Which Oklahoma State football game is easiest? Toughest? Ranking Cowboys' schedule
STILLWATER — It’s now less than three months until Eric Morris ’ first game as the Oklahoma State football coach. Speculation for how the Cowboys might perform under Morris offers a wide range of re…
STILLWATER — It’s now less than three months until Eric Morris ’ first game as the Oklahoma State football coach. Speculation for how the Cowboys mig
Read Full Story at Yahoo Sports →Why This Matters
The Cowboys' upcoming schedule isn't just a matter of wins and losses—it's a referendum on Eric Morris's ability to navigate the Big 12's unpredictable landscape while managing expectations after Mike Gundy's controversial tenure. For a program desperate to reclaim its offensive identity, the difficulty of these matchups could determine whether Morris's high-tempo system thrives or struggles against stout defenses.
Background Context
Oklahoma State has been a model of offensive innovation under Gundy, but the past two seasons exposed vulnerabilities in transitioning from pass-heavy schemes to balanced attack. The Big 12's shift to a round-robin format has intensified the competition, forcing Morris to adapt quickly or risk falling behind rivals like TCU and Kansas State, who’ve thrived in recent years with disciplined, pressure-resistant offenses.
What Happens Next
The early-season road trips to Arizona State and Mississippi State will test Morris’s roster depth and quarterback play, while home games against Houston and UTSA offer opportunities to build momentum. If the Cowboys stumble against perceived lower-tier opponents, the narrative could shift from "rebuilding" to "struggling," forcing Morris to make wholesale adjustments before Big 12 play begins.
Bigger Picture
This schedule reflects the broader Big 12’s identity crisis: a league where offensive firepower often trumps traditional strength, but where even elite offenses can falter against elite defenses. Morris’s challenge mirrors the league’s own—balancing innovation with execution, a dilemma that could redefine the Cowboys’ trajectory in a conference where no opponent is truly "easy."
