I don't know when the last time I was this excited about a football game.  Hiding behind the annual Red River Shootout between OU and Texas is Oklahoma State v. Missouri. 

I went to a DIII school where a crowded football game had a couple hundred people, but I grew up going to Oklahoma State games.  In Oklahoma, OSU has always played second fiddle when it comes to football.  Over the last decade the rivalry between OU and OSU has seen more parity, but never in years when OU was contending for a national title.  This year I have an optimism that I don't ever remember having.

This Saturday is the first test for OSU against a top 5 team in the form of Missouri.  Both offenses are potent and the game is sure to sport an over that will blow your mind.  But I'm optimistic because last week OSU's defense scored half as many points as it let up.  Dez Bryant took a punt return in for a score.  Yes OSU padded its astounding scoring numbers, but it did it using tools beyond the touted offense.  Have no doubt, the offense is still the big ticket item, but the emergence of the defense has given me new optimism.

Last week my high school team knocked off the top ranked team in the state behind the strength of a previously anemic defense.  I look forward to seeing that happen again this weekend in Columbia