Oklahoma State Cowboys: 2010 Exit Survey

2010 CFBZ Prediction: Tie for 5th Place in Big 12 South
2010 Actual Finish: Tied for 1st Place in Big 12 South (11-2, 6-2)

Just about every pre-season publication had the Cowboys finishing at or near the bottom of the Big 12 South. They lost their leading rusher, their QB, Dez Bryant, their top 4 tacklers, and their top 5 interceptors. People didn't count on Brandon Wheedon stepping in and throwing for over 4000 yards (after only attempting 24 passes the previous year) and 34 TDs. They didn't expect Kendall Hunter to rush for over 1500 yards. They didn't know Justin Blackmon would step up and catch over 100 yards encompassing more than 1700 yards and scoring 20 TDs. The Oklahoma State offense was dynamic in 2010. They were the 2nd in the Nation in Passing Yards and 3rd in Points Scored. Oklahoma State capped off their 2010 season by breezing by Arizona in the Alamo Bowl to finish 11-2. We turned to Scott, our resident Oklahoma State "Friend of the Blog" and frequent message board contributor at GoPokes.com  to find out more about the Cowboys 2010 season and get a brief glimpse into 2011.

Oklahoma State exceeded just about everybody's expectations this year by finishing 11-2. What were your favorite moments of the football season?

The come from behind victory over A&M. OSU has had a history of losing games like that. I think that was a huge win that made the 11 win season possible. Also being at the Alamo for the historic 11th win.

Which players were the biggest surprises of the season?

Has to be Justin Blackmon. To go from a relative unknown to the Biletnikoff award and setting the NCAA records. Michael Harrison will be a better player next year and could be a great #2 for Weeden. Also Shaun Lewis (true freshman Linebacker) he grew up quickly and made the game changing play against A&M. He will be a stud the next few years.

Which player are you most excited about for next season?

The easy answer would be Blackmon and I do believe he will come back. But for me I think Richetti Jones (DE), Nigel Nicholas (DT), Christian Littlehead (DT), and just the whole defense should be much improved next year and will determine if OSU is a contender for a BCS bowl game.

How big of a loss will Dana Holgerson be? How do you think Mike Gundy will replace him?

No doubt DH was a great hire and did a great job but I do feel Mike Gundy has shown the ability to hire great assistants. From Larry Fedora, to Bill Young, to Dana Holgerson, Gundy has shown that he is a very good evaluator of coaches. Oklahoma State is a place coaches want to be now. With the three year contracts we offer, the town of Stillwater, the facilities, and the success we are having it is no longer a secondary job, it is a place people will want to come.


What do the Cowboys need to do this off-season to shoot for back-to-back 10 win seasons and possibly a Big 12 (or whatever it will be called next year) Championship? 

Stay humble and hungry. We lose two DT's but I honestly believe that the last three years we have had better talent coming on to campus. OSU has been recruiting player who were winners in high school. You can see they believe they believe they will win not just can win. I think the biggest question is whether Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon come back. If they do, OSU should be right there. I told friends this was the first time OSU has ever had the pressure of playing for a Big 12 South championship when OU came to Stillwater. OU on the other hand had been there many times. OSU learned what it takes this year. Next year, We will be ready!