A: The odds-on favorite is Donald Booker, a junior-college transfer who recorded 161 tackles at Navarro (Texas) Community College. But Booker won't arrive until this summer. It's always uncertain how quickly a juco player can adapt.
Orie Lemon is listed as the starter at middle linebacker entering spring drills. Justin Gent, who played some last season, is listed as the backup.
Q: I saw where Boone Pickens predicted the Cowboys could finish 9-3 this season. Is that realistic? — Larry, Tulsa
A: That's probably the best-case scenario. OSU will be a heavy underdog at Texas and Missouri and hasn't defeated Oklahoma since 2002.
To finish 9-3, the Cowboys would have to post at least one major upset or win every other game on the schedule, which includes a home game against Texas A&M and some challenging road games.
An 8-4 record is doable but difficult. A 7-5 finish is realistic. Anything less would be a disappointment. Anything more would be a step forward.
Q: Other than Texas, what is OSU's toughest road game this season? — Sam, Plano, Texas
A: Missouri. The Tigers should be a preseason top 10 team.
Three other road games will determine whether the Cowboys are fighting for a bowl berth again or climb the bowl pecking order.
The Cowboys haven't won in Lubbock since 1944 but had a lead in their last visit two years ago only to watch the Red Raiders rally for a win.
Colorado will be a tough test. The Buffaloes should be much improved. The season-opener in Seattle against Washington State will be revealing. It's a game OSU needs to win, but is far from a slam dunk.
Thank you for joining our conversations on newsok. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Fitness and Nutrition
Visit NewsOK's latest Know it and find out why proper diet and exercise are key.
More Info
Related to this story
Articles
Spring football Q&A with Andre Sexton 03/09/2008 You've moved into the hybrid-linebacker spot that Donovan Woods played last year. How's it going so far? It's fun. I'm loving it. It's pretty much like...
Weeden making pitch for QB job Ex-minor leaguer... 03/09/2008 STILLWATER — Home during Winter break, Brandon Weeden fired passes during Edmond Santa Fe's practices to prepare the Wolves for their upcoming playoff...
Gundy wants backup QB decided by end of spring 03/09/2008 STILLWATER — Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy hopes Brandon Weeden or Alex Cate earns the backup quarterback job by the end of spring drills. "It's pretty...
0
Prev
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
Thank you for joining our conversations on newsok. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Log in below or sign up (it's free).