Oklahoma State Cowboys: 2018 Schedule Analysis
The 2018 season is slowly inching closer and it’s time for fans to start dreaming about the crisp, fall air and watching their favorite teams on the gridiron in the Big 12 Conference. Teams have turned over and have plenty of fresh faces. For some programs that’s a good thing, for others, not so much. But that’s part of the beauty of college football.
Let’s take a look at the Oklahoma State Cowboys schedule. Mike Gundy will have his work cut out for him this season and with a new defensive coordinator, how will things play out?
Saturday, September 1st vs Missouri State
This is a prefect “practice” game before getting into the meat of their schedule. I expect the starters to get about 3 solid quarters of work before subbing in some backups and younger guys. I mean it’s Missouri State, c’mon.
Saturday, September 8th vs South Alabama
After a 4-8 season in 2017, the Jaguars have a new head coach in Steve Campbell. South Alabama is a bottom tier team in the Sun Belt conference so much like the Missouri State game, Oklahoma State should have no trouble at all here. Expect at least a 20-point victory for the Pokes.
Saturday, September 15th vs Boise State
This is by far the toughest non-conference game for the Cowboys this season. Boise State QB Brett Rypien is back for his senior season but their offense does lose WR Cedrick Wilson who was their go to target in 2017. The defense may be the best in the entire group of 5 and they look to win the Mountain West Conference again this season. This game will give us the proper gauge for this Cowboy team and what to expect from them this season.
Saturday, September 22nd vs Texas Tech
Not sure who will be the quarterback for Oklahoma State just yet, but this could be an interesting game. Texas Tech will still probably be figuring things out on offense and the Cowboys have RB Justice Hill to fall back on here. Can Tech stop Justice Hill? The answer to that question will determine who wins this game.
Saturday, September 29th @ Kansas
Do I really need to say anything here? The Cowboys should cruise their way to an easy victory.
Saturday, October 6th vs Iowa State
The last two matchups between these two schools have been great from a fan perspective. Over the last two years, the Cowboys have had to come from behind and squeak out some nail biting wins. Considering what the Cowboys are losing this season, this could be the toughest matchup against Iowa State in a while. The key for OSU will be stopping ISU RB David Montgomery and being creative offensively.
Saturday, October 16th @ Kansas State
Like the Iowa State games, the Cowboys have had their fair share of struggles against the Wildcats. After a disappointing loss at home to Bill Snyder last year, the Cowboys are seeking revenge. It’s going to take a tough, disciplined performance to beat the Wildcats on the road. Do the Pokes have what it takes?
Saturday, October 27th vs Texas
You can ask Mike Gundy himself, this was the toughest defense they faced last season and the result was scoring only 13 points in a game that went into overtime. However, they managed to win that game which is crazy. Expect this matchup to be a slugfest where points come at a premium. Field position will be extra in this game.
Saturday, November 3rd @ Baylor
I know Oklahoma State may being going through a rebuilding season but so are the Baylor Bears. As a program, the Cowboys are much further along that Baylor now and Mike Gundy needs to take care of business on the road here. This could be a potential high scoring game that is closer than we may expect.
Saturday, November 10th @ Oklahoma
Could this be a potential upset? The Cowboys haven’t beaten OU since 2014 and over the last several years, this has been the best game in the Big 12. Depending on the Oklahoma defense, this has the makings to be another great matchup. Also, either Dru Brown or Spencer Sanders will get their first taste of Bedlam.
Saturday, November 17th vs West Virginia
This series has been the opposite of the Bedlam matchup for Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have won three straight matchups but watch out. This is the best Mountaineer football team since they have joined the Big 12 (At least I think it will be). I am not sure if OSU will be able to hold WVU QB Will Grier in check, but the Mountaineers have some serious question marks defensively.
Saturday, November 24th @ TCU
Look back at the two previous games against Oklahoma and West Virginia. Now this team travels to Fort Worth to take on a tough TCU team. That’s one hell of a three-game stretch. The Horned Frogs have one of if not the best defense in the Big 12 but they will be breaking in a new face at quarterback just like Oklahoma State. Is it possible OSU could be looking at a last chance at being bowl eligible here?
