Oklahoma Sooners vs Oklahoma State Cowboys: How to watch, start time, betting line and prediction
OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK
Frankly, I think most of us thought the Sooners were dead and gone after the Iowa State loss, and their track record would indicate that. But, the Cyclones have proven to be better than many anticipated, so the loss looks a lot better. The biggest debate right now is why Oklahoma is ranked higher than Ohio State, but those arguing are being ignored. Oklahoma right now has the head-to-head win over the Buckeyes, and only another loss would move them down.
Baker Mayfield's first and only College Football Playoff appearance did not end well, and he appears to be on the fast track to getting back there. While he and his team still have a ways to go, the Sooners have already started by making noise, specifically their win over Ohio State on the road. The former walk-on has 23 touchdowns this year and only three interceptions. His favorite targets are plenty, including tight end Mark Andrews and receivers CeeDee Lamb, Marquise Brown, and Kentucky transfer Jeff Badet. But it's the fullback that is the X-Factor, and he already proved that against the Buckeyes. Dimitri Flowers is far from your typical fullback, and has 19 catches and three touchdowns this season. His seven catches for 98 yards and a touchdown against Ohio State were instrumental in their upset win. That depth on offense will be needed in this one, and their defense needs to buckle up.
A big reason why the Sooners haven't looked like a top team, is because conference play has given them plenty of trouble. While they are 4-1 in conference play, they're allowing 33 points per game and their four wins have come by an average margin of 10.5. Last week's win against Texas Tech was solid, but that had more to do with the offensive performance. Their secondary is about to receive their biggest test yet, and how they respond will go a long way in determining this outcome.
OKLAHOMA STATE OUTLOOK
You want offense? Well here you go. We all expected the Cowboys offense to be outstanding, and they have not disappointed for the most part. The Texas performance was rough, but this team continues to find ways to gash opposing defenses. Justice Hill has found a new backfield partner in J.D. King, and the duo have rushed for 1,286 yards and 11 touchdowns. Their success has taken loads of pressure off of Mason Rudolph to pass their way to a win. Don't worry, Rudolph and his receivers are still dangerous, and it's not just James Washington. While Washington has eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving this season, the emergence of Marcell Ateman and consistency of Jalen McClesky have also aided Washington's success. With plenty of weapons around him, Rudolph has even added a running game to his arsenal.....sort of. His 65 yards are nothing to be worried about, but his seven touchdowns might be. Rudolph has prevented this team from becoming one-dimensional, and that makes them terrifying and nearly impossible to stop.
Oklahoma might struggle at times defensively, but Oklahoma State isn't a ton better. Also 4-1 in conference play, the Cowboys are doing better in points allowed (28.6) and average margin of victory in their four wins (16). They've also held two conference teams to under 14 points, which the Sooners have yet to do. Is that going to be the difference this year? Like Oklahoma, this secondary is going to get tested, and their performance will have big implications for the Cowboys' playoff hopes.
PREDICTION
Oklahoma State's offense was questioned after the Texas game, and they responded in a big way against West Virginia. What's scary is that performance may not be enough this week. This game could be a high scoring affair, but luckily the Cowboys are built to score. Oklahoma has the better resume so far, but can their defense do their part?
My pick: Oklahoma State 56 Oklahoma 54
