Only recently has Oklahoma State been expected to consistently challenge for a conference championship and national attention. That's thanks to Mike Gundy and the many upgraded facilities for the team. A rebuilding year in most minds, the best way to find out where the Cowboys stack up is a neutral game vs. the preseason #1 Florida State Seminoles. Even a close loss against the 'Noles in the opening game can give hope and momentum for a tough road schedule that includes TCU, Kansas State, Baylor, and Oklahoma. If the Cowboys expect to be at the top of the Big 12, they will need to find a way to win at least one of those mentioned road games. This also includes managing a home schedule that is weak for Big 12 standards. Most title contenders would struggle with this road schedule, so it is hard to see more than six conference wins, but Oklahoma State should still expect to go bowling for the 9th straight year, and 12th in 13 seasons.