Daily Bullets (January 23)

Battle for the Reins

ESPN highlighted the quarterback battle in Stillwater.

The candidates: Taylor Cornelius, Keondre Wudtee, Spencer Sanders (arrives in summer)

Returning starter: None

What to watch: Record-setting quarterback Mason Rudolph is gone, but Oklahoma State can keep its offensive momentum going with the right replacement. The Cowboys threw 503 passes in 2017, but only 13 came from Cornelius or Wudtee. Cornelius has been waiting years for his opportunity, and Wudtee is an intriguing dual-threat prospect.

If neither separates this spring, Sanders should be a factor in the preseason as he comes in with the most accolades as ESPN’s No. 7 dual-threat quarterback in the 2018 class. Coach Mike Gundy called Sanders the most complete quarterback he has signed at Oklahoma State. [ESPN]

Oklahoma State fans seem a bit divided – Cornelius waited his turn! Wudtee’s got wheels! Spencer “Barry” Sanders is the GOAT! – and while Cornelius and Wudtee will have spring ball reps to themselves, anybody who’s watched Gundy closely is anticipating a long, drawn-out competition.

Washington in the First

With the pre-draft posturing underway with all-star games nearby, James Washington is drawing great reviews with his body of work.

A potential first-round pick, Washington has a chance to impress NFL scouts this week and make his claim to being this year’s No. 1 receiver prospect. At worst, he’s a high-end No. 2 target at the next level, with the upside to be a dangerous No. 1 in the right situation. [USA Today]

It’s hard to be pessimistic when the floor is a high-end No. 2 target.

Oklahoma State WR James Washington was a true deep threat this past season pic.twitter.com/qJx2aKQrIO

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) January 22, 2018

OSU and NCAA Notes

CRFF did a great piece on the “Creative Mind of Bob Stitt” – OSU’s new analyst….Tram brings the Big 12 power rankings….Twelve worst games in college football this year….Neat story about sports, sickness and a big Michigan fan….Bill C. has some fun thoughts around the college football playoff

Looking forward to seeing these (semi) streaking Pokes back in action tonight.

Texas Tech is a 10.5-point favorite against #OKState tomorrow. Believe that's the first time all season Oklahoma State has been a double-digit underdog. Largest previously was 9.5 at Oklahoma.

— Mark Cooper (@mark_cooperjr) January 22, 2018

Pleased with the VanGorder promotion but man, some BeamerBall would have done wonders for OSU’s special teams.

Shane Beamer leaves UGA for OU https://t.co/bRs8cXg1Aw

— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) January 22, 2018

These three will be missed.

I think it’s frame worthy @CowboyFB! pic.twitter.com/rWEfowrX5c

— Tre Flowers (@_Slimm7) January 21, 2018

No. 5 in the recruiting rankings, No. 2 (usually) in the standings and No. 1 in your hearts.

Current 2018 Big 12 Class Rankings (247)
1. TEX (#3 Nationally)
2. OU (#7 Nationally)
3. TCU (#20 Nationally)
4. BAY (#23 Nationally)
5. OSU (#28 Nationally)
6. WVU (#31 Nationally)
7. ISU (#57 Nationally)
8. TTU (#66 Nationally)
9. KSU (#68 Nationally)
10. KU (#70 Nationally)

— Derek Duke (@DerekDuke25) January 22, 2018

Basketball Pete!

Pete says bring it on. #bedlam #letswork #okstate #GoPokes pic.twitter.com/aFivfeopyJ

— Doug Shivers (@casdas29) January 20, 2018

What You Missed on PFB

• Mike Gundy appears to have settled on a tenth assistant
• Notes from Mike Boynton’s presser post-Bedlam
• Boone and Porter talk Bedlam on the latest pod
• Catch the latest recruiting news in the Reload
• A Bedlam win highlights the latest All-Sports Roundup

Other Stuff I’m Reading

• Tramel pontificates on the Thunder’s bench improvement
• These potential NBA trades are super interesting
• A bit nonsensical but fun recap from the final play of Friday Night Lights season one
• Fascinating to logistically hear about what it’s like to be a mother of eight