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Should OSU be included in discussion of nation's best? At 5-0 in advance of Saturday's Big 12 battle at Texas Tech, Oklahoma State is one of only 13 unbeaten football teams in Division I-A. The Cowboys are 20th in the AP poll. Statistically, quarterback Brandon Weeden, running back Kendall Hunter and kicker Dan Bailey are among the nation's best at their respective positions.
Statistically, Justin Blackmon is the best wide receiver. Should the Cowboys be included in the discussion of the best teams in college football? "We're not at that level right now," coach Mike Gundy said this week. "We're not as consistent as we need to be for four quarters on offense, and we're giving up too many big third-down (plays) on defense. There's not enough consistency to put us in that category." Can OSU's pass defense survive the Red Raiders? Gundy frequently mentions OSU's inability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. It has been a Cowboy problem for years. Against Texas Tech, it has been a pronounced problem. In their last five games in Lubbock, the Cowboys have allowed averages of 45 points and 492 yards. OSU currently ranks 118th nationally in pass defense. The Red Raider offense really isn't much different than its predecessor - the 2000-09 Mike Leach Air Raid. He has been sacked only nine times in five games, and Texas Tech Raider QB Taylor Potts gets rid of the football quickly. Oklahoma State won't get many sacks, but it must find a way to make Potts uncomfortable. It should be an interesting Saturday for young Cowboy cornerbacks like Devin Hedgepeth and Justin Gilbert. Is the offensive line ready for the challenges of the Big 12? During the Cowboys' run of four consecutive winning seasons and bowl appearances, their most consistently solid position group has been their offensive line. With four first-year starters, the Cowboys have allowed only seven sacks. The OSU run game gets 4.6 yards per attempt. As Big 12 play resumes, the OSU line is about to contend with a pronounced upgrade in competition. Said Cowboy line coach Joe Wickline: "You would think by game six that you're getting close to midseason form. I almost feel like we are at a game-one or game-two level. I don't know if we'll get to midseason form until the end of the year. Our guys are trying and straining to get better. It bothers them when we don't do something well."
