Sports..My Alma Mater is back in the Ranks..

What a difference a year makes.

My alma mater Oklahoma State is riding high with a 4-0 record and is one of six Big 12 teams to be ranked this week. An explosive offense that has hung 50 points on each of its last three opponents is bringing back memories of previous Cowboy teams when Barry Sanders was here 20 years ago after a 55-24 rout of Troy last week.

"I would say winning gives everybody a good feeling," Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said. "When the guys are walking on campus, I would guess that people are telling them they are playing well. I imagine they are feeling pretty good about themselves."

Only a year ago, the prospects for the program weren't nearly as bright. The Cowboys limped home after a loss to Troy in quarterback Zac Robinson's first career start. The residue of discontent sparked Gundy's infamous rant after beating Texas Tech in their conference opener.

Fast forward a year later and it's much quieter around Stillwater. Their 21 spot national ranking -- their first since Gundy took over in 2005 -- is a milestone of sorts for the program as we head into our Big 12 opener Saturday night against Texas A&M.

new players have come along who might give them more firepower than last season. RB Kendall Hunter ranks third nationally with an average of 154.5 rushing yards per game and has a capable backup in Keith Toston, who has run for 100 yards in each of his last two games. The Cowboys lead the nation in rushing, rank third in scoring and are fourth in total offense.

Dez Bryant has developed into a key receiving threat who has already snagged six touchdown receptions, including three last week against Troy. These guys have truly taken some pressure off Robinson, who finds he doesn't have to be as big a part of the offense as when he rushed for 847 yards last season.

I can't predict how the rest of the season for Oklahoma State will turnout, we have four opponents so far have a combined record of 6-11. And play all four of the Big 12 teams ranked in the top seven nationally. Ultimately, I really think we can hold our own right now.

The Cowboys will be looking for revenge against Texas A&M, which has posted a pair of one-point victories against us in the last two seasons. The Aggies escaped with a tight overtime victory in Stillwater in 2006 when an Oklahoma State extra point was blocked, the loss at College Station last season after squandering a 17-0 halftime lead.

For the first time in Gundy's coaching tenure, we'll have a settled quarterback situation this week against the Aggies with Robinson in charge. I feeling great, and look forward to the rest of a really exciting season.

Suga HiL

Source: ESPN