The announcement was met with about as much fanfare as the first 11-win season in school history.
But here’s how important Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon returning to Oklahoma State — and not declaring for the NFL — is to the 2011 college football season: the Cowboys are now a legitimate national championship contender.
Justin Blackmon's decision to return to Oklahoma State has the Cowboys as a potential national title contender. (AP Photo)
“I get to come back here and play 13 games,” Weeden said.
The only question is where that 13th game will be played — and if it could be in New Orleans for the BCS National Championship Game.
Oklahoma State was the big winner among teams who dealt with star underclassmen contemplating entering the NFL draft. A look at the winners and losers:
Stanford: It begins and ends with QB Andrew Luck, whose return makes the Cardinal a top-5 team. Without Luck, Stanford would still return 15 starters, but have serious questions at the most important position on the field — and with a new coach in David Shaw.
Oklahoma: Keeping WR Ryan Broyles was big for QB Landry Jones and the offense. While freshman Kenny Stills developed into a deep threat in 2010, he doesn’t get the tough yards over the middle like Broyles, nor does he have the run-after-catch skills. Keeping DT Jamarkus McFarland and LBs Travis Lewis and Austin Box makes OU strong up the middle defensively.
Notre Dame: TE Kyle Rudolph was a tough loss, but had to go considering his history of injuries. But keeping WR Michael Floyd, a legitimate All-American, is big for an offense that still was developing when QB Dayne Crist injured his knee midway through the season. No matter who plays next fall (Crist or Tommy Rees), a favorable schedule (and the return of Floyd) could mean a trip back to a BCS bowl.
Auburn: The Tigers lost the two best players in the game: QB Cam Newton and DT Nick Fairley. Replacing both will be part of a major overhaul, including completely rebuilding the offensive and defensive lines.
Illinois: In terms of total loss, only Auburn was hurt more than the Illini, which lost RB Mikel Leshoure, DT Corey Liuget and LB Martez Wilson. All three finally played to potential in 2010, and are the reason coach Ron Zook still is employed.
Alabama: It could’ve been much worse for the Tide, which nearly lost LB Dont’a Hightower, WR Marquis Maze, S Mark Barron. As it is, the loss of RB Mark Ingram, DT Marcell Dareus and WR Julio Jones is significant. Of the three, Jones — a tough, physical go-to option in the passing game — will have the biggest impact.
Pittsburgh: Lost amid the turmoil of coaching firings (Dave Wannstedt and Mike Haywood) and hirings (Haywood, Todd Graham) was the departure of three core players: RB Dion Lewis, WR Jonathan Baldwin, FB Henry Hynoski. With those three losses, Pitt goes from Big East favorite to middle of the pack in a struggling conference.
1. LSU. Until someone beats the SEC in the biggest game of the season, we’ll go with the best team in the best conference.
2. Oklahoma. The big question: Will the loss of the Big 12 Championship game hurt or help the Sooners?
3. Oregon. Ducks have to rebuild on defense, but the foundation is there and the Pac-10 (outside Stanford) is woefully weak.
4. Ohio State. Even a five-game suspension for the team’s top five players won’t be enough to slow the Buckeyes (see: those five games aren’t as tough as they look).
5. Stanford. Don’t be shocked if Stanford repeats 2010, loses only to Oregon and earns a BCS bid.
6. Alabama. You say Mark Ingram, I say Trent Richardson. And the Tide defense will be better than 2010.
7. Oklahoma State. Without Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon returning, ’Pokes are a 7- or 8-win team.
8. Nebraska. The transition to the Big Ten will tougher than most expect, but Huskers are too balanced to not win the Legends Division and get two games against Ohio State.
9. Texas A&M. Don’t be fooled by the Cotton Bowl loss to LSU. The best offense in 2011 will be more prepared next season in a top-heavy Big 12.
10. Boise State. A win vs. Georgia (in Georgia Dome) early in the season, and 2011 looks like 2010: don’t slip up the remaining three months.
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