Oklahoma State Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

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Dec 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes running back Phillip Lindsay (23) carries the ball against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first half at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Glenn Spencer’s status as defensive coordinator

For much of the last decade, Oklahoma State has been a good, but not great Power 5 football program. Most years, the Cowboys emerge as one of the better teams in the Big 12 and are more than capable of winning 10 or more games annually, including a meaningful bowl game.

That being said, there is one member of the Oklahoma State staff under great pressure in 2017. It’s not Gundy, as he has brought unprecedented stability to his alma maters’ football program. The guy that needs to have a great year is defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer.

While Spencer has been able to send talented prospects to the NFL over the last nine years, it’s not like the Cowboys defense is getting better with him overseeing it. Yes, it’s tough to be competent defensively in the Big 12 with the Air Raid offenses. However, Oklahoma and TCU seem to be just fine most years in playing competitive defense.

In short, Oklahoma State is a top-15 program in college football at this time. However, the Cowboys have not had the defensive prowess to back up some of their more explosive offenses over the years. If Oklahoma State doesn’t live up to lofty expectations this fall, it might be the end of the line for Spencer in Stillwater.

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