As the college football season approaches, excitement is palpable in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where the Oklahoma State Cowboys are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling year. Ranked 18th in the preseason polls, the Cowboys are riding high after a stellar 2023 campaign in which they won 10 games. With nearly every key playmaker returning, expectations are sky-high. The season opener against the top-ranked FCS team, South Dakota State, is just around the corner, and it’s set to be a defining moment for the team’s trajectory.

The anticipation surrounding the Cowboys’ season is grounded in a blend of hope and optimism. With a roster brimming with talent and experience, there’s a genuine belief that Oklahoma State has the potential to run the Big 12 and perhaps even vie for a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, as with any season, the journey will be fraught with challenges, and it’s crucial to consider both the best and worst-case scenarios for each game on their schedule.

Starting Strong Against South Dakota State

The Cowboys will kick off their season on August 31 against South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits are the reigning champions of the FCS, boasting a remarkable 29-game winning streak and a quarterback who clinched the FCS Heisman Trophy last year. Despite this formidable opposition, the Cowboys are well-positioned to control the game. Their superior talent and depth give them a significant edge, and a comfortable victory would set a positive tone for the rest of the season. However, a loss would not only be a setback but could also expose potential vulnerabilities early on. Moreover, any long-term injuries sustained in this game could pose serious issues down the line.

Renewing Rivalries with Arkansas

The following week, on September 7, Oklahoma State faces Arkansas. This matchup renews a regional rivalry and is an exciting prospect for fans. The Razorbacks bring SEC talent to the table but are projected to finish towards the lower end of their conference standings. Ideally, the Cowboys should handle this game with relative ease, using it as an opportunity to showcase their strength. A win would reinforce their status as a top contender, while a loss could be particularly damaging. Arkansas has the athletic ability to exploit any defensive weaknesses the Cowboys might have, making this game a critical test.

Testing the Waters at Tulsa

On September 14, the Cowboys will travel to Tulsa. Historically, Oklahoma State has had success against the Golden Hurricane, winning nine consecutive games. Nonetheless, the last two victories have been narrow, with the Cowboys barely scraping by in recent years. Facing Tulsa could provide valuable experience in handling road adversity before diving into the heart of Big 12 play. However, any slip-up here could signal trouble, especially considering past close calls.

Facing Utah for Critical Big 12 Implications

September 21 brings a significant challenge as Oklahoma State hosts Utah. A win against the Utes would be highly beneficial, not only for maintaining a strong record but also for potential tiebreaker scenarios later in the season. The race for the Big 12 Championship Game is often tangled and unpredictable, and securing a victory over Utah could be a crucial factor in navigating this complex landscape. Conversely, a loss would be disheartening but not entirely devastating. However, a significant defeat could dampen the team’s morale and affect their momentum moving forward.

Big 12 Showdown at Kansas State

The Cowboys’ first Big 12 game on September 28 is against Kansas State in Manhattan. Last year, Oklahoma State’s victory over the Wildcats was pivotal in turning their season around. This year, the Cowboys will be better positioned to face the Wildcats, but a win is still critical. Starting conference play with victories over Utah and Kansas State would place Oklahoma State in a strong position for the Big 12 title race. On the flip side, a repeat of their 2022 performance—a 48-0 blowout loss—would be catastrophic, potentially derailing their season aspirations.

Momentum Game Against West Virginia

On October 5, Oklahoma State returns home to face West Virginia. This game is vital for maintaining momentum, especially if the Cowboys have performed well in the preceding weeks. A comfortable victory would be ideal as it would provide a confidence boost and allow the team to focus on a challenging stretch of games. However, West Virginia is a sleeper team capable of surprising opponents, and a mental or emotional letdown could be costly. The Cowboys must ensure they stay focused and avoid complacency.

A New Venue at BYU

October 19 marks a unique road game for the Cowboys as they face BYU in Provo. This will be Oklahoma State’s only visit to a new venue this season, and the Cougars’ passionate fan base will undoubtedly create a challenging atmosphere. The best outcome would be to enjoy the new setting, secure a win, and savor the experience. However, a loss would be problematic, particularly given the rarity of Friday night road games for the Cowboys, which have historically been difficult.

Back-to-Back Road Games with Baylor

The following week, on October 26, the Cowboys head to Waco to play Baylor. This is one of the few back-to-back road game stretches on the schedule, but Oklahoma State benefits from having an extra day to recover after their Friday night game against BYU. A victory here would be valuable, especially given the tough travel schedule. Baylor, with coach Dave Aranda possibly on the hot seat, could be a dangerous opponent, particularly if a win against the Cowboys could salvage their season.

Homecoming Against Arizona State

On November 2, the Cowboys will host Arizona State for homecoming. This matchup against one of the season’s less formidable opponents should ideally be a straightforward win. A dominating performance would allow Oklahoma State to stay on track and prepare for the crucial stretch run of the season. However, if the team falters, especially in such a pivotal home game, it could severely impact their prospects.

Road Challenge at TCU

November 9 takes the Cowboys to Fort Worth for a game against TCU. Recent trips to TCU have not been favorable, and this game will be the tail end of a grueling stretch of road games. A win here would be crucial, particularly as TCU is expected to bounce back from a down year and could be in contention for the Big 12 title. The stakes are high, and a loss could jeopardize Oklahoma State’s positioning in the conference standings.

Senior Day Against Texas Tech

On November 23, the Cowboys will face Texas Tech in their final home game. This Senior Day matchup against the Red Raiders offers a chance for quarterback Alan Bowman to shine in what could be his last game at Boone Pickens Stadium. A strong performance here would not only serve as a fitting farewell for the seniors but also reinforce Oklahoma State’s championship aspirations. Conversely, if the team is not mentally prepared, a loss could be a shock, particularly given the emotional weight of the occasion.

Season Finale at Colorado

The regular season concludes on November 29 with a game at Colorado. The Buffaloes, led by Deion Sanders, represent an unknown quantity. By the end of November, Colorado could be either a formidable opponent or a team struggling to find its footing. Regardless, Oklahoma State will likely need a win to clinch or stay in contention for a Big 12 title game berth. A loss in the high-altitude environment of Boulder could be a significant blow to their championship hopes.

However, Oklahoma State’s football season is set against a backdrop of high expectations and potential pitfalls. With a schedule that includes a mix of challenging opponents and crucial games, the Cowboys have the opportunity to prove themselves as legitimate contenders in the Big 12. The best-case scenarios involve navigating these challenges with resilience and skill, while the worst-case scenarios could derail their ambitions. As the season unfolds, the key for Oklahoma State will be to maintain focus, stay healthy, and capitalize on their opportunities to secure a spot at the top of the Big 12 standings.