Pokes Make the Polls, But the Only One Important is Tuesday's CFP Rankings

(Robert Allen contributed to this story that originated with Oklahoma State University athletic media relations.) 

STILLWATER – The Oklahoma State football team was included in the Associated Press Top 25 and US LBM Coaches Poll for the first time this season, placing No. 15 and No. 17, respectively. The Cowboys have appeared in the AP Poll in 16 consecutive seasons and reached the top-15 in 14 of those seasons. The only rankings that really matter are the ones released on Tuesday evening the rest of the season until Sunday, Dec. 3 when the final CFP regular rankings are released and will determine the playoff partiicpants and the New Year’s six bowl games participants.

Sunday marks OSU’s first appearance in either the AP or Coaches Polls since week 12 of last season when it was 24th in both rankings. It is also Oklahoma State’s highest ranking in either poll since landing at No. 9 in both during week nine of last season.

Pat Kinnison/Robert Allen

This tackle by Dylan Smith on the OU sidelines of Drake Stoops short of the first down line to gain ended the Bedlam game with OSU winning 27-24.

Oklahoma State is one of four Big 12 members ranked in the polls, as Texas leads the way at No. 7 in both, with Oklahoma (16/17) and Kansas (18/19) in the mix as well. Kansas State and West Virginia also received votes in both rankings.

The Cowboys jumped into the rankings after taking down No. 9/10/11 Oklahoma, 27-24, on Saturday. OSU is now 10-3 in its last 13 games against AP Top 25 opponent and has won three of its past four against those in the top-10. The win also marked head coach Mike Gundy’s 100th Big 12 victory, just the third coach in conference history to reach the milestone. He only trails Bill Snyder (104) by four wins for second-most in history.

OSU returns to action on Saturday afternoon as it hits the road for its first ever matchup with UCF. The game is slated for 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.