Dean's Blog: OSU-South Alabama Preview, Cowboys' Concern At Quarterback

**OSU will beat South Alabama and will be able to devote 24-7 focus on Week 3 opponent Boise State.

Winning is essential for the Cowboys – of course the Big 12 can’t allow for more stumbles. The elephant in the room in Stillwater is concern at quarterback. And that it’ll require strong QB play to beat Boise – and most games in Big 12 play.

I tweeted Wednesday: ‘Smart endorsement of QB Corndog by Gundy. QBs need to feel supported. As importantly, Gundy is wanting to (keep the ship steady) & minimal doubts with problematic Boise (then) eleven days away.’ Openers can be unnerving, especially for some QBs who’ve waited years before getting their first start – especially following a legend whose success only increases expectations of the next guy.

A dilemma that may require action Saturday could develop if Cornelius has a bad night – maybe a really poor first half. IF Gundy is convinced that Corndog’s upside isn’t what he’d hoped, you’d expect to see transfer Dru Brown get a good number of reps, in preparation for Boise.True freshman Spencer Sanders is the ‘future’ at QB in Stillwater. Perhaps if he’d joined OSU in spring workouts he’d be ready enough to take the reins early. But Sanders apparently ready, making Brown the logical ‘next guy up.’ Starting experience is huge. And he’s got it. But hey, CornDog may surprise a lot of people Saturday.

DC Jim Knowles and his OSU defense was impressive in the opener. Had his defenders in right places, playing hard, and wreaking havoc with a potent pass-rush. I’ve always like Brailford, but especially now, when bookended with a tenacious disrupter in 6-2, 215 Calvin Bundage -- seven total tackles, two for loss, one sack and one QB hurry.

**Tweet earlier this week on OSU: ‘A solid Week 3 OSU win over a respected, ranked and road foe in Boise, could help convince Coach Gundy that the positive ramifications (respect, rankings, perception) far outweigh his 3-Dud Non-Conf scheduling policy. OSU football is on the move. This ain’t your father’s Floyd Gass Cowboys.’

Thanks for checking in. We’ll report from Norman on Saturday. John Holcomb in Stillwater. And we’ll break it all down on Sunday’s Blitz. Then do it all over again next week……..