Reports suggest some Big 12 administrators have discussed boycotting Texas Tech after the Brendan Sorsby ruling. Oklahoma State shouldn't be one of them. If the Cowboys want to contend for a Big 12 title, they should welcome the challenge and beat the favorites on the field.
Should Oklahoma State still play Texas Tech even if rest of Big 12 doesn't?
Don't Boycott Texas Tech. Beat Them.
With the news that Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is now eligible following a Texas court ruling reversing his original ineligibility, the Red Raiders are once again being talked about as the favorites to win the Big 12.
Without Sorsby, the conference felt much more open. Oklahoma State is one of several teams hoping to enter that championship conversation. That's still possible, and the Cowboys should welcome Texas Tech and Sorsby to Stillwater on Nov. 14, even if reports are true that Big 12 athletic directors have discussed boycotting games against the Red Raiders altogether.
Here's why:
If you want to be a real contender, don't duck the favorite.
Championships are decided on the field, not in a courtroom and not in a conference office. If Oklahoma State believes it can compete for a Big 12 title, then it should want the opportunity to go through the team many believe is the conference favorite.
The frustration surrounding the Sorsby ruling is understandable. If reports are true that administrators have discussed not playing Texas Tech, it shows just how upset some schools are about the precedent being set. But Oklahoma State should have zero interest in avoiding the Red Raiders.
The Cowboys have plenty of reasons for optimism. Morris brought quarterback Drew Mestemaker with him from North Texas, and ESPN has already ranked him among the top newcomers in college football. Oklahoma State believes it has a quarterback capable of leading a high-powered offense and competing with anyone in the conference.
So why not prove it?
One of the most intriguing storylines of the season could be the quarterback matchup between Mestemaker and Sorsby. Both arrive with expectations. Both are leading programs trying to compete for a Big 12 championship. One is trying to bring Oklahoma State back into the conference spotlight. The other is trying to keep Texas Tech there. Defending a Big 12 title and another College Football Playoff appearance behind all the scrutiny .
Let them settle it on the field.
No matter what other schools decide, if I'm Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg, I'm not shying away from this matchup because of a court ruling or controversy. Keep them on the schedule.
If Texas Tech really is the team to beat, then beat them.
Nov. 14 in Stillwater just became one of the most interesting games on Oklahoma State's schedule.
