Fiesta Bowl 2012: 5 Things Oklahoma State Needs to Improve on in 2012

Everyone can improve—even an Oklahoma State team that just defeated the Stanford Cardinal in one of the best bowl games of the season.

This team has deficiencies. Some were clearly shown in the Fiesta Bowl, while some have yet to rear their heads but are coming.

Here are five things the Cowboys need to improve on in 2012.

Running Game

Oklahoma State has run the ball well this season, averaging 170 rushing yards per game. That's a pretty good figure considering that the Cowboys are a pass-first offense.

However, the Fiesta Bowl clearly showed this running game isn't where it needs to be.

The team rushing total was just 13 yards. Starting running back Joseph Randle rushed for 23 yards and a touchdown, but that is pretty abysmal.

Without a rushing game, all the pressure was put on Brandon Weeden and the passing game. The Cowboys got lucky this time. Next season without Weeden they won't.

Defense

This defense has been underrated all year, but it still has to get better.

Forcing turnovers is great, but against a really good team, that isn't something this team can fall back on. The defense has to get more consistent at making stops. Stanford went 8-of-14 on third downs in the Fiesta Bowl.

The Cowboys won't have to play Andrew Luck every week, which helps, but they still have to improve.

Play-Calling

Enough with the weird handoffs to wide receivers and strange power runs at odd times.

The play-calling for this team must improve. Without Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weeden next season, it will be all the more important for the play-calling to be spot on.

Those young guys will need to be put in the best position to win.

Getting Up Early

Oklahoma State was best this season when it got off to a hot start and an early lead.

But there have been a lot of games this season where the Cowboys won in spite of not doing that. Texas A&M, Texas, Oklahoma and now Stanford all kept Oklahoma State from starting quickly.

Losing the talent that they are heading into next season, the Cowboys must learn how to better start their games.

Gundy's Dancing

I'm sorry, but if this program is going to stay on the rise, Mike Gundy has to become a better dancer.

You can watch the video here. It's pretty funny and awesome, but I can't say that it is good.

If he can take his dancing to the next level, this program will go along with it.