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 . http://www.italiacalciomaglia.it/ . -- Timbers coach Caleb Porter didnt stray from his business-like approach to the season even after Portland downed the two-time defending league champion Los Angeles Galaxy to gain crucial playoff position. http://www.italiacalciomaglia.it/maglie-antonio-candreva-italia.html . Colin Wilson had two goals and an assist, and Mike Fisher scored a goal and helped set up two others in the Predators 6-4 victory over the Red Wings on Monday night. http://www.italiacalciomaglia.it/maglie-giacomo-bonaventura-italia.html . Ronaldo produced a spectacular individual performance on Tuesday, scoring all three goals and guiding Portugal into the next years World Cup in Brazil with a 3-2 victory in Sweden. The Real Madrid forward has scored 66 goals in 2013, but the last three may be the boost he needs to upstage Messi after FIFA unexpectedly extended the voting period for the Ballon dOr to Nov. http://www.italiacalciomaglia.it/maglie-luca-antonelli-italia.html . MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez also will attend the session, which was announced Monday. The league has discussed placing its next two expansion teams in Miami and Atlanta. http://www.italiacalciomaglia.it/maglie-salvatore-sirigu-italia.html . -- Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis was charged Thursday with driving while intoxicated, a day after he was suspended for an NFL substance-abuse policy violation. Anusha Samaranayake, a Sri Lanka Cricket fast-bowling coach, has been cleared of the fixing allegations over which he had been suspended in February. SLC had launched an inquiry about Samaranayakes role in the fixing-related approach of more than one Sri Lanka cricketer last year. However, the ICC has since informed SLC that there is no evidence Samaranayake has breached its Anti-Corruption Code.Despite this, Samaranayakes role with SLC remains in hiatus, as he has more recently been found guilty of a separate disciplinary misdemeanour, SLC secretary Mohan de Silva said. This inquiry had related to Samaranayakes enterrtaining of guests at SLCs academy at Khettarama.dddddddddddd Samaranayakes contract with SLC runs until the end of December; although his position has not been terminated, SLC appears reluctant to having him resume his duties.Samaranayake has contributed to the development of several Sri Lanka fast bowlers, with bowlers including Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara citing his influence on their careers. SLC said a concrete decision on Samaranayakes future will be made in the coming weeks. Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Jerseys From China Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys Cheap Jerseys ' ' '