Big 12 Football: 5 teams that can dethrone Oklahoma in 2017

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Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Geno Lewis (5) scores a touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State has the best chance, on paper, of knocking off Oklahoma. It’s hard to argue that Oklahoma actually has a more talented offense than that of the Cowboys. In fact, Oklahoma State returns Mason Rudolph, James Washington, Justice Hill, Marcell Ateman, Chris Lacy and Jalen McCleskey in 2017. There are so many weapons it’s absolutely ridiculous.

Yet you cannot overlook the trouble that Oklahoma State has faced in knocking off OU. The Sooners have dominated the Bedlam rivalry since it started more than 100 years ago. Whether head coach Mike Gundy can finally get over the Bedlam hump or not will determine the success of OK State in 2017 as well as the defense.

The defense does return some talent in the way of players like linebacker Chad Whitener, safety Tre Flowers, and converted safety Ramon Richards. But defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer needs to whip his unit into better shape than they were in during the 2016 campaign.

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