Oklahoma State looking for more after Sugar Bowl berth

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) – Oklahoma State's climb to near the top of the college football rankings last season surprised many experts.

The Cowboys won't sneak up on anyone this year. Quarterback Mason Rudolph returns to lead a program that went to the Sugar Bowl last season and was ranked as high as No. 4 nationally.

Coach Mike Gundy is proud of what he has accomplished at his alma mater, and he doesn't think its success should shock anyone at this point. The Cowboys have 10 straight winning seasons and 10 consecutive bowl appearances. The media picked them to finish third in the Big 12 this season.

If the Cowboys take another step forward this season, Rudolph's arm likely will be the main reason. He passed for 3,770 yards and 21 touchdowns last season to post one of the best campaigns in school history.

Rudolph won't have J.W. Walsh to step in for him in red zone situations this season. Walsh had 13 rushing and 13 passing touchdowns last season. Gundy wouldn't mind having another dual-threat quarterback to play Walsh's role, but he feels Rudolph is capable of producing.