Daily Bullets (Sept. 6): We’ll Cross Oregon’s Goal and Then We’ll Sing Oklahoma State

Three Thoughts

1. Boone Pickens vs. NIL
A national sports writer recently pointed out that Oklahoma State benefitted from a massive financial advantage long before NIL collectives entered the picture. T. Boone Pickens was essentially OSU’s NIL before NIL, funding the program through facilities and upgrades when the arms race for athletics spending was heating up.

As one writer noted, it’s funny to hear complaints today when the Cowboys themselves once had one of the strongest financial benefactors in college football history. [CBS Sports]

2. Game Preview
Looking for all the details for today’s game? PFB has scouting reports, predictions, and opponent breakdowns.

Freshman quarterback Hauss Hejny showed flashes in the opener before a foot injury sidelined him. Wideouts Terrill Davis and Shamar Rigby delivered explosive plays, and veteran defensive end Jaleel Johnson made his presence felt with 2.5 tackles for loss.

But make no mistake: Oregon is in a different weight class. They are a perennial championship contender that reloads annually. Saturday will serve as a measuring stick, highlighting the gap between where the Ducks are and where OSU hopes to be. [CBS Sports]

3. Realignment What-If
One national writer mused: imagine if the Big 12 had somehow landed Oregon in realignment. The Ducks’ brand, tradition, and West Coast footprint would have been a fascinating addition alongside OSU. It’s fun to consider — though Oregon clearly had its sights on the Big Ten.

Two Quotes

On Oregon’s brand:
“Can you imagine if somehow the Big 12 got Oregon in realignment? What a cool brand and locale.”

On OSU athletics strategy:
Solid administrative moves from Chad Weiberg and John Lutz continue to set up OSU well for the future, even in the ever-changing college sports landscape.

One Question

It’s a shame this game isn’t being played in Eugene. Oregon’s Autzen Stadium is one of the best atmospheres in college football, and it would’ve been special to see the Pokes take the field there.

Question: What post-2013 Oklahoma State team would you most like to see face this Oregon squad? Would it be Mason Rudolph and James Washington’s 2017 offense? The 2015 unit that started 10-0? Or maybe the 2021 defense that nearly reached the College Football Playoff?

Non-OSU Bullets

Pop Culture: The Ringer ranked all 173 cold opens of The Office. If you’re an Office superfan, it’s worth a read.
Faith-Based: A thoughtful reminder on the importance of speaking truth in love as Christians.

Oregon vs. Oklahoma State isn’t a traditional rivalry, but Saturday gives the Cowboys a chance to measure themselves against one of the sport’s elites. Whether OSU shows flashes or struggles against the Ducks’ depth, the matchup will be telling about where the program stands under Mike Gundy in this new Big 12 era.