Oklahoma State Football: 5 reasons Mason Rudolph could win the 2017 Heisman Trophy

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Dec 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy reacts before the 2016 Alamo Bowl against the Colorado Buffaloes at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Gundy is the QB whisperer

Head coach Mike Gundy represents more than his big mullet and the “I’m a man! I’m 40!” speech. Sometimes his offensive genius gets lost in the antics. Regardless, he makes quarterbacks better. Gundy sent Zac Robinson and Brandon Weeden into the NFL. Both had varying levels of success in the NFL but what can’t be denied is that they improved and became strong collegiate starters.

Clint Chelf‘s lone year under center proved prolific taking the Cowboys to the Cotton Bowl. J.W. Walsh found a niche in OSU’s offense and became a weapon even though he wasn’t starting. Rudolph’s progression entering his senior season will be no different.

He tailor-made each offense to fit a quarterback’s style. For Weeden, they took advantage of the deep ball and Justin Blackmon. Chelf, Robinson and Walsh had the offense fitted as a zone read, balanced attack.

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Rudolph is the hybrid of the group meaning the possibilities are endless. Gundy can find a defenses weakness and apply it to the quarterback’s strengths. What does a defense draw up for a strong-armed, red zone runner? It’ll be tough to stop with a third starting offseason under his belt.

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