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| OSU LB Shaun Lewis |
Coming into this season the biggest question is which of the Cowboys’ impressive quarterbacks will be the opening game starter? That decision got easier to make when Wes Lunt opted to transfer to Illinois.
The battle now is between Clint Chelf and J.W. Walsh, with Chelf, who started the Cowboys’ last five games and threw for 1,500+ yards and 15 TDs, looking to be the favorite heading into fall practice.
Should Chelf go down Walsh is an apt replacement as the sophomore also threw for just over 1,500 yards and 15 TDs in 2012. Both quarterbacks will have the good fortune to pass to some of the Big 12’s best receivers in Josh Stewart, Tracy Moore and Charlie Moore.
The offensive line returns three starters that helped OSU be the fourth best total offense and third best scoring offense in the NCAA.
On defense the Cowboys return seven starters led by All-Big 12 caliber defensive tackle Calvin Barnett and linebacker Shaun Lewis. Both will be expected to help develop young, promising players like defensive Tyler Johnson in order to improve the team’s turnover rate that was the best in the nation in 2011 but slumped last season. Senior Daytawion Lowe leads an experienced defensive back group.
The Cowboys were picked ahead of rejuvenated Texas and conference stalwart and intrastate rival Oklahoma by the media during Big 12 Media Days. Okie State will have to play ride out a season with a bull’s-eye on its back while developing a struggling defense.
That will be too much to ask for an entire season and I don’t see the Cowboys escaping Austin with a win Nov. 16. They’ll also be pushed in home games against TCU, Baylor and Oklahoma but the confines of Boone Pickens Stadium could give them the edge. I have Oklahoma State at 8-1-3.
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