STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy still hasn't chosen a starting quarterback for the 13th-ranked Cowboys' season opener on Aug. 31 against Mississippi State.
Instead, he has announced that both senior Clint Chelf and sophomore J.W. Walsh will each see action at the neutral-site game in Houston.
Gundy has repeatedly declined to specify which one will be the primary signal-caller, now notes that both Chelf and Walsh each deserve shots to seize the job. Both played significant roles last season, helping the 8-5 Cowboys produce the nation's third-ranked offense, including the sixth-best passing attack.
Chelf started the final five games and was chosen Most Valuable Player of the Heart of Dallas Bowl, while Walsh was voted the Big 12's Freshman of the Year by the conference's coaches.
"We're going to play both guys," Gundy said. "That hasn't changed since the spring. Both quarterbacks have improved. I don't really know any other way to say it, than what I've been saying the last five months. Both guys have been doing a good job, we're glad we have them and they'll both get a chance to play."
Gundy would not say who would get more snaps.
"It would be hard for me to predict reps, but I don't think either one of them will be a backup for the first game," Gundy said. "We have two quarterbacks with relatively the same amount of experience, so we're obligated to give both the opportunity to play in the game. We feel that they can each provide something for the team to give us the chance to be successful this year."
Both played significant roles last season, helping the 8-5 Cowboys produce the nation's third-ranked offense, including the sixth-best passing attack.
Chelf started the final five games in 2012, completing 60.4 percent of his passes for 1,588 yards and 15 touchdowns, including 197 yards and three touchdowns in Oklahoma State's 58-14 victory over Purdue last Jan. 1.
As a freshman, Walsh completed 66.9 percent of his passes, piling up 1,564 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also rushing for seven scores, to earn the Big 12's Freshman of the Year, as voted by the conference's coaches.
Gundy also pointed out that Oklahoma State would only need to make minor tweaks on the offensive game plan depending on which quarterback was on the field.
"We have the same offense, but we try to play to the strengths of whoever's in there," Gundy said. "Both quarterbacks have continued to improve and play well."
