For months now, Oklahoma State's 2014 season promised the potential for a big bag of goodies, the payoff of mounting momentum and anticipated growth within a young roster.
The first impression, delivered Thursday night at Central Michigan: a mixed bag.
A win, yet in scuffling style against a team picked for the middle of the MAC.
Inconsistent offense.
Elastic defense.
So-so special teams.
The Cowboys prevailed 24-13 in Mount Pleasant, even clamping down the verdict with a late burst of dominance. Still, questions — and complaints — emerged.
Yet as with any mixed bag, there were answers, too, some of them positive.