Texas at Oklahoma St – Preview and Prediction
OKLAHOMA ST 2.5 TEXAS (71.5)
Implied Projected Score: Oklahoma St 37 Texas 34.5
MEGALOCKS LINE – Oklahoma St -1.5
The Game
It’s a clash of Big 12 contenders as the Texas Longhorns visit Stillwater to take on the Oklahoma St Cowboys on Saturday afternoon. The Cowboys are coming off a loss to Baylor and can really not afford to start 0-2 in conference play. Texas has had a couple of crazy games already with Notre Dame (win) and California (loss) and are competing in their first Big 12 game of the season.
The Match-Up
Oklahoma St offense vs Texas defense
The Cowboys have not got the running game going so far and that has hurt the consistency of their offense. QB Mason Rudolph is one of the best in the Big 12 (over 300 YPG so far) but needs help from the running attack. Looking ahead to the Texas game, the Longhorns are ranked #122 (!!) in pass efficiency defense, and Rudolph should be able to regularly torch their secondary. Texas does not seem to mind getting into shootouts these days so we expect the Cowboys to score a lot of points.
Texas offense vs Oklahoma St defense
The Cowboys are gonna score. But can they stop the Longhorns ? They have given up over 30 points in each of their past three games and get to face another loaded offense this weekend. Texas has been a nice surprise with freshman Shane Buechele leading the way. They are ranked #23 in rushing and #44 in passing so far after their three games, and although it is early, we think this offense is going to be a handful all season. Oh ya. We almost forgot. They also have two RBs with over 260 yards rushing. They have taken too many penalties and turned the ball over so the Cowboys will have to hope for some mistakes and try to outscore the Longhorns.
MEGA Mini-Bites
Here is a stat to amaze your friends down at the local watering hole…..The road team has won SEVEN straight in the series and covered the spread in NINE straight…..not saying…just saying….Texas comes into this game off a bye and we usually like to back the fresher team in situations like this….Okie St has already suffered a brutal “loss” to the Chips at home followed by a loss to Baylor….HC Gundy (one of our favs) is gonna have to get his troops to dig deep.
Summary
The line looks really tight at Okie St -2.5. If this thing starts creeping over 3 we will revisit during the week with a view of backing the Longhorns.
Conclusion
Official play: None. yet.
Lean: Strong lean Texas BUT only at any number 3.5 or better (most likely will not get there but it is always good to have a game plan). Total looks about right.