Will the Oklahoma State Cowboys find a way to win the Big 12? Or will we see a disappointing season for the Cowboys football program?
After knocking out some of the big contenders and bottom of the conference team, next, we have the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Cowboys come into 2022 looking to once again play for a Big 12 title. The 2021 season was a productive one for Oklahoma State considering they played for the Big 12 title and came up literally inches short. After finishing 12-2 overall and 8-1 in conference play, Oklahoma State was a force in the conference.
Fast forward to now, the Cowboys have all the pieces to once again play for a Big 12 title. With star quarterback Spender Sanders returning, the offense will be complete. The defense was the strong side of the ball for Oklahoma State in 2021. Considering they were No. 1 in the nation in sacks, second in tackles for loss, and led the Big 12 in total and scoring, the Cowboys get most of that dynamic group back. They did lose their top four tacklers and best safety but the defensive line is going to be scary good.
So, with all of that information, Oklahoma State is looking scary for 2022. If they can find their groove like last season, look out OU and Baylor. That being said, let’s break down the Cowboys 2022 schedule.
Week One, Home Game vs Central Michigan
As always, the first game of the season for a Power Five team is against a weaker non-conference team. However, the last time these teams met in 2016, Central Michigan stunned Oklahoma State and beat them in a walk-off fashion. Since then, Central Michigan is 2-11 versus Power Five schools. That last sentence is enough to tell you that this version of the Cowboys will steamroll Central Michigan this time around.
Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 55, Central Michigan 14
Week Two, Home Game vs Arizona State
As the non-conference schedule continues, next up will be the Arizona State Sun Devils. I do not see a need to draw this one out either. Arizona State will put up a better fight than Central Michigan but not by much. Give me the Cowboys to move to 2-0 on the year and look good doing so.
Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 38, Arizona State 14
Week Three, Home Game vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff
I might as well tell you that this game is a guaranteed win for Oklahoma State. This will be a game that gives the entire depth chart a chance to lock up roster spots. The starters will be done by halftime and will begin prepping for week three. This will just be another chance for the Cowboys to add a third win on the year before reaching with Baylor in week four.
Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 63, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 10
Week Four, Away Game vs Baylor
After cruising through non-conference play, the Cowboys get smacked with a huge game to open conference play. The defending champs come to town for a much-anticipated rematch. Baylor enters 2022 as the favorite to repeat as champions. With how close Oklahoma State was to being champs, this will be a dog fight of a game. However, I think Baylor is going to be more prepared for this rematch, especially with the game being in Waco. This will be a tough loss for the Cowboys considering they want to be serious contenders for the title this year.
Score Prediction: Baylor 34, Oklahoma State 28
Week Five, Home Game vs Texas Tech
As conference play continues, the Red Raiders come to town. If this game was in Lubbock it would be much closer but it is in Stillwater. The Red Raiders will not be a good team this year but could still ruffle some feathers overall. This Oklahoma State team will be far too good and put together by only week five to lose this game. Give me the Cowboys to win big and show they are still a threat in the conference.
Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 42, Texas Tech 14
Week Six, Away Game vs TCU
The Cowboy’s first away game in the conference is against TCU. TCU is another team that might not be at the level of competing in the Big 12 but are good enough to upset teams. However, with a new head coach and two new quarterbacks, the Horned Frogs have far too many question marks on the roster to give Oklahoma State huge problems.
Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 28, TCU 14
Week Seven, Home Game vs Texas
Just when the Cowboys would like a break in conference play, they host the Texas Longhorns. This will be another tough conference game for the Cowboys. Texas brings plenty to the table to beat the Cowboys in Stillwater. However, I already mentioned in the Texas win/loss piece that Oklahoma State has far too many weapons on offense and Texas has a depleted defense. The Cowboys will make the important plays down the stretch and come out victorious.
Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 28, Texas 17
Week Eight, Away Game vs Kansas State
As much as K-State fans want to think they win here, that will not be the case. I think Oklahoma State will be far too good on both sides of the ball. K-State will compete for most of the game but the Cowboys will flex their muscles with a huge win on the road. I like the Cowboys to pull away late and make this game look like the Cats never competed.
Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 41, K-State 17
Week Nine, Away Game vs Kansas
The Cowboys finally get an easy game against the Kansas Jayhawks in week nine. KU will make some big plays early in the game to keep the few faithful fans some hope. The Jayhawk’s defense has some pieces to make this an uncomfortable matchup. The Cowboys will win this game but not by as much as they’d like to. This will be a wake-up call in a way before the Cowboys head home for week ten.
Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 28, KU 17
Week Ten, Home Game vs Iowa State
After their two-week trip to central Kansas, the Cowboys return home to host the Iowa State Cyclones. Once again we have a Big 12 team that was serious contenders not too long ago. This is no longer the case for the Cyclones. However, this seems like a stereotypical trap game for the Cowboys, especially with an interstate trip to Oklahoma looming. I think the Cyclones can put together enough good drives and force enough mistakes to stun the Cowboys in week ten.
Score Prediction: Iowa State 21, Oklahoma State 17
Week Eleven, Away Game vs Oklahoma
Just when the Cowboys think they are recovered, they go down the street to the Sooners. OU enters 2022 as another dangerous team in the Big 12 despite the drama surrounding their departure from the conference looming. Despite having plenty of defensive prowess, the Sooners will feature a fast-paced offense that will be difficult to contain. This will be the downfall of the Cowboys as Oklahoma will be prepped and ready for this game. A tough loss in week eleven will all but put the Cowboys out of contention for the title most likely.
Score Prediction: OU 34, Oklahoma State 28
Week Twelve, Home Game vs West Virginia
To close out their 2022 season, the Cowboys host West Virginia. I would hate to be West Virginia if the Cowboys are coming off a loss in week eleven. I am keeping this one short and sweet as the Cowboys will steamroll the Mountaineers and easily win in week twelve. this win will be nothing more than a pride thing and that will suck for the Cowboys.
Score Prediction: Oklahoma State 35, West Virginia 10
Final Record For Oklahoma State Football In 2022: 9-3 (6-3)
Just when the Cowboys look to be that Big 12 threat like last season, some tough losses will derail them late in the year. Honestly, the Cowboys could prove me very wrong and win every conference game. This team is going to be legit and if Spencer Sanders and company can put it together, I hope my predictions are wrong.
Which Big 12 team will improve the most in 2022? Comment below and join the discussion!
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