UPDATE: Oklahoma State is expected to utilize backup quarterback J.W. Walsh in certain offensive sub-package, particularly in short yardage and redzone situations. Walsh is also expected to push senior Clint Chelf for the starting position. Although, Walsh isn't an ideal fit to be the Cowboys' long-term answer behind center.
"Walsh does not posses premier arm strength or accuracy, which are critical to directing OSU’s Air Raid spread offense," Gina Mizell of the Oklahoman wrote. "But his athleticism and savvy playmaking ability give the Cowboy offense an extra dimension, while his leadership and toughness are qualities teammates clearly feed off of."
Mizell insinuated Walsh doesn't have all the tools necessary to be Oklahoma State's full time starter. Whether Walsh eventually starts for Oklahoma State this season or not, the Cowboys' duo behind center is the strongest set of signal callers in the Big 12 Conference (see: below).
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Mike Gundy has never really been a proponent of using a two-quarterback system. Last year, injuries essentially forced him to utilize three signal callers though. And, as a result, he now has two guys with experience and something to offer at the position. The question now is how he plans to use them in 2013.
Wes Lunt transferred to Illinois over the summer, leaving Clint Chelf and J.W. Walsh as the QBs vying for playing time in Stillwater. Chelf, a senior, is the man who closed out 2012 as the starter, while Walsh, a sophomore, brings a little more mobility to the position (though Chelf did amass 162 yards on the ground last season over 31 carries). In other words, they both offer Oklahoma State something different when they're under center, meaning Gundy has a viable reason to play both. Plus, new offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich is quite familiar with the strategy of employing a two-quarterback system, having done so at Shippensburg.
As we noted last week, Walsh will have a role in the Cowboys' offense this season -- it's just unclear exactly how prominent that role will be. And Gundy himself recently reiterated that he wants to get both guys on the field, noting that they each "bring something different to the table" and have good chemistry with their teammates. One thing that is certain: whoever is taking snaps will have a solid collection of talented playmakers to work with, led by receiver Josh Stewart (1,210 yards as a sophomore in 2012).
David Ubben
Big 12 QB rankings: No. 1 Oklahoma State
"Wes Lunt is gone, but OSU still has two quarterbacks capable of winning a Big 12 title with this roster in likely starter Clint Chelf and short-yardage specialist J.W. Walsh. Walsh nearly knocked off Texas in his first career start last season. Chelf has lots of experience in the system, and Walsh led the Big 12 in passer rating last season."