5 Bold Predictions for the 2011 Oklahoma State Football Season

Oklahoma State's football season begins this upcoming Saturday against Louisiana-Lafayette.

Unlike last season when they were largely expected to be unimpressive, Oklahoma State has the blessing/curse of beginning this season as a consensus top 10 pick.

Despite the problems on defense that so many seem to enjoy nitpicking, they will have a big season in many different ways.

Here are five big predictions for the success they will have this season.

One of the Best Secondaries in College Football

Although the Cowboys' defense has been much maligned in recent years, the Cowboys were actually one of the top teams last season in takeaways (No. 1 in the Big 12 with 18).

A large part of that stat had to do with their secondary's ability to get interceptions. This season that starting secondary will consist of senior safeties Markelle Martin and Johnny Thomas, junior corner Brodrick Brown, and sophomore corner Justin Gilbert.

Last season, that foursome combined for 213 tackles and eight interceptions. They'll only get better with another year of experience under their belts.

The Offensive Line Will Continue to Impress

The Cowboys's O-Line allowed a mere 10 sacks last season.

Although this position group lacks stars, they are returning every single starter from last year's line.

With an offense predicated on getting the ball out as quickly as possible and more experience than last season, this line may give up even less sacks than last season.

Joseph Randle Will Be Named All-Big 12 First Team

Not many people have heard of this guy, but they will have after this season.

Last year, Randle was good enough as a first-year freshman to earn the backup spot behind All-American Kendall Hunter.

As a backup, he had 879 yards of rushing and receiving yards combined, averaging 5.5 yards per run and 11.5 yards per reception.

He'll move into the starting spot this season, and, though he'll share the ball some with other backs, he'll still have a fantastic season.

That, combined with a lack of top-tier backs in the Big 12, will lead to him being named All-Big 12 First Team.

Shaun Lewis Will Be the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year

Another first-year freshman from last season, Shaun Lewis settled nicely into his role as star linebacker last season and became a guy who was often in the right place at the right time to make big defensive plays.

Lewis had 58 tackles, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries last season on his way to earning Big 12 Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year honors.

With the departure of veteran linebacker Orie Lemon to the NFL, Lewis will become the leading playmaker on the Cowboy defense and will become the top defensive player in the Big 12.

Justin Blackmon (or Brandon Weeden) Will Be a Heisman Finalist

It's no secret the fantastic years these two players had last season.

Blackmon finished the year with 1,782 yards and 20 touchdowns, while Weeden threw for 4,277 yards and 34 touchdowns.

Both will show their consistency with a solid season again, and one of the two will be visiting New York at the end of the year.

Most would guess Blackmon, since he's probably hands down the best wideout in football.

But he'll get more defensive attention this year, and Weeden may have to spread the ball around more, which will help him have an even better year. Plus, wideouts very rarely win.

All in all, this season will definitely be a fun one for Cowboy fans.