Oklahoma State University Athletics
Finishing a strong season with BEDLAM
November 20, 2008 | General
At a place known to be tough on visitors, Oklahoma State's 30-17 victory over Colorado Saturday puts our Cowboys at 9-2 overall on the season. The team rebounded nicely from a disappointing contest to the Red Raiders in Lubbock (and they mean to beat the Sooners this Saturday with national championship aspirations).
The Cowboys moved up one spot to No. 12 in the coaches poll and remain 11th in the AP poll. And with a successful season comes the perennial in-state rivalry that gets most Oklahomans taking sides. For the Cowboys, the game carries significant ramifications.
-- A win would give OSU its fourth 10-win season in school history and tie this year's team for the most victories of any Cowboy squad ever. Note: None of the Cowboys three previous 10-win seasons included a win over the Sooners
-- A win would give the Cowboys an outside shot at a New Year's Day bowl game (the most popular college football-watching day of the year)
-- A win would likely land an invitation to perform in the Cotton Bowl. The Cowboys, having critical mass alumni bases in Tulsa, OKC, Dallas and Houston, will sale lots and lots of tickets. The orange family will likely dominate the city much like 2003 against Ole Miss
-- A win would put a huge exclamation mark on a breakthrough season for Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have not beaten OU since 2002 and, despite playing the Sooners close the past several times in Stillwater; this would be Mike Gundy's first Bedlam victory as head coach
-- A win tees up much momentum into the '09 season; Cowboys would be a strong candidate for a top-10 preseason ranking. As Georgia is the opening contest, the department would likely set another record in season ticket sales
The Cowboys have made great strides in four short seasons. Many factors, including quality coaching staff, first class facilities, focused recruiting strategies, financial commitment to the program...are factoring into success on the field. Importantly, our fans, ticket holders and POSSE members (annual supporters) have continued to step up.
We are sincerely grateful. See you next Saturday.
Go STATE!
Craig
