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Preseason watch lists don't win football games.
They don't guarantee championships.
And they certainly don't hand out trophies.
But they do tell you something.
They reveal how the rest of college football views your program entering a new season.
That's why Drew Mestemaker and Caleb Hawkins being named to the Maxwell Award watch list is significant.
The Maxwell Award recognizes the nation's most outstanding college football player, and Oklahoma State is one of the few programs with both its quarterback and running back represented.
More importantly, it's another sign that the Cowboys' offense is beginning to earn national respect before the season even kicks off.
Neither Mestemaker nor Hawkins arrived in Stillwater because of recruiting hype.
They earned their reputations.
Mestemaker led the nation in passing yards last season at North Texas, proving he can thrive in Eric Morris' offensive system.
Hawkins followed with one of the most productive freshman seasons in college football, establishing himself as one of the nation's most exciting young running backs.
Those aren't projections.
They're results.
That's why both players are already on national award watch lists before taking a snap together at Oklahoma State.
Every elite offense needs balance.
The Cowboys appear to have exactly that.
Mestemaker gives Oklahoma State an experienced quarterback capable of attacking defenses through the air.
Hawkins provides a dynamic running back who can change a game every time he touches the football.
Together, they force opposing defenses into difficult decisions.
Commit extra defenders to stopping Hawkins, and Mestemaker has opportunities downfield.
Focus on limiting the passing game, and Hawkins has room to operate.
That's exactly the balance Eric Morris wants this offense to have.
Recognition is encouraging.
Living up to it is much harder.
Both players enter the season with high expectations.
They're also learning alongside new teammates, a rebuilt offensive line and a roster that's still developing chemistry.
Watch lists don't guarantee production.
Performance does.
If Oklahoma State's offense comes together the way many believe it can, both Mestemaker and Hawkins should remain in the national spotlight throughout the season.
The reality is that neither player is likely focused on winning the Maxwell Award right now.
They're focused on helping Oklahoma State win football games.
That's ultimately what will determine whether individual accolades continue to come.
If the Cowboys compete near the top of the Big 12...
If the offense becomes one of the conference's best...
If Oklahoma State exceeds expectations...
The awards will take care of themselves.
Winning has always been the best résumé.
For the first time in a while, there's genuine national excitement surrounding Oklahoma State's offense.
That's not based solely on optimism.
It's based on proven production.
The Cowboys have a quarterback who has already shown he can put up elite numbers.
They have a running back who has already proven he can become one of the nation's best.
Now the challenge is bringing everything together on Saturdays.
Drew Mestemaker and Caleb Hawkins didn't make the Maxwell Award watch list because of potential alone.
They earned their place through what they've already accomplished.
Now they have the opportunity to do it again wearing Oklahoma State uniforms.
For the Cowboys, that's the biggest takeaway.
National respect is already arriving.
The next step is proving it was deserved.
Recognition is a great place to start.
Turning that recognition into victories is what will define Oklahoma State's season.
Continue reading...
They don't guarantee championships.
And they certainly don't hand out trophies.
But they do tell you something.
They reveal how the rest of college football views your program entering a new season.
That's why Drew Mestemaker and Caleb Hawkins being named to the Maxwell Award watch list is significant.
The Maxwell Award recognizes the nation's most outstanding college football player, and Oklahoma State is one of the few programs with both its quarterback and running back represented.
More importantly, it's another sign that the Cowboys' offense is beginning to earn national respect before the season even kicks off.
Respect Is Earned, Not Given
Neither Mestemaker nor Hawkins arrived in Stillwater because of recruiting hype.
They earned their reputations.
Mestemaker led the nation in passing yards last season at North Texas, proving he can thrive in Eric Morris' offensive system.
Hawkins followed with one of the most productive freshman seasons in college football, establishing himself as one of the nation's most exciting young running backs.
Those aren't projections.
They're results.
That's why both players are already on national award watch lists before taking a snap together at Oklahoma State.
A Dangerous Offensive Combination
Every elite offense needs balance.
The Cowboys appear to have exactly that.
Mestemaker gives Oklahoma State an experienced quarterback capable of attacking defenses through the air.
Hawkins provides a dynamic running back who can change a game every time he touches the football.
Together, they force opposing defenses into difficult decisions.
Commit extra defenders to stopping Hawkins, and Mestemaker has opportunities downfield.
Focus on limiting the passing game, and Hawkins has room to operate.
That's exactly the balance Eric Morris wants this offense to have.
Now Comes the Hard Part
Recognition is encouraging.
Living up to it is much harder.
Both players enter the season with high expectations.
They're also learning alongside new teammates, a rebuilt offensive line and a roster that's still developing chemistry.
Watch lists don't guarantee production.
Performance does.
If Oklahoma State's offense comes together the way many believe it can, both Mestemaker and Hawkins should remain in the national spotlight throughout the season.
Individual Honors Follow Team Success
The reality is that neither player is likely focused on winning the Maxwell Award right now.
They're focused on helping Oklahoma State win football games.
That's ultimately what will determine whether individual accolades continue to come.
If the Cowboys compete near the top of the Big 12...
If the offense becomes one of the conference's best...
If Oklahoma State exceeds expectations...
The awards will take care of themselves.
Winning has always been the best résumé.
A Different Feeling Around This Offense
For the first time in a while, there's genuine national excitement surrounding Oklahoma State's offense.
That's not based solely on optimism.
It's based on proven production.
The Cowboys have a quarterback who has already shown he can put up elite numbers.
They have a running back who has already proven he can become one of the nation's best.
Final Thoughts
Now the challenge is bringing everything together on Saturdays.
Drew Mestemaker and Caleb Hawkins didn't make the Maxwell Award watch list because of potential alone.
They earned their place through what they've already accomplished.
Now they have the opportunity to do it again wearing Oklahoma State uniforms.
For the Cowboys, that's the biggest takeaway.
National respect is already arriving.
The next step is proving it was deserved.
Recognition is a great place to start.
Turning that recognition into victories is what will define Oklahoma State's season.
Continue reading...
