.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
While Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon have formed arguably the most dynamic quarterback-wide receiver duo in the country, running back Joseph Randle is starting to make a name for himself in the high-powered Oklahoma State offense.
The eighth-ranked Cowboys look to continue their offensive prowess and open 3-0 for a second consecutive season when they visit in-state rival Tulsa on Saturday night.
After throwing for 388 yards during a season-opening 61-34 win over Louisiana-Lafayette on Sept. 3, Weeden completed 42 of 53 passes - both school records - for 397 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-14 victory over Arizona five days later.
Blackmon extended his NCAA record of consecutive 100-yard games to 14, hauling in 12 passes for 128 yards and two scores.
"The guy is too good not to get in the end zone every game," said Weeden, who completed 22 of his first 23 passes. "He's just that special. If it's there you've got to take it and there were a couple that were just stealing. I could have closed my eyes and just threw it up there and he was going to catch it. He's a freak."
The Cowboys' rushing attack has proven to be nearly as potent. After failing to rush for 100 yards in all 13 games as a freshman in 2010, Randle has surpassed that mark in each contest this season, totaling 250 on 6.8 yards per carry and scoring four times.
With 121 yards on the ground and 99 receiving against Arizona, Randle almost became the first player in school history with at least 100 yards rushing and receiving in the same game.
"I'm not saying he's Marshall Faulk, so nobody quote me on that. I'm just saying he does some of the same things that he can do," coach Mike Gundy said. "We can move him around and he has good hands. He's smart, he understands protections and things like that."
Oklahoma State ranks first in the FBS with 1,260 yards from scrimmage, but Gundy knows there's still plenty of room for improvement.
"We have work ahead of us and we've got to become a better fundamental football team, and that's the responsibility of myself and our coaching staff," said Gundy, whose team committed 10 penalties against the Wildcats.
"One concern I have with this team is they're so experienced on offense and they're so confident in themselves that at times I don't want them to think they can just go out there and it's going to happen."
Tulsa (1-1) knows all too well of the Cowboys' ability to light up a scoreboard. Weeden threw for 409 yards and a career-high six TDs - three to Blackmon - as Oklahoma State recorded its fourth straight win in this series, 65-28 last Sept. 18.
Following a 47-14 rout at the hands of No. 1 Oklahoma on Sept. 3, the Golden Hurricane beat Tulane 31-3 last Saturday behind a strong effort from G.J. Kinne, who threw for 241 yards and three touchdowns.
"We all need a win. I've been doing this long enough to know they're precious," coach Bill Blankenship said. "You got to take them when you get them. Don't complain about them if they're not pretty enough and celebrate them.
"Then get ready, you don't get to enjoy it very long. Got to get ready and go defend our home turf with a really good Oklahoma State team coming in."
Kinne, who threw a career-worst three interceptions during last season's loss to Oklahoma State, will look to help the Golden Hurricane knock off their fourth ranked opponent in 10 tries after losing 10 straight to Top 25 teams before that stretch.
