Why Are Oklahoma State Cowboys Being So Underrated?

Offense

Cllint Chelf and J.W. Walsh had to split time last year because both had trouble adjusting to the new offensive system, and both lacked production at different times. But despite being benched toward the end of the season, Walsh is the only one back. As a junior, he should be full-time starter, and the Cowboys coaches appear to be expressing much more faith in him than they were doing last year. At least in the offseason. Walsh wasn’t bad either, throwing for 9 touchdowns to only 5 interceptions when he did play and completing 60 percent of his passes. With a full year to himself and more experience in the new system, he should be much better this year and the quarterback situation should be in much better shape.

Live Feed

Betsided

The return of senior Desmond Roland makes for a complete backfield after Roland picked up 811 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground last year. Jeremy Smith was a valuable No. 2 back who is gone, but sophomore Rennie Childs should fill the position just fine. Junior College transfer Tyreek Hill adds another element to the running game as well. A 4-star all purpose offensive player, he runs a 4.4-40 and will provide quick strikes for the offense. Look for him to be the perfect complement to Roland. Although the Cowboys lose lots of talent across the field, the backfield on offense at least is set, and that’s the most key part to any offensive system that Gundy oversees, regardless of who the coordinator is.

The wide receiver position takes a big hit with the losses of Tracy Moore and Josh Stewart, both of whom had more than 700 yards receiving and a combined 9 touchdowns in a very inconsistent passing game. Charlie Moore had another 468 yards and 5 touchdowns, and he’s gone as well. That leaves sophomore Jhajuan Seales as the only regular contributor returning after posting 571 yards and 3 touchdowns receiving last year. But look for Marcell Ateman to quickly turn into a star. The sophomore was a 4-star on Rivals who stands at 6’4″ and had 276 receiving yards in limited action as a freshman last year. Juniors Brandon Sheperd and David Glidden also have experience and should have larger roles this year, and look for sophomore C.J. Curry to be more involved. Overall, the receiving corps. has plenty of young talent, but the production lost is too great for it to simply be matched this year. The numbers might be replicated, though, simply because the passing game should be better.

Sep 7, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Walsh, J.W. (4) throws a pass for a touchdown against the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners during the first half at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

The most devastating hit for the Cowboys has happened on the offensive line. Three starters are gone, including First Team All-Big 12 guard Parker Graham, who was by far the most experienced of the unit too. Senior tackle Daniel Koenig and senior guard Chris Grisbhy are the only returning regular starters from last year, but both are pretty good. Senior Brandon Garrett and sophomores Devin Davis, Zac Veatch, and Paul Lewis will all be in the rotation, but none have lots of experience. Junior Colby Hegwood and sophomore Michael Wilson will also be there, and then there are four guys who have never played a down in this offense to provide depth. As a whole, don’t expect the same production out of the line as there was last year.

Although the offensive line and wide receiver corps. takes a hit, the offensive unit should actually be a little better this year. This is still a system-oriented offense, and Walsh and Roland should be able to make it go. There is enough talent at the other spots to keep it from regressing at all with more experience in the backfield to bring it up a notch. Continue to Next Slide for Defense