Oklahoma State point/counterpoint: Was the Cowboys' defensive performance vs. Arizona an aberration?

Yeah, I drank the Kool-Aid, gulping down all the offseason offerings on OSU's improved defense.

But there was a basis for my believing, too, knowing that Brod Brown and Justin Gilbert are stud corners and the returning backers bring experience and ability and the front four enjoys better depth and talent than at any time in recent history.

Now I'm confused. None of the above rang true in Tucson.

Nada.

I'm not ready to write the crew off, still believing that the talent is in place for a solid defense. Maybe the Pokes were out-schemed in the desert. Maybe Bill Young was missed more than we know. Maybe they just need a mulligan.

But I'm swearing off the Kool-Aid.

Can the Cowboys be better? Sure; no way they're as a bad as week ago.

Can they be one of the best defenses in the Big 12? Pass the coffee.

GINA MIZELL