College Football Top 25: Spring practice 2016 edition

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Nov 21, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys offensive line led by Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) in the game against the Baylor Bears at Boone Pickens Stadium. Baylor won 45-35. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /

Oklahoma State was 10-0 and looking good when it came to a berth in the second annual College Football Playoff. The Cowboys had taken down West Virginia, Texas Tech and TCU in order to reach the perfect mark after 10 games, but the toughest stretch still loomed. Closing the season against No. 10 Baylor and No. 3 Oklahoma would be quite the test.

The Cowboys lost both contests and then lost the Sugar Bowl against Ole Miss, finishing the year 10-3. Defense was a major problem at the end of the season especially as they allowed 45, 58 and 48 points in their final three games, respectively.

The defense should improve with most starters returning while the offense should be just as solid behind the strong returning arm of Mason Rudolph. The sophomore quarterback passed for 3,770 yards and 21 touchdowns with just nine interceptions and led the Cowboys to the seventh-best passing offense and ninth-best scoring unit in college football.

James Washington returns as the leading receiver, racking up over 1,000 yards on over 50 catches in 2015. Marcel Ateman will also be back for his senior season. He picked up over 750 yards and five touchdowns on 45 catches.

The Cowboys will be bringing in the No. 43 recruiting class, according to Scout.com. Four-star safety Calvin Bundage and four-star offensive tackle Tramonda Moore are the highest-rated prospects in the group.

Next: 20. Florida Gators

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