Oklahoma State would love nothing more than to leave little doubt in the spring.

First, though, that means the Cowboys must have a productive fall.

The Cowboys compiled a respectable 34-24 record last season, but were one of several teams entrenched in controversy because they reached an NCAA regional. You know, the squad that finished ninth in the Big 12 last season.

OSU competed in the Clemson Regional and needed only to defeat host Clemson once before the Tigers knocked them off in consecutive games to advance to the Tempe Super Regional.

Last season certainly ended in respectable fashion, but OSU coach Frank Anderson would like to put together a resume in 2010 that leaves the committee with no choice.

The Cowboys are in the midst of fall workouts and must improve in some areas between now and the spring.

It's time to break down their fall workouts.

Oklahoma State's five fall keys

1. Replace weekend starters Andy Oliver and Tyler Blandford -- The OSU coaching staff was on pins and needles in the weeks leading up to the MLB draft deadline. That's because they had three starting pitchers -- Oliver, Blandford and Tyler Lyons -- being pursued by pro teams. Well, Lyons made Anderson and Inc. happy by deciding to return for another season. Oliver and Blandford, however, decided to go pro. That leaves OSU with incredible voids to fill this fall. Oliver struggled at times last season, but still recorded 97 strikeouts in 88 1/3 innings. Blanford started 13 games last season and recorded 97 strikeouts in only 78 innings. He also held opposing teams to a .210 batting average. The Cowboys will have a tough time replacing this duo, but it can happen.

2. Tyler Lyons needs to be the man -- Lyons made a statement two seasons ago with a fabulous freshman campaign. He also was good last season. But the Cowboys need him to be even better in the spring. Lyons made 16 appearances and started 15 games last season. He also recorded two complete games and had a 4.07 ERA in 97 1/3 innings. Additionally, he struck out 77 and walked 25. But teams hit him at a surprisingly high .289 clip. If Lyons can even slightly improve, it would go a long way in taking much pressure off the rest of the OSU pitching staff. His success is crucial in '10.

3. Find a power surge -- The Cowboys could be in some trouble if the returnees and newcomers don't showcase some power in the spring. OSU must find a way to replace power hitters Neil Medchill, Micheal Dabbs and Tyrone Hambly. The trio accumulated 37 homers last season. That accounted for 46 percent of OSU's homers. That's an incredible statistic. OSU plays its home games at homer-friendly Allie P. Reynolds Stadium, so there's a good chance a few players will fill the voids. However, power production definitely is a concern this fall.

4. Lean on Belza, David and Ginther -- The Cowboys have only four returning hitters that were consistent contributors last season. The list includes Tom Belza, Kevin David and Mark Ginther. Belza led the team with a .346 batting average, David hit .311 with six homers and 47 RBIs, Kroll hit .309 with 10 homers and 36 RBIs and Ginther batted .303 with five homers and 19 RBIs. With the departures of a few key hitters, the Cowboys need the foursome to rise to the occasion this fall and in the spring. The Cowboys are in better shape if that happens. These guys are expected to produce.

5. Develop a deeper and better bullpen -- With the Cowboys returning just one weekend starter, the bullpen will be more important than ever entering the spring. That means arms such as Randy McCurry, Brad Propst, Uriah Fisher and Thomas Keeling will be expected to take on a heavy load inning-wise. McCurry is the leader of this unit and had a fantastic '09 campaign. He made 28 appearances and compiled a 2.16 ERA in 41 1/3 innings. He also recorded 10 saves. The Cowboys don't need an excellent rotation if the bullpen is on top of their game. Look for OSU to make shoring up the bullpen a priority.