OSU's pass defense was one of the nation's worst in 2012 and was particularly torched by Oklahoma in late November, giving up 512 yards through the air.
The 10-yard cushion the cornerbacks consistently gave receivers deserves plenty of blame for the poor play, and must change in 2013. But with more inexperience at quarterback across the Big 12, it's likely there will be more inaccurate throws and more mistakes.
Which means Justin Gilbert's chances of intercepting a pass in 2013 are already better.
Spring practice will again be a fascinating time to track the Cowboy quarterback battle. Last year, it pegged three guys with little-to-no college experience against each other. Now, it matches up three guys who all led their team to at least one conference victory.
Maybe Chelf, Walsh and Lunt won't all still be at OSU by the time September rolls around. Maybe they will be.
But right now, the best three quarterbacks in the Big 12 could all reside in Stillwater. And that might be the No. 1 reason why the Cowboys are the team to beat in the conference in 2013.
