Oklahoma State is on the verge of one of its most important football games in recent history.

The Cowboys, ranked in the top 25 for the first time in four years, are a week away from a critical nationally televised showdown against unbeaten and No. 4-ranked Missouri on the road.

It would be the first time an OSU game has featured two ranked teams since 2004 when Vince Young led a ridiculous Texas comeback over the Cowboys in Austin. The Longhorns have given OSU plenty of headaches since.

But, before next week’s potentially gigantic matchup in Columbia, OSU must take care of another program that has given it headaches over the past few years in Texas A&M.;

The Cowboys have not beaten the Aggies since 2003. In 2004, OSU came in ranked No. 16 in the nation and fell 36-20 at home to A&M.; The next season, Mike Gundy’s first as head coach, the Cowboys were pasted 62-23 in College Station.

A&M;’s last two victories over OSU have been a pair of hair-pulling one-point outcomes. In 2006, the Cowboys had an extra point blocked in overtime to lose 34-33. Last year, OSU squandered a 17-point lead in losing 24-23.

Tonight, the Cowboys, ranked No. 21 in the AP poll, gets another chance against the Aggies at home at Boone Pickens Stadium.

OSU figures to change their recent woes against this A&M; squad.

The Cowboys (4-0) lead the nation in rushing at 340 yards per game. Kendall Hunter and Keith Toston are ranked 1-2 in the Big 12 in rushing.

OSU’s offense, which has gotten off to dynamic start, ranks in the top 5 nationally in scoring and total offense as well. Conversely, A&M; (2-2) has hardly resembled the Wrecking Crew defense of years past. The Aggies are ranked 115th in the nation in run defense.

Led by first-year head coach Mike Sherman, A&M; has shown growing pains. The Aggies lost their season opener at home against Arkansas State and barely survived against Army last week.

On paper, OSU appears to be superior to A&M.; The Cowboys are an astounding 24-point favorite, according to oddsmakers.

But, then again, USC was a huge favorite over Oregon State last week. So was Florida when the Gators hosted Mississippi. And Wisconsin figured to breeze past Michigan. All three previously-unbeaten top-10 ranked teams were shocked.

Over the past year and a half, there has been no such thing as a sure thing in college football.

The Cowboys should win tonight’s game and go to Missouri with a 5-0 record. But, if nothing else, OSU’s recent history with A&M; should provide ammunition for the Cowboys to not look past the Aggies.



Hein is a News & Eagle sports writer.