New York Times' prediction for Oklahoma State's 2009 football season

It’s truly unfortunate that a team as offensively skilled as Oklahoma State clearly remains the third-best team in its own division. To be fair, ranking third in the Big 12 South is nothing to be ashamed of, as both Texas and Oklahoma are national title favorites; in addition, despite coming in behind that pair in the South the Cowboys are the third-best team in the superb Big 12, which makes them an easy pick for top 15 status in the F.B.S. But I can’t shake the feeling that even with this tremendous offense, Oklahoma State will struggle increasing upon its win total from a season ago. Not that there’s truly anything wrong with that: the Cowboys are only one year removed from ending a frustrating string of seven-win finishes, and a 6-2 finish in Big 12 action would represent the program’s best conference record since the league’s formation. So here’s my prediction: 9-3, 6-2 in the Big 12, with losses to Georgia, Texas and Oklahoma. For those keeping track at home, that means the Cowboys would lose to three teams ranked in the Countdown’s top 14 teams. Minus Texas Tech, I’m convinced Oklahoma State will blow the doors off the rest of its schedule.