In a surprising turn of events, the Oklahoma State Cowboys find themselves facing long odds for the upcoming 2024 college football season. Despite their history of success under head coach Mike Gundy, the Cowboys are ranked seventh in the Big 12 championship odds, trailing behind teams like Iowa State and Texas Tech.

Last season, Oklahoma State defied expectations by upsetting the Oklahoma Sooners in the final Bedlam and securing a spot in the Big 12 championship game. However, even with two appearances in the conference title game within the last three seasons, the Cowboys seem to be overlooked once again.

Under Gundy's leadership, the Cowboys have achieved double-digit win seasons on eight occasions. Remarkably, half of these successful campaigns came after starting the year unranked in the preseason AP Top 25. However, despite their consistent performance and impressive resume, the lack of attention heading into 2024 is puzzling for the team.

One factor that could work in Oklahoma State's favor is the return of running back Ollie Gordon II, who had a breakout season and won the Doak Walker Award in 2023. Gordon rushed for an impressive 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns, making him the top returning rusher in college football by a wide margin.

Furthermore, the Cowboys boast the top-ranked offensive line in the nation, according to 247Sports. With tackles Dalton Cooper and Jake Springfield combining for 89 starts, the unit is expected to be a dominant force in the upcoming season.

Defensively, Oklahoma State ranks third in returning production nationally, behind only Iowa State and Stanford. The team has playmakers at almost every level, including potential first-round draft pick Collin Oliver on the defensive line.

One key advantage for the Cowboys is the departure of their greatest stumbling block, the Oklahoma Sooners. Gundy has lost 15 games against Oklahoma, representing nearly 20% of his career losses. With the Sooners no longer in the picture, the Cowboys may find themselves with a weight lifted off their shoulders.

While history has shown that teams succeeding in the Big 12 championship game often struggle in their follow-up seasons, Oklahoma State has a few factors working in their favor. Gundy's successful seasons have typically come with experienced quarterbacks and superstar wide receivers, both of which the Cowboys have in quarterback Alan Bowman and wide receiver Brennan Presley.

Additionally, low expectations seem to benefit the Cowboys. In the past, when picked as top 15 teams in the preseason AP Top 25, they often finished lower in the final poll, including two unranked finishes. The exception to this trend was the historic 2011 season.

Despite the odds stacked against them, all the pieces are in place for another successful season under Gundy's guidance. Known for thriving as underdogs, the Cowboys may use the lack of attention as motivation to prove the doubters wrong once again.

Oklahoma State's track record of 10-win seasons and their talented roster give them a fighting chance to compete for the Big 12 championship in 2024. While the odds may be against them, the Cowboys are no strangers to defying expectations and proving themselves on the field.