Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State hired Eric Morris as head coach after a 1-11 season, and he brought a large contingent from North Texas, including quarterback Drew Mestemaker, running back Caleb Hawkins, and receiver Wyatt Young. Mestemaker led the nation in passing yards last year with 4,379, and Hawkins set an FBS freshman record with 29 touchdowns. The Cowboys have already surpassed their win total from last season, sitting at 4-2 and ranked No. 18, with a signature 39-31 upset of then-No. 6 Oregon. Mestemaker has thrown for over 300 yards in four of six games and is the engine of a high-powered offense.

The Cowboys have scored at least 39 points in three of their last four games and have topped 600 total yards twice. Mestemaker has spread the ball to multiple playmakers: Justin Bowick had 178 yards against Murray State, Wyatt Young exploded for 192 yards at West Virginia, and Caleb Hawkins rushed for 180 yards in that same game. Hawkins also had a 314-carry fumble-free streak before a miscue against UCF. The offense has been efficient and explosive, but slow starts have been a problem, as seen in the 14-3 halftime deficit at Houston.

Despite the offense's prowess, the defense under first-year coordinator Skyler Cassity has been leaky. Tulsa scored 24 in the opener, Oregon put up 31 despite being outgained by 273 yards, West Virginia rushed for 334 yards, and UCF scored 28 with Keyone Jenkins throwing four touchdowns. The unit has shown a pattern of allowing points without allowing yards, often due to short fields from turnovers. However, the defense has also made timely plays, like Evan Jackson's 28-yard fumble return for a touchdown against UCF, and has been solid on third down at times. Improving consistency will be key.

Mestemaker has thrown interceptions in bunches, including two tipped-ball picks against Oregon that nearly cost the Cowboys the game. One was returned 96 yards for a touchdown, and another set up a Ducks score at the 1-yard line. Against Houston, he threw another interception on the first drive of the third quarter. However, the Cowboys have also forced key turnovers, like the fumble return against UCF. Protecting the ball and capitalizing on opponents' mistakes will be crucial in close games down the stretch.

Oklahoma State is 2-1 in Big 12 play and still very much in the conference race, though the loss to Houston was a setback. The Cowboys have a favorable schedule ahead, with a home game against Colorado (2-4) next. They have already proven they can win on the road, beating West Virginia in Morgantown for the sixth straight time. With Mestemaker leading the offense, they have a chance to compete in every game. However, the defense must improve and the slow starts must be addressed if they are to challenge for a Big 12 title. The bar for improvement was low after two winless conference seasons, but this team has already exceeded expectations and has its sights set higher.