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College Football Rankings: Top 25 after spring practice

By Cody Williams

Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) scrambles out of the pocket against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) scrambles out of the pocket against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) looks to throw against the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) looks to throw against the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
10

Oklahoma State Cowboys

2016: 10-3, 

For my money, there might not be a better offense in the country coming into the 2017 season than the one Mike Gundy is ready to deploy with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Both quarterback Mason Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington are back in the fray for 2017 and should only build on the immense success that they had a year ago. Rudolph, in particular, was phenomenal, secure and efficient last season and could really put on a show if he further progresses.

What’s more, the Cowboys added, even more, talent to that offensive unit and it was on display this spring. Tyron Johnson, a wide receiver who transferred from LSU, looked as good as advertised in the spring game and could provide a nasty complement to Washington in the Cowboys offense. When you give a player like Rudolph more weaponry — especially that high of caliber — opposing defenses are going to be stricken with fear.

Because it’s the Big 12, though, the question for Oklahoma State will be what it can provide on defense. The answer to that a year ago was 11 saloon doors to open the way for opponents to find the end zone. If the Cowboys are to compete on a national level, they must find something there and they might’ve in their secondary with graduate transfer Adrian Baker from Clemson. If he can provide a spark for that unit, this is a sleeper team that could surpass their in-state rivals.

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