Phillip’s Oklahoma State predictions for 2020

We may already be a couple of days into the new year, but it’s not too late to make some predictions for 2020 (unless that prediction was the Tylan Wallace was going to come back which I can’t use now. So thanks Tylan).

You can check out how I did with predictions for 2019 and then take a dive into my guesses for this year!

Oklahoma State men’s basketball makes the NCAA Tournament:

I realize that doesn’t seem like an out on a limb prediction, but considering the team is 9-3, has what will likely end up as a bad loss (Minnesota), and not much in the way of marquee wins (at Houston?), there’s no guarantee they do. Not to mention, they only punched their ticket to the Big Dance four times over the last decade, it’s not like it’s something the program has been doing on a regular basis.

OSU Women’s Soccer wins the Big 12 again:

This is of course barring a wave of injuries. That’s what derailed them in the postseason in 2019 and what wrecked a very promising 2018 season. The Cowgirls lose senior midfield Jaci Jones, but return arguably their best player (Grace Yochum), four of their top four scorers, their starting goalkeeper, and really, most of the impact players on the roster. This team, if healthy, is primed for a big year.

Baseball returns to Omaha:

It’s only happened once in Josh Holliday’s seven seasons. Heck they’ve reached the Supers just three times. But this year feels different. They return some legit weapons, and even if some go the MLB, the recruiting class is one of the best in the country. Not to mention that gorgeous new ballpark OSU will be playing in later this year. It feels like it’s all coming together for a BIG season of OSU baseball.

Football has a Top 3 defense in the Big 12:

The 2019 season saw Oklahoma State finish with the 5th ranked defense in the Big 12. Barring unforeseen transfers or early NFL exits, Oklahoma State will return ever major contributor on defense except Mike Scott. Kemah Siverand, and AJ Green next season, while adding Calvin Bundage and potentially Collin Clay. Yeah, corner is a concern, but in year three for Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles, with so many young players entrenched and with the depth at numerous positions, this should be a break-out year for OSU’s defense.

Men’s Golf misses the NCAA Championship:

It has happened just once in the last 70 years, but I don’t feel good about the Cowboys at this point. It’s kind of a rebuilding year for the program and so far, outside of one 2nd place finish, they haven’t been impressive. Golf Stat currently has the team ranked 54th and only one player — junior Austin Eckroat — ranked in the Top-100. It’s not impossible, the team could just get hot at at the right regional and play their way in, but it doesn’t feel like a “sure thing” like it has most years.

Tylan wins the Biletnikoff:

Since I can’t use my “Tylan will return” prediction, I’ll go with this. With so many talented pass catchers leaving for the NFL this year, he’s going to be the Biletnikoff favorite entering the 2020 season. This is all assuming a healthy year of course, but if he plays in all 13 (or more!) games next year, he’s going to take home the trophy at the end of the season.

Chuba takes over the NFL:

I don’t think he’s coming back and I don’t think he gets drafted higher than the late second round. But I think that wherever he goes, he’s going to have a Kareem Hunt-like rookie season (272 for 1,327 and 8). He’s going to show off his speed and agility and becomes a near-unstoppable weapon on a good team. This is of course assuming someone like Washington or Cleveland don’t draft him. (gross)