Oklahoma State Football: 3 overreactions from Homecoming loss to Baylor

1. The 2019 season is ruined

After a painful fourth quarter sealed the defeat for the Cowboys, it was easy for OSU fans to arrive at this conclusion. The Pokes have now lost three Big 12 games and sit near the bottom of the conference standings, and the month of October isn’t even over yet. A turnover-prone offense can’t mask a struggling defense, and multiple ranked opponents await.

But, OSU fans, don’t despair: watch for the growth and maturation of Sanders. If the Cowboys’ offense can click on all cylinders, a surprise or two will come soon.

Running back Chuba Hubbard continued his spectacular 2019 season, showing a rare combination of power and breakaway speed against Baylor while gaining 172 yards. He continues to lead the nation in rushing by nearly 300 yards and sounded far from discouraged when speaking with reporters after the loss to the Bears.

It’s important to remember what Hubbard said: letting a loss like this “get to you” will certainly doom OSU to another painful season like the one they experienced in 2018. Helping Sanders in pass protection and helping him make the right decisions (think about the ill-fated scramble that resulted in a fumble and returned touchdown to give the Bears a 38-27 lead) will go a long way for OSU.

Besides, several goals remain that would still count as a successful season for OSU: besting last year’s win total, beating OU, and helping its stars win individual awards. None will come easily, but these milestones are still there for the Cowboys.