SAN ANTONIO ? Oklahoma State coach Les Miles wants to be where Southern Cal’s Pete Carroll and Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops are.

Until his team reaches the BCS championship game, Miles has discovered that Texas is a nice alternative.

Oklahoma State will be making its third consecutive bowl appearance in the Lone Star State today when the Cowboys face Ohio State in the Alamo Bowl.

Previously, the Cowboys had played in the Houston Bowl two years ago and the SBC Cotton Bowl last season.

In a roundabout way, the Texas appearances may bring Oklahoma closer to Miles’ ultimate goal.

Each bowl appearance raises the Cowboys’ profile in a crucial recruiting state. Oklahoma State signed 12 players from Texas last season and has 10 early commitments from the state this season.

“When we’re there in the homes of the prospects and in the papers and in the forefront of sports conversation in the Texas area, it helps us in recruiting,” Miles said. “It gives a great example to the Texas student-athlete and their families that we’re really not that far away.”

The success has been noticed. Miles reportedly has emerged as a candidate to replace Nick Saban at LSU.

If Miles stays, he’ll have talent. Key players such as leading rusher Vernand Morency, quarterback Donovan Woods and linebacker Paul Duren are expected to return.

At the same time, Oklahoma State hasn’t made it to the level of some of its conference rivals.

The Cowboys were 7-4 this season, aided by a 5-0 start. But they went 1-4 against Big 12 South opponents, beating only Baylor.

The season was a couple of wins away from looking much better. Oklahoma State lost, 38-35, to rival Oklahoma and missed a potential game-tying field goal with 11 seconds remaining. The Cowboys led Texas, 35-14 at halftime, then surrendered 42 points.

“We’re not exactly where we want to be,” Miles said. “We were in some games against some of the most talented teams in our conference. To say that we’re happy with the position of the program at this point is probably accurate. But satisfied, I don’t think that’s the case. I think in the future the only satisfaction will be with a championship.”