Week 5: Troy at Oklahoma State

The Cowboys have a lot of memories and emotions tied up in this rematch. Routed at Troy 41-23 a year ago, that game marked the first start by quarterback Zac Robinson, the benching of Bobby Reid and the impetus for coach Mike Gundy’s now legendary “rant” the following week.

Much has changed since then.

Robinson has developed into one of the Big 12’s best quarterbacks, forcing Reid to transfer. The Cowboys look like a real contender in the conference and a team on the verge of cracking the Top 25.

Just in time to take on Troy, with a chance to erase some of the 2007’s most embarrassing moments. Revenge on the mind?

“I would say there’s some natural human instinct for the players to feel that way,” Gundy said. “I would recommend that they prepare and study the game plan and go play hard instead of trying to gain revenge on somebody.

“I don’t know if that’s ever helped anybody win or lose a contest.”

At Troy, they tore down the goal posts after that win over the Cowboys. And the Trojans sure aren’t expecting any warm welcomes in the return trip.

“I know they’re fired up,” Troy running back DuJuan Harris said. “They want our heads on a platter.”

The Trojans, coming off a respectable showing in a loss at Ohio State, want to prove 2007 was no fluke.

“We have to beat them at their home now,” Harris said.

Notes:

The Cowboys are proving to be a quick-strike offense. Through three games, they’ve produced 10 scoring drives of two minutes or less.

OSU is the only Big 12 team featuring a player averaging over 100 yards rushing (Kendall Hunter, 149.7 ypg) and receiving (Dez Bryant, 108.7 ypg).

Troy lost senior defensive end Kenny Mainor to a knee injury at Ohio State. He won’t play against the Cowboys.

Player to Watch (Cowboys) – Kendall Hunter, RB

Through the disappointment of OSU’s trip to Troy a year ago, one bright spot to emerge was the play of Hunter, who was subbing for an injured Dantrell Savage. Hunter ran for 125 yards on 16 carries that night. Now the Big 12 rushing leader, he’s a dynamic rusher who puts balance in the spread attack.

Player to Watch (Trojans) – James Hampton, QB

Omar Haugabook gave the Cowboys fits a year ago and went on to be the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year. But Hampton has played well as his replacement, providing a reasonable facsimile of Hougabook. He’s completing 67.6 percent of his passes and is the team’s second-leading rusher. He’ll need a big game if Troy is to repeat its ’07 upset.

Oklahoma State by 20