. Rudolph has become one of the most efficient QBs in the nation, holding a 7:1 TD to INT ratio last season. Mike Gundy’s mullet is an honorable mention.
Biggest losses: S Jordan Sterns, LB Devante Averette, LB Jordan Burton
Not only did Sterns lead the team in interceptions but was also the team’s leading tackler two straight years. As much as he was impactful on his own, his cleanup ability was key to the defense’s success. Though, it was rarely the fault of Burton or Averette that Sterns had to pick up spare tackles. Burton had a down-2016 but Averette showed up as one of the team’s best run-stuffers that will be a tough act to follow.
Strength: Passing Game
It seems a bit redundant to say OSU has a great passing offense. But it’s not always appreciated how deep it goes. Rudolph had a bit of a slow start to his junior campaign but really came into his own after losing to Baylor even once teams started cracking down on the machine that is Washington. In the four games Washington was held to four receptions or less, slot expert Jalen McCleskey and red zone target Chris Lacy emerged as great secondary targets. Add the 6-foot-4 Marcell Ateman to the equation after a year-long injury, this is a deadly receiving corps.
Weakness: Secondary
Not only is Sterns out but the secondary is going through a bit of shakeup with returning personnel. Tre Flowers returns at safety and was selected as preseason All-Big 12 selection but he’ll be joined by converted corner Ramon Richards too. Richards led all CBs in tackles last season but the position change will really test his tackling talent. The Pokes were especially weak against the long ball, giving up nine passes over 50 yards and five went over 60 yards (worse than even Texas Tech).
Emerging star: HB Justice Hill
Some would argue Hill is already a star, having rushed for 1,142 yards with an average of 5.5 yards per carry. That’s true, and what’s more, it wasn’t until three games into the season he got the majority of carries. But OSU has had plenty of potential in the backfield that’s flopped in the past. If he tops the thousand-yard barrier again, he’d be the first Cowboy since Joseph Randle in 2012 to have back-to-back seasons crossing the heralded milestone.
Impact newcomer: WR Tyron Johnson
A sophomore transfer from LSU, how much time Johnson will see with four experienced OSU receivers ahead of him remains to be seen. But in the former five-star recruit’s words, OSU is the “perfect fit.” He only has 150 yards and nine catches with two TDs to his name playing in four games at LSU. But reviews of him during spring ball were incredible. He’s just one more body to concern Big 12 defenses and leaving any of the wideouts in one-on-one coverage is a mistake.
Threat to Baylor: High
Many favor OSU’s in-state rivals to win the conference but honestly, the Big 12 runs through Stillwater this year. With arguably the nation’s best offense, this is the team to beat and Baylor isn’t getting any favors having to play in Boone T. Pickens Stadium where the Bears have won just once in the past decade. Baylor’s strategy will likely be close to the Pokes' against Baylor last season: Keep the ball away from the opponent’s offense. The Cowboys held the ball over 40 minutes last year to avoid a shootout of quick strikes. That might play into Rhule’s favor as Temple’s philosophy was just that but doing that while scoring at the end of each drive in Stillwater is a challenge.
Big 12 Preview: Mike Gundy's mullet has conference on high-alert
Oklahoma State Cowboys
2016 record: 10-3 7-2 Big 12
Postseason results: Won Alamo Bowl 38-8 v. Colorado
Coach: Mike Gundy (104-50, 104-50 at OSU)
Top three players: QB Mason Rudolph, WR James Washington, LB Chad Whitener
Starting with the maybe not-so-obvious, Chad Whitener looks to be the nucleus of this defense that lost its top two tacklers. Whitener not only grabbed the third-most tackles last season but also flexed his muscles in coverage, leading all linebackers with four defended passes. On offense, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better QB-WR duo than Rudolph and Washington. The two could have been drafted early in the NFL Draft but decided a Big 12 ring would be cooler. Rudolph has become one of the most efficient QBs in the nation, holding a 7:1 TD to INT ratio last season. Mike Gundy’s mullet is an honorable mention.
Biggest losses: S Jordan Sterns, LB Devante Averette, LB Jordan Burton
Not only did Sterns lead the team in interceptions but was also the team’s leading tackler two straight years. As much as he was impactful on his own, his cleanup ability was key to the defense’s success. Though, it was rarely the fault of Burton or Averette that Sterns had to pick up spare tackles. Burton had a down-2016 but Averette showed up as one of the team’s best run-stuffers that will be a tough act to follow.
Strength: Passing Game
It seems a bit redundant to say OSU has a great passing offense. But it’s not always appreciated how deep it goes. Rudolph had a bit of a slow start to his junior campaign but really came into his own after losing to Baylor even once teams started cracking down on the machine that is Washington. In the four games Washington was held to four receptions or less, slot expert Jalen McCleskey and red zone target Chris Lacy emerged as great secondary targets. Add the 6-foot-4 Marcell Ateman to the equation after a year-long injury, this is a deadly receiving corps.
Weakness: Secondary
Not only is Sterns out but the secondary is going through a bit of shakeup with returning personnel. Tre Flowers returns at safety and was selected as preseason All-Big 12 selection but he’ll be joined by converted corner Ramon Richards too. Richards led all CBs in tackles last season but the position change will really test his tackling talent. The Pokes were especially weak against the long ball, giving up nine passes over 50 yards and five went over 60 yards (worse than even Texas Tech).
Emerging star: HB Justice Hill
Some would argue Hill is already a star, having rushed for 1,142 yards with an average of 5.5 yards per carry. That’s true, and what’s more, it wasn’t until three games into the season he got the majority of carries. But OSU has had plenty of potential in the backfield that’s flopped in the past. If he tops the thousand-yard barrier again, he’d be the first Cowboy since Joseph Randle in 2012 to have back-to-back seasons crossing the heralded milestone.
Impact newcomer: WR Tyron Johnson
A sophomore transfer from LSU, how much time Johnson will see with four experienced OSU receivers ahead of him remains to be seen. But in the former five-star recruit’s words, OSU is the “perfect fit.” He only has 150 yards and nine catches with two TDs to his name playing in four games at LSU. But reviews of him during spring ball were incredible. He’s just one more body to concern Big 12 defenses and leaving any of the wideouts in one-on-one coverage is a mistake.
Threat to Baylor: High
Many favor OSU’s in-state rivals to win the conference but honestly, the Big 12 runs through Stillwater this year. With arguably the nation’s best offense, this is the team to beat and Baylor isn’t getting any favors having to play in Boone T. Pickens Stadium where the Bears have won just once in the past decade. Baylor’s strategy will likely be close to the Pokes' against Baylor last season: Keep the ball away from the opponent’s offense. The Cowboys held the ball over 40 minutes last year to avoid a shootout of quick strikes. That might play into Rhule’s favor as Temple’s philosophy was just that but doing that while scoring at the end of each drive in Stillwater is a challenge.
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