STILLWATER — The three neon hats look as if they don't belong on the Oklahoma State sideline.

Green, yellow, and blue, they bob frantically before each offensive snap. Hands and arms wave wild like third base coaches from the mystery men who wear them. It's the latest evolution of decades-long Cowboy football signal deception.

“It's a lot of fun with the espionage,” offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich said.

An often unheralded truth behind OSU's offensive success is the quarterback's ability to instantly communicate with the sideline. The Cowboys averaged 78.6 plays through their first five games and are likely to reach a similar mark starting 2:30 p.m. Saturday against Iowa State. Inside the chaos of Boone Pickens Stadium, a secret three-hat code will be recited over and again.