CNNSI.com - 2000 College Football Preview - CNNSI.com's Oklahoma State preview

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Oklahoma State Cowboys

Critical year for Simmons, Lindsay

'99: 5-6, 3-5 Big 12

College Football: The New Century

Coach

Bob Simmons, (sixth season, 27-30)

Key offensive players

Tony Lindsay, QB, Sr.
Four-year starter hopes to return to his freshman form, when he directed the Cowboys to their last bowl appearance.

Jamaal Fobbs, TB, Sr.
Leading rusher last season (110 carries, 544 yards) will be primary rushing threat after splitting time with Nathan Simmons last year.

Marcellus Rivers, TE, Sr.
May be switched at times to wide receiver this year after struggling with injuries and suspensions last season.

Key defensive players

Juqua Thomas, DE, Sr.
Seven sacks last season could be an indicator of big season.

Ivan Maisel's Player of the Century: Barry Sanders, RB, 1986-88
"Just think how many yards he might have gained if he hadn't shared the job with Thurman Thomas."

Brightest Moment: Sanders smashed the NCAA single-season record book with 2,628 yards rushing in 1988 and didn't stop until he carried off the Heisman Trophy.

Lowest Moment: Oklahoma's 73-12 victory over the Cowboys in 1946 was the worst loss in school history at time and started a 19-game losing streak to the Sooners that would stretch through '65.

Dwayne Levels, LB, Jr.
Most experienced prospect will lead inexperienced linebacking crew that loses all four starters.

Chris Massey, S, So.
Former Parade All-American high-school quarterback developed into solid contributor last season.

Key newcomer

Ron Able, LB, Jr.
Junior college transfer who will receive immediate chance at playing time because of his speed, size and work ethic.

Throwback player

LB Dwayne Levels will be counted to give his brand of toughness to the most inexperienced part of the Cowboys' defense.

21st century player

Versatile, athletic performer Massey is a former QB with an increased role in the secondary. He also blocked two punts last year.

Fast fact

Simmons has added five assistant coaches this season, including new offensive coordinator Del Miller.

Outlook

Lindsay has struggled with injuries during the last two years -- the main reason the Cowboys have failed to duplicate the Alamo Bowl trip of his freshman season. The Cowboys' most critical need is to find some producers at both linebacker and wide receiver and could have trouble filling both slots this season. The heat is on Simmons after two straight 5-6 seasons, even though he signed a contract extension before the start of last season. Lindsay must rebound to his freshman form and several young players need to emerge for a young team that lost 22 seniors from last season.

-- Tim Griffin