OSU Cowboys feeling ‘sense of adventure’

STILLWATER — Texas A&M’s arrival once excited Cowboyland because of the stirring military band and defensive ruffians and yell-leaders.

A sense of adventure sweeps Oklahoma State football today, but it goes far beyond hearing "Ballad of the Green Berets” at Boone Pickens Stadium.

OSU smells blood in the water.

Remember in August, when anyone with a lick of sense agreed OSU’s year would come down to four games? One of those was Washington State; A&M was another.

The Cowboys routed WSU and should rout A&M tonight. It’s time to upgrade the upside for these Cowboys.

State coach Mike Gundy talked about the excitement of being ranked (21st in AP) but also said, "I’m also excited for everyone involved in building this football program to a championship level, which is where we ultimately want to be.”

OSU is not going to challenge for the South title. Too many severe road games. Missouri. Texas. Tech. But the youngish Cowboys (14 non-seniors start) are plotting a path for the future.

"I think our football team is better now than we have been in the last few years at this time,” Gundy said. "I like where our football program is in general.”

At season’s start, 7-5 was the line of demarcation. Anything better, great. Anything worse, disappointing. That line has moved; these Cowboys are capable of at least 8-4 and will be 5-0 after giving the Aggies very little to yell about today.

Berry Tramel: 405-760-8080. Berry Tramel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal network, including AM-640 and FM-98.1.