Over the next 30 “business days” I will be counting down my top 30 for the 2009 College Football season. After hours of studying game film, breaking down matchup by matchup and predicting upsets I’ve come up with the teams I believe will be the best 30 in the country by seasons end. Will your team be included? (Hint: If you prefer Tennessee, No.) Today we’re visiting the ‘Pokes…

30. Iowa Hawkeyes
29. Oregon State Beavers
28. Southern Miss Golden Eagles
27. Nebraska Cornhuskers
26. Kansas Jayhawks
25. North Carolina Tarheels
24. USF Bulls
23. Michigan State Spartans
22. UCLA Bruins
21. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
20. FSU Seminoles
19. TCU Horned Frogs
18. Illinois Fightin’ Illini
17. BYU Cougars
16. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Story: As part of the Big 12 offensive explosion last season, the Cowboys certainly did their share of lighting up scoreboards around the country. T. Boone Pickens put a lot of money into the hands of Oklahoma State, hoping to reverse the fortunes of a program that has had sporadic success through the years, but never been quite able to keep it together. Last season Oklahoma State finished the year ranked for the first time since 1997. While finishing the season only 2-4, it had more to do with the level of competition they were playing than a complete collapse. With Texas Tech rebuilding, many have put OSU in a position to be a real sleeper for a BCS spot this year. The question is, with all of these expectations can Mike Gundy and company keep it together?

The Glaring Stat: 6,340. As in total yards of offense in 2008.

The Outlook: Like many of the Big 12 South offenses last season Oklahoma State could score quickly and consistently. They were led by wide receiver Dez Bryant, who despite problems in his past, managed to stay healthy for most the year.  Bryant led the Big 12 with 1,400 yards receiving and was the recipient of 19 touchdown passes. He’s one of those players that teams have to double team almost every down or risk getting burned, and even that isn’t enough in most cases. You may be looking at the best receiver in the draft next season if he stays off the training table.

To compliment Bryant, Oklahoma State also has an explosive running back in Kendall Hunter. One of the most underrated players in the country he basically blew out all other running backs in the Big 12 with over 1,500 yards rushing. Look for the Cowboys to run the ball a lot more this year in hopes of controlling the offenses of some of their better opponents. And just for those keeping track at home the ‘Pokes had the Big 12 leading receiver and rusher. Certainly stunning!

It all starts at the line though, specifically potential All-American Russell Okung whose wall like protection allowed quarterback Zac Robinson to have a national coming out party. While Robinson had a wonderful 2007 season, not very many people outside of the Big 12 really knew who the guy was. If OSU can pull a couple upsets and Robinson can continue what he’s done so well he will be a dark horse candidate for the Heisman.

After defensive coordinator Tim Beckman left for Toledo in the offseason, OSU brought in Bill Young from the University of Miami as his replacement. Not the one in Ohio..the one in Florida. While the ‘Canes certainly aren’t the team they once were, the problems have not been because of the defense. The Cowboys’ defense was one of the most inconsistent in the country, holding a powerful offense like Texas to 24 points, while giving up 61 to Oklahoma a few weeks later. Young is an aggressive guy. Cowboy fans should find that very inviting.

The linebacking group of Andre Sexton, Patrick Lavine, and Orie Lemon coule potentially be the best in the Big 12. Expect a lot more blitzing and attacking from the outside, using them more in the pass rush than last year. This should allow the Cowboy secondary a little help against the Big 12 South’s deadliest passers.

The Schedule:
9-5-09 GEORGIA
9-12-09 HOUSTON
9-19-09 RICE
9-26-09 GRAMBLING
10-10-09 at Texas A&M
10-17-09 MISSOURI
10-24-09 at Baylor
10-31-09 TEXAS
11-7-09 at Iowa State
11-14-09 TEXAS TECH
11-19-09 COLORADO (Thur.)
11-28-09 at Oklahoma

FCS ALERT! Opening with Georgia is enough to forgive them. Luckily the Cowboys didn’t lose much, so a tough opening opponent should be something they’re ready for. The rest of September isn’t as easy as some people might think. The game against Houston might be the game of the year if you like seeing combined scores over 100, while Rice can put some numbers up too.

In conference they get a break with Texas and Texas Tech at home.. .The game at A&M could be a trap game coming off a couple non-BCS opponents, and of course there is Bedlam in November…

Oklahoma State’s schedule is more challenging this season, while most will say UGA is rebuilding they’re more likely reloading. If Texas and Oklahoma weren’t so strong I’d really like Oklahoma State to be a potential contender on the national scene, but as some coaches will tell ya, it’s all about timing. Still a Cotton Bowl visit will be welcomed as this program continues to grow.

GatorTrey is a contributor to SpartyandFriends.com and can be reached at GatorTrey (at) spartyandfriends.com and can also be reached on twitter @jflynn05

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