SMQ: 5 teams that could win a first national championship soon

In the 21st century, Oklahoma State has been on the cusp of breaking through to the next level. The Cowboys have been stalwarts at or near the top of the Big 12 standings. As of yet, the Pokes have not managed to reach all of their projections.

The chief reason Oklahoma State has been so effective is thanks to head coach Mike Gundy. The former Cowboys quarterback assembled a unit that has been great at remaining among the top programs offensively in the country. Defense has traditionally been the issue, but that is true of every team in the Big 12.

Any program that is going to take the leap to the ranks of national champions requires an infusion of funding. And a large part of Oklahoma State’s recent success is thanks to the largesse of big-time donor T. Boone Pickens. Any advance to the ranks of the national champions will require continued material support from deep-pocketed boosters.

As long as Pickens and the alumni base continues to offer support and as long as Gundy remains the head coach, Oklahoma State is in prime position to remain in the hunt for Big 12 titles. Winning the league will be a critical component of any Cowboys attempt to reach the College Football Playoff.