Oklahoma State fans' mood: Excitement, with a little unease

"I don't think there is an OSU fan out there that isn't fully energized about the potential this team has now," said Cowboy fan Mike Perez of Tulsa.

The Oklahoman polled 30 Cowboy fans via e-mail, and the excitement about Mike Gundy's squad is reaching unique heights.

"I guess I'm the 'typical' OSU fan," said Tristan Brown of Valliant. "Every season I say, 'This is the year we've been waiting for.' So my mood is still the same, OSU just hasn't made me look a fool this season!"

With OSU losing several starters, many expected a rebuilding year for the Cowboys.

"Being able to have success during what was supposed to be a 'rebuilding year' shows that we have taken that step to the next," said Greg Young of Midwest City.

Despite all the excitement surrounding the first-place Cowboys, apprehension remains. Traditional Big 12 power Texas looms on Saturday, and several OSU fans are hesitant to assume the Cowboys will defeat the Longhorns despite Texas' 4-5 record. Visions of second-half collapses and Longhorn comebacks remain fresh in everyone's mind regarding a series Texas leads 22-2 including 12 straight wins.

"Being a lifelong Cowboy fan and having gone to school there, I don't want to let myself get too excited yet, " said Greg Young of Midwest City."They should beat them, but I am definitely not getting my hopes too high at this point."