Revisiting PFB’s Preseason Predictions for the 2017 Football Season

This summer, we at PFB laid out our predictions for what had the makings of an historic football season. A lot of history was made, but the Cowboys didn’t reach all of their preseason goals — or the loft expectations placed upon the. Let’s just say that on some points were closer than others, and there were a few bold predictions mixed in.

So for the sake of transparency — and to open ourselves up to ridicule — let’s take a look at the those summer predictions and how well they’ve aged after 13 games.

Let’s start with some of preseason award predictions.

Rudolph was the majority vote and that’s probably the right call. He set or broke more records than I knew existed and Mike Gundy called him the most decorated OSU player since Barry Sanders. I can’t argue with Justice Hill, either.

On defense, we were across the board and any of a handful could be picked. Of these picks, Tre Flowers is probably my choice now. Before you roast Steven, don’t forget that Zach Sinor helped OSU lead the nation in defensive starting field position last year. This year the Cowboys came in at 13th.

Freshman and Surprise of the Year

J.D. King was a solid pick, especially after a 95-yard debut, but Gundy and Co. road Justice Hill hard. I’ll claim the W on my Dillon Stoner pick, even if it was a technicality. Porter’s and Steven’s picks will get another shot at the honor in 2018.

For surprise of the year, A.J. Green and Rodarius Williams performed well for being thrown into the fire with zero starts between them. Marcell Ateman is probably the winner though. Here’s Porter’s explanation for his pick which was spot on.

Marcell Ateman, not James Washington, will be Rudolph’s “I have to have this first down or touchdown or this game is in jeopardy” go-to receiver this year.

Now let’s run through some of our numbers predictions for OSU’s Big 3.

Mason Rudolph’s Numbers: 4,904 Passing Yards and 37 TDs

Looks like we all undersold the numbers that Rudolph and this offense would put up. He didn’t make every throw, and there are definitely a couple he would want back. But those numbers speak for themselves. This guy is going to be missed at OSU.

32 wins
13,618 passing yards
92 passing TDs
3 10-win seasons
50+ school records
All of the memories pic.twitter.com/WQAVUv1jqA

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) December 29, 2017

James Washington’s Numbers: 1,549 Receiving Yards and 13 TDs

[Clears throat] It looks like only one of us had Washington passing Rashaun to land at the No. 1 spot in Oklahoma State history. Another all-timer at Oklahoma State who will be sorely missed next year and beyond. The Cowboys have plenty of talent returning at wideout but they’ll never have another Prez.

Justice Hill’s Numbers: 1,467 Rushing Yards and 15 TDs

Kyle Boone is the only one of us who didn’t undersell Justice. The All-American snub led the Big 12 in rushing yards and TDs and returns in 2018 as Oklahoma State’s best player and one of the top RBs in the nation.

Boone is ahead of the curve for next year, as well.

2018. Justice Hill. Hei5man.

— Kyle Boone (@PFBoone) December 29, 2017

Return Yardage Leader (Punts + Kickoffs): Tyron Johnson (264 KO return yards)

Most of us saw Tyron as the leading returner but things didn’t exactly play out as we envisioned. The guy who Mike Yurcich said could get around Kyle Porter in a phone booth couldn’t get around the water cooler off of the sidelines. Hopefully, with Washington, Ateman and Lacy moving on Tyron will be unleashed on the world in 2018.

Tackles Leader: Tre Flowers (79 total, 54 solo)

Flowers pulled out the No. 1 spot over last year’s leader, Chad Whitener with 76 total tackles and 50 solo grabs. Justin Phillips came in third with 64 total tackles (42 solo).

Sacks Leader: DeQuinton Osborne (6.0)

The DQ Blizzard wreaked havoc from the defensive tackle spot. Jordan Brailford came in second with 5.5 sacks and Calvin Bundage was third with 3.0, two of which were on Bake Mayfield.

Interceptions Leader: A.J. Green (4)

A.J. Green had four INTs and Chad Whitener, Justin Phillips, Ramon Richards and Tre Flowers each had two apiece.

Rudolph’s Finish In Heisman Race: 7th

Rudolph had plenty of Heisman buzz early, especially after a record-setting performance against Pitt. But after the Cowboys started Big 12 play with a loss and stumbled along the way, his numbers alone weren’t enough for an invite to New York. Here’s a look at the complete voting.

Final Heisman Voting

Now let’s run through our overall predictions for the team, which were lofty.

Oklahoma State’s Best AP Ranking: No. 6

Oklahoma State’s Big 12 Record (and Place): 6-3 (3rd)

Final Record and Bowl Prediction: 10-3, Win over Virginia Tech in Camping World Bowl

Let’s just say our hopes were high for this team. With all the talent returning and the turnover at several other teams, especially Oklahoma, this looked like the year for OSU to run through the Big 12.

A year in which the big boys came to Stillwater, the Cowboys finished 3-3 at home. This season was a disappointment, any way you slice it. But the Cowboys were able to finish on a good note and have an exciting crop of young talent returning (and incoming). Here’s to another list of Kool-Aid fueled predictions next summer.