NEU » Jose Mourinho maintains a hold over Arsene Wenger

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 . Cowboys Jerseys China . The veteran safety was a starter for the Bengals from 2008-2012. He totaled 41 tackles and three interceptions while starting all but four of the 13 games he played last season. Dallas Cowboys Gear . "I dont know that were close," said general manager Alex Anthopoulos. "I just think, right now, the acquisition cost just doesnt work for us right now. I dont know if I can quantify how far off or things like that that they might be but I would say we continue to have dialogue. https://www.cowboysjerseysale.com/ . The Nashville Predators were glad their captain was still on their side. Weber had a goal and two assists, and Roman Josi scored the shootout winner to lift the Predators to a 4-3 win over the Flyers on Thursday night. Cheap Cowboys Jerseys . Goals from Jerome Boateng, Franck Ribery and Thomas Mueller extended Bayerns unbeaten run to a record 37 matches. "This record is incredible," Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said. Cowboys Jerseys 2021 . Hamelin, who triumphed in the 500 on Saturday, edged out Victor An of Russia by 0.021 seconds to maintain his lead in the World Cup standings. Russias Vladimir Grigorev was third. In the relay, Canada took control six laps from the finish line to beat Russia and the Netherlands.Manchester United and Arsenal renew their rivalry on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD, but who are the Soccer Saturday pundits backing? The Gunners have found no Premier League ground more difficult to conquer than Old Trafford, last winning at the stadium a decade ago, while Arsene Wenger is yet to beat Jose Mourinho in a competitive fixture.However, the visitors arrive in superior form, unbeaten since the opening weekend of the season and in position to go top of the Premier League with a victory, while United are already eight points off the pace with just five wins from 11 games. Six months half price Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch Man Utd v Arsenal on Saturday and get the first six months half price Heres what Charlie Nicholas, Matt Le Tissier, Paul Merson and Phil Thompson are predicting for the clash...Charlie says: Its one of the few games I am quite negative about for my team, Arsenal. The reason being that none of them turn up for these type of games away from home. Danny Higginbotham examines the key tactical battles which will play out in Manchester Uniteds clash with Arsenal There are plenty of positives. Im expecting great things from Mesut Ozil after he didnt play in the international break, Aaron Ramsey is back in action, and Theo Walcott hasnt played too many minutes. But theyve let me down so many times in these type of games.The same happened last season when they needed to go there and really step up their title bid against a vulnerable United and they failed miserably. Mesut Ozil has been backed to deliver at Old Trafford On current form, Arsenal should be going to win this, but I cant back them because of the history at Old Trafford. If they start slowly then a Mourinho team wont let them find their rhythm.Everything tells you Arsenal are stronger and better, but this is when they always let themselves down. I hope Im wrong but I just dont see them winning. I think Marcus Rashford will start up front as his pace has bothered us and Im actually leaning more towards a United win than Arsenal.Charlie predicts: 1-1 and Rashford to score first (25/1 with Sky Bet) Charlies tip Agree with Charlie? Follow his Sky Bet tip here. Merse says: I think this will be a draw. Arsenal thought they could turn up in February and win, and ended up getting beaten 3-2.Wenger is moaning about Alexis Sanchez and Chile, I think hes just starting to make excuses already. Paul Merson picks his Fantasy Six-a-Side team ahead of Manchester United v Arsenal on Saturday Really, Arsenal should win this game on form, but with Mourinhos record against Wenger, I think he has a hold over him.ddddddddddddPeople arent really expecting United to win this, with Arsenal playing well, but Im going for 1-1. Jose Mourinho maintains a hold over Arsene Wenger, says Merse Merse predicts: 1-1 and Mesut Ozil to score first (45/1 with Sky Bet)Thommo says: Its time for Wenger to break his duck. I dont think theres a better time with Zlatan Ibrahimovic suspended and Eric Bailly injured and doubts over Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Antonio Valencia, so this is the perfect chance to go to Old Trafford and win.I dont think the Mourinho record will impact Arsenal too much because theyre full of confidence and I think theyll see it as not only a chance to break the hoodoo but to keep the run going. Thommo say its time for Wenger to stop protecting Alexis Sanchez Sanchez will be desperate to keep up his run of scoring and you just hope that Wenger is willing to unleash him and isnt too cautious after the concerns of him playing for Chile.Thommo predicts: 1-2 and Sanchez to score first (40/1 with Sky Bet)Le Tiss says: Ive edged towards Arsenal in my combined XI, with six of my picks coming from Arsene Wengers squad, but two of the Manchester United players Ive gone for are unavailable, so its really leaning in the visitors favour. Ahead of Arsenals trip to Manchester United, we take a look back at some of the more memorable strikes seen between the two sides over the years However, Wenger just cant beat Mourinho. The Community Shield is effectively a friendly so Im not counting that, so the monkey is still on his back.Le Tiss predicts: 1-1 and Mata to score first (40/1 with Sky Bet) Zlatan Ibrahimovic misses the clash due to a one-match ban Upgrade to Sky Sports now to watch Man Utd v Arsenal this Saturday and get the first six months half price! Also See: VOTE: Best Utd/Arsenal player I felt more wanted by Wenger Pires: Ozil can make difference Live on Sky ' ' '