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We were told during the spring and fall camps the quarterback competition was neck and neck. Now, We are finding out the competition was neck, neck and neck. When Wes Lunt went down in the third game of the season, J.W. Walsh stepped in and threw for 347 yards and four touchdowns. Walsh then suffered a season ending knee injury, then Clint Chelf stepped in and threw for 233 yards and a touchdown. No matter who has been behind center, the Oklahoma State Cowboys’ offense has flourished all season.
With the way all three have performed this season, it has become obvious just how close the competition for the starting job was. Chelf, a senior, wasn’t looked at as a leader because of his quiet demeanor, but he has come in as relief to perform well enough to give head coach Mike Gundy reason to split time between Lunt and Chelf. Let’s also not get carried away, the split practice time might also be due to Lunt not being 100%.
The Cowboys have the second best passing game in the Big 12, a pretty big accomplishment with the talented pool of quarterbacks in the conference, and a close look at some situational stats shows the progression of the season with the revolving door at quarterback has been remarkable. The offense ranks third in first and fourth down passing efficiency within the conference and now rank second nationally in total offense, third in passing offense, eighth in scoring offense and 12th in redzone offense.
The cliché is stats don’t always tell the story, however, they are a good base to begin an evaluation of how teams are performing. Cowboy fans should feel good about the future whether it is Walsh or Lunt next season. Both have executed very well in Gundy’s system, they haven’t faltered enough to show cause for concern moving forward. It’s frustrating to watch your team go through so many injuries, especially at one position, but just look at the Maryland Terrapins and ask yourself; which situation would I rather be in as a fan?
In spite of the injuries to the Cowboys’ field generals the offense hasn’t missed a beat and has maintained a high level of productivity. The OSU offense has averaged 576 yards and 42 points a game with all three quarterbacks proficient in the passing attack. Injuries are always tough to overcome and while Oklahoma State fans didn’t know what to expect after the Brandon Weeden, Justin Blackmon era came to an end, this season has proved one thing, Mike Gundy’s system will prevail.
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