There may not be many questions as to whether Oklahoma State will beat Missouri State. The margin of victory is the real question. The teams have played eight times since 1993 and only one of those games (96) was close.
Missouri State has improved recently and made the FCS playoffs last spring. That may be enough to make the game a little closer. The Bears last played four months ago and that could also help, but it would be a shocker if they were to pull off the upset.
Oklahoma State's renowned offense was not up to standard last year with quarterback Spencer Sanders slowed by injury. Backup Shane Illingworth showed flashes in relief and should be a solid backup again.
The greater question for the Cowboys will be at receiver after losing the top three from last year. There are some good ones coming up and time will make them better. The running game should be good even with Chubb Hubbard gone. Some new pieces for the O-line must be found.
While the offense was underwhelming last year, the defense was a surprise and should be a solid unit this season with several returners.
The Missouri State Bears were 5-2 in the spring, with both losses coming to FCS top-10 North Dakota State. Missouri State had three wins over FCS-ranked teams in that span. The Bears were 0-3 last fall, losing big to Oklahoma and losing two close ones to ranked Central Arkansas. Missouri State has seven players on the preseason All-MVC, and five of those are on defense.
