How Good Can Oklahoma State’s Offense Be?

Expectations are high in Stillwater. Maybe as high as they’ve been since 2011. Maybe higher. But it’s easy to get ahead of ourselves when trying to make predictions about college football — especially in May.

All the available evidence points towards Oklahoma State having a potent offense this fall. Let’s take a look at what we know.

Exhibit A: Mason Rudolph

Rudolph drives offense. Not just this offensive system. Offense.

It’s an interesting discussion. Is Mason Rudolph elite? Adam Lunt did a fantastic film study on Rudolph that you should check out. His critics bring up some valid points.

Has Mason been worse on intermediate throws over the middle than deep to the outside? Yes. Does he still sail a ball or two, at times? Yes.

Did the reported broken rib he played most of 2016 with factor in? I don’t know.

Mason Rudolph is near or at the top of the list statistically with the best QBs in Oklahoma State history. And he’s done it while dealing with offensive limitations others haven’t.

He’s the No. 3 winning-est starting quarterback in America. He’s an elite college QB in my book. If he stays healthy, he will own all of the record books in Stillwater.

Could he improve? Sure. And he has every season.

Exhibit B: Freak Show

This self-claimed moniker from years past has never been more appropriate. OSU can field at least six wide receivers who would probably be the No. 1 option for most D-I teams at some point in their career.

That’s not hyperbole. Here’s my list.

• James Washington
• Marcell Ateman
• Jalen McCleskey
• Tyron Johnson
• Chris Lacy
• Tylan Wallace

There are several other promising wide-outs that could very well earn a spot on that list. LC Greenwood, Tyrell Alexander. Dillon Stoner had instilled a ton of confidence in the coaching staff before he went out with injury.

The group is stacked with numbers and talent. Spread ’em out four-wide and let’s take our chances.

Exhibit C: A Renaissance of the Running Game

Justice Hill showed a lot last year. He showed that the offensive line had improved. He showed that he was under recruited from Booker T. Washington High School. Most importantly, he showed that he’s got the potential to be an absolute star.

In his first three games, Hill totaled just 24 total carries for 89 yards (3.7 per carry), in lieu of the more experienced Chris Carson. Carson was injured and Hill took over in Week 4. From then on, the freshman averaged 105.3 yards per game and 5.8 yards per carry.

The fewer early reps probably helped Hill get caught up to the speed of D-I ball. But, as we saw, that didn’t take him long. Now he’s a year older and more experienced with an improved O-Line and OSU’s otherworldly passing attack. Hill should feast on the run defenses of the Big 12.

Conclusion

How good can OSU’s offense be? There’s a twofold answer.

I. It can be as good as their offensive line’s continued improvement allows them.

The line is improved and looks to be headed in the right direction. Cal transfer Aaron Cochran is a welcome sight to replace departed left tackle Victor Salako but there are still questions of depth and lots of inexperience.

The O-Line should get there under newly appointed coach Josh Henson but it will take some time to build depth.

II. It can be as good as Mike and Mike allow them.

I am not a Yurcich detractor. I learned the error of my ways somewhere during the last two 10-win seasons he helped steer OSU. He did start his career at OSU during a three-year QB carousel and with an empty O-Line cupboard.

That being said, there is always room for improvement. And we need to see Yurcich make use of all his weapons. See Exhibit B.

Last season, the Cowboys boasted a top-20 offense and averaged 2.89 points per drive. That’s just short of the 2010 team (2.96) and within reach of the gold standard 2011 team (3.42). If we see some natural progression at a few spots and Yurcich is allowed to coach to his players’ strengths they have the firepower to reach that 2011 level.