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Early OSU preview

OSU must replace Weeden and Blackmon but is deep at RB

Updated: June 21, 2012, 4:34 PM ET
By Carter Strickland | HornsNation

[+] EnlargeJarek Lancaster
AP Photo/Paul ConnorsWith a new QB, Oklahoma State will lean on its running game led by Joseph Randle.
Editor's note: HornsNation will count down to the start of fall camp by taking an in-depth look at each team Texas will face in 2012.

The rundown

2011 record: 12-1

Last meeting against Texas: Won 38-26 in 2011.

All-time vs. Texas: 4-22

Top returners: Joseph Randle, running back; Jeremy Smith, running back; Quinn Sharp, kicker; Lane Taylor, guard; Justin Gilbert, cornerback; Ryan Robinson, defensive end, Tracy Moore, wide receiver.

Key losses: Brandon Weeden, quarterback; Justin Blackmon, wide receiver; Grant Garner, offensive line; Levy Adcock, offensive line, Josh Cooper, wide receiver.

Statistical leaders

Rushing: Joseph Randle (208 rushes for 1,216 yard and 24 touchdowns)

Passing: Clint Chelf (20 of 30 for 307 yards with three touchdowns)

Receiving: Tracy Moore (45 catches for 672 yards and four touchdowns)

Tackles: Daytawion Lowe (97)

Interceptions: Justin Gilbert (5)

Sacks: Daytawion Lowe (2)

More on OSU

OSU The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City) writer Gina Mizell talks about how the Cowboys will replace QB Brandon Weeden and All-American WR Justin Blackmon. Q&A Insider

Did you know: In coach Mike Gundy's time at Oklahoma State, the Cowboys are one of only three schools from an automatic BCS conference to win at least nine game in each of the last four seasons. The other two are Alabama and Oregon.

Three things to watch

1. Next great WR? Charlie Moore emerged as a wide receiver threat during the spring and was the standout of the spring game. Moore, however, has yet to do it during the season so it is unknown whether he is a flash in the pan or a legitimate threat to become a breakout player in the Big 12.

2. New triggerman: How much faith does Gundy have in freshman quarterback Wes Lunt? Gundy named the true freshman the starter following spring ball, but he has a bevy of backups and might have a short leash.

3. RB prowess: The running game at Oklahoma State might be the best in the Big 12. Randle and Smith are big plays guys who each averaged more than 5.5 yards per carry. The Cowboys might be more dependent on the run this season since they are breaking in a new quarterback.

Carter Strickland | email

Reporter, HornsNation
  • Reporter for HornsNation
  • Covers Texas Longhorns sports and recruiting
  • Joined ESPN in 2011

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