STILLWATER, Okla. -- Oklahoma States strong performance last season and the return of 18 starters have earned the Cowboys a better starting position this year.Last season, the Cowboys opened the season unranked before Mason Rudolphs powerful arm led them to 10 straight wins and a No. 4 spot in the AP poll. The Cowboys lost their final three games last season, including the Sugar Bowl. Still, they left an impression, and Rudolph is back to lead a team that opens at No. 21.Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy understands the importance of that ranking and the perception that goes with it heading into Saturdays opener against Southeastern Louisiana.Being ranked is good, in national perspective, Gundy said. When they slide it (the school name) along the bottom of the screen, youre getting free marketing for the university, for your team when the rankings go up and millions of viewers see it. But in the end, you have to still play the games, and that all is going to take care of itself as the season progresses.The Cowboys will need to take care of Southeastern Louisiana, an FCS program that went 4-7 last year, in convincing fashion. Even the appearance of a slip could cost them dearly, and theres no major power on the non-conference slate to provide a potential boost. Next weeks opponent, Central Michigan, isnt receiving votes in the Top 25 and Pittsburgh, the following opponent, received 15 votes in the preseason poll.Here are some things to watch Saturday:BARRY J. SANDERSThe son of 1988 Heisman winner Barry Sanders isnt as explosive as his dad was, but hes still dangerous. The graduate transfer from Stanford is listed as Oklahoma States No. 1 kickoff return man, but others will get chances.REPLACING ATEMANOklahoma State receiver Marcell Ateman had surgery in July to repair a broken bone in his foot, and Gundy said he isnt sure when hell return. Ateman caught 45 passes for 766 yards and five touchdowns last season.I dont know that we ever feel good about losing a player the caliber that Ateman should be for our team, but thats one of those areas we talk about, Gundy said. We control what we can control. We certainly cant do anything about it, so we move the next guy in.Chris Lacy, who has 12 career receptions, is listed as a starter in Atemans place. Established veterans James Washington and Jhajuan Seales are the other starters.OPTION FOOTBALLIn the old days, defending the option was no big deal for a Big 12 team -- they did it all the time. Now, few teams run it the way Southeastern Louisiana likely will. New offensive coordinator Matt Barrett comes from Georgia Southern, which was known for various forms of the offense. Though Barrett was the receivers coach at Georgia Southern, Oklahoma State is preparing for some old-school, triple-option football.To have that opponent the first game is great for us, Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer said. Id hate to have had something like this in the middle of the season, so thats been an advantage, and we need all the extra time we can get.RB BY COMMITTEEAt least five running backs should get action for Oklahoma State: Chris Carson, Rennie Childs, Sanders, Jeff Carr and freshman Justice Hill.Its going to be interesting to see who emerges out of that, Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich said. Kind of tailback by committee to start, then see who has the hot hand and go from there.MINI-MULLETThere was a little extra hair laying on Gundys neck during his most recent media session.I feel like if we get on a winning streak we can talk him into growing it out, linebacker Chad Whitener said.---Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CliffBruntAP . Jerome Bettis Jersey . 8 Iowa State on Saturday, sending the Cyclones to their third consecutive loss. The Longhorns (14-4, 3-2) got their biggest win of the season with their third in the row in the Big 12. T. J. Watt Womens Jersey . Didier Drogba gave away the penalty that put Senegal one goal away from a major upset, but the veteran striker will get another chance -- probably his last -- at the World Cup after Salomon Kalous injury-time strike sealed the Ivorians place in Brazil next year. http://www.steelersrookiestore.com/Steelers-Merril-Hoge-Jersey/ . Woodson said during a radio interview Thursday that the Knicks Carmelo Anthony doesnt get the same calls as other superstars. Alejandro Villanueva Jersey . Ivanovic was leading 7-5, 1-0 when Hantuchova withdrew after falling 0-40 behind in the second game. The match started slowly for Ivanovic, who surrendered her first two serves as Hantuchova took a 5-3 lead. JuJu Smith-Schuster Steelers Jersey . Burke is expected to miss two to three months after breaking a finger in the teams third preseason game. Tinsley, a 10-year veteran, spent the last two seasons in Utah, where the point guard averaged 3.Tony Pulis hailed the improvement in Salomon Rondon after he inspired West Brom to a handsome 4-0 win over Burnley. The striker scored the final goal in a one-sided contest but played a key role in building the home sides lead in a dominant first half, setting up the second goal for James Morrison.Rondon has become a key player for West Brom after not always making an impact last season and Pulis is happy with the strides he has made. The West Brom boss told Sky Sports: Last year was a bit of a struggle for him. He couldnt speak much English.His children have got their school and I think the children speak better English than Salomon does. He understands it now so he has become a bigger part of the group. Salomon Rondon gave West Brom the lead If you go in the canteen, he sits with the players whereas before he would follow Claudio Yacob a little bit worried about not understanding the lads. Hes a good player and hes certainly upped his game from last year. Obviously he wants to score every week not just play well so its lovely to see him on the scoresheet.Three Scotland internationals gave West Brom a commanding half-time lead as Matt Phillips and Darren Fletcher struck either side of Morrison. West Brom 4-0 Burnley The result also gave the Midlands side just their third clean sheet of the Premier League season and their first in nine games, the last one coming in August.ddddddddddddPulis added: Were pleased. I think we scored the goals at the right time and we grew in confidence from there. Im really pleased with the clean sheet. Obviously the four goals are brilliant for the supporters and everyone else but its always nice to have that solid base. Sky Sports Black Friday sale Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 12 months half price! Its a pleasing performance and a pleasing result. Burnley are a good side and never stop so youre on your toes hoping that fourth goes in so you can relax a bit.Weve watched them quite a few times and if they get set theyre very hard to break down so we wanted to drop off a little deeper and allow them to come on to us so we could play James a little bit further up in the pockets.Its nice when you work on something and it comes off. Its a great result and the most important thing now is to prepare for Saturday at Hull which is another massive game for us.Im very, very pleased weve won tonight. Its a very important result for us. Like I say, the important thing now is the Hull game and making sure were ready for that.Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 12 months half price. Hurry, offer ends December 4! Also See: Rampant Albion sink Burnley West Brom 4-0 Burnley recap Premier League table West Brom fixtures ' ' '