Oklahoma State rebounded from two losses in its first four games to win seven straight before a Bedlam loss wrecked its shot at a second Big 12 title in six years. Still, the Cowboys can secure a fifth season since 2010 with at least 10 wins by defeating Colorado in the Dec. 29 Valero Alamo Bowl.
What went right: The Cowboys grew up offensively. After early season tussles with Central Michigan and Pitt in which Oklahoma State rushed for a combined 150 yards, coach Mike Gundy insisted that the Cowboys were close to making major improvement in the running game -- a problem area last year as OSU struggled late.