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OSU fans are admittedly biased. We think Mason Rudolph has been underrated heading into the season, especially compared to the other Big 12 quarterbacks. Now it seems we’re not the only ones who think #2 deserves more hype.
Steven Lassan of AthlonSports.com listed Rudolph as one of his 20 most underrated quarterbacks of 2016.
“Rudolph is poised for his best season in Stillwater. Rudolph threw for 3,770 yards (second-most among Big 12 quarterbacks) and tossed 21 scores in 2015. He also tied for second among Big 12 passers with 16 passing plays of 40 yards or more.”
Rudolph should have a successful season. With weapons like James Washington, Jalen McCleskey, an improved (fingers crossed) o-line and run game, and no J.W. Walsh to vulture touchdowns in the red-zone, Rudolph is poised to put up some Heisman worthy numbers.
He’ll have stiff competition even in the Big 12 which is loaded at quarterback this year, with four of the top five from 2015 returning. That includes Baker Mayfield (OU), Seth Russell (BU), and Patrick Mahomes II (TTU) who have all been voted ahead of Rudolph in preseason quarterback rankings, including at ESPN.
Lassan’s article also includes two quarterbacks will make appearances in Stillwater this season; Cooper Rush of Central Michigan and Nate Peterman of Pitt.
OSU fans are familiar with Rush from last season’s tilt with the Chippewas in Mount Pleasant. Rush played a decent game going 28/41 for 225 yards and another 51 yards on 8 carries. It will be interesting to see how he handles playing in BPS when CMU and the Cowboys face off on September 10th.
One week later Peterson and the Pitt Panthers will come to Stillwater. Last year Peterson took the starting position and led Pitt to an 8-5 record while, as Lassen writes, he “threw for 2,287 yards and 20 scores. Peterman also posted a solid 61.5 completion percentage and tossed only one interception in ACC contests.”
It looks like OSU’s non-conference schedule might be better than anticipated, and offer Rudolph the opportunity to show off what he’s truly capable of.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article named “Robinson” instead of “Rudolph” when referring to Oklahoma State’s starting quarterback.