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Oklahoma State Football: 5 reasons Mason Rudolph is Big 12’s best QB

By Phil Poling

MORGANTOWN, WV - OCTOBER 10: Mason Rudolph #2 of the West Virginia Mountaineers drops back to pass in the first quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the game at Mountaineer Field on October 10, 2015 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
MORGANTOWN, WV - OCTOBER 10: Mason Rudolph #2 of the West Virginia Mountaineers drops back to pass in the first quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the game at Mountaineer Field on October 10, 2015 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /
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Oklahoma State football will contend for the Big 12 Championship in 2017, thanks in part to senior quarterback Mason Rudolph.

Mason Rudolph’s been an absolute stud for the Cowboys during his time in Stillwater, so good that head coach Mike Gundy isn’t losing his hair – it’s growing at a pace unrivaled among head coaches in the league.

Last season, many in college football dismissed Oklahoma State after they *lost* to Central Michigan. The asterisks represent what Gundy and many at OK St. believe was a win, but was deemed a loss due to an officiating error. When the Cowboys received their 2016 Alamo bowl rings, an 11-2 record is boldly printed on the side, omitting the CMU loss.

But honestly, 11-2 doesn’t elevate Oklahoma St. into the College Football Playoff a year ago, especially without a conference championship game. With one this season though, Rudolph and the Cowboys are gearing up for an extended run into January. What is it that sets Rudolph apart from other quarterbacks?

5. The man, the myth, the mullet — Mike Gundy

Mike Gundy’s been one of the best head coaches in college football the last decade, giving life to a football program that needed saving. He’s coached the Cowboys to a 44-18 record in Big 12 play since 2010, including five 10-win seasons overall. Also during that span, he’s steered his teams to four New Year’s Six bowl games: the 2010 Cotton, 2012 Fiesta, 2014 Cotton and 2016 Sugar.

Oklahoma State is also in elite company in regards to the College Football Playoff. Since being established in 2015, the Cowboys are one of seven schools to make every single CFP ranking. The other six? Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Michigan, Ohio State and Utah — elite company.

So what, Rudolph has a good coach?

Exactly. Rudolph would be a decent quarterback under any Joe Schmoe. But playing under an experienced guy who happens to be coaching at his alma mater? Oh, you better believe Gundy will make Rudolph a household name.

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