College Football Playoff: 5 reasons Oklahoma State wins 2017 national championship
After winning 10 games last season, we explore five reasons why the Oklahoma State Cowboys can win the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship.
The Oklahoma State Cowboys capped an impressive 2016 season with a dominating 38-8 victory over Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. The victory over the Buffaloes was officially win No. 10 for Oklahoma State, though a controversial finish against Central Michigan had many Pokes claiming 11.
Regardless of their official record, the Cowboys had a great season. Oklahoma State spent the season in the midst of a Big 12 Conference championship race, falling short in the regular season finale tilt with archrival Oklahoma with the title on the line.
Riding the momentum of last year, Oklahoma State is capable of even more in 2017. Recently ranked No. 11 in the preseason Coaches Poll, just three spots behind archrival Oklahoma for the top spot in the league, the Cowboys are in position to compete for a playoff spot.
In fact, our friends at Sports Illustrated slotted Oklahoma State No. 4 in their preseason Top 25. SI puts a lot of stock into quarterback Mason Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington, who rank No. 34 and No. 10 in the publication’s Top 100 Players of 2017 list.
But the Cowboys are more than just one of the best quarterback-to-receiver combos in the country. Sophomore running back Justice Hill and wideout Jalen McCleskey are All-Conference candidates, giving Rudolph one of the best sets of offensive weapons in college football. Also, the Pokes have the benefit of a few under-the-radar talents on defense, an experienced and improving offensive line, and a favorable schedule.
Put it all together, and Oklahoma State is a legitimate contender to win the Big 12 and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. If everything goes to plan, the Cowboys could even win the 2017 national championship.
5. Favorable Home Schedule
When evaluating a team’s chances to win a national championship, the schedule is just as important as on-field talent or coaching ability. Playing on the road is difficult in almost every situation, and opposing home crowds are sure to come out in full force when a likely highly ranked Oklahoma State comes to town. Home field advantage is a real factor in college football, and it goes both ways.
Fortunately for Oklahoma State, the 2017 regular season schedule sets up nicely. Assuming the Cowboys make it through a three-game opening non-conference set against three 2016 bowl teams (including a dangerous trip to Pitt), Oklahoma State hosts TCU in the Big 12 opener. The Horned Frogs aren’t ranked in the preseason Coaches Poll and are coming off a disappointing 6-7 campaign, but TCU is one of the most experienced teams in the nation and should be considered a dark horse Big 12 contender. Getting them at home is huge for Oklahoma State, and will set the tone for the conference slate.
The Cowboys also welcome Baylor, Oklahoma, Kansas State and Kansas to Boone Pickens Stadium. Oklahoma is the Big 12 favorite, and ranked No. 8 in the Coaches Poll. K-State enters the season 19th.
Playing Texas Tech, No. 23 Texas, No. 20 West Virginia and Iowa State on the road won’t be easy, but all three are winnable games for the Cowboys. With the return of the Big 12 Championship Game, and the lack of divisions in the league making the league title game a rematch, hosting the majority of the conference’s top half gives the Cowboys the best chance of winning any possible tie-breaker necessary to make it to AT&T Stadium.