College Football Betting: Oklahoma Sooners at Oklahoma State Cowboys
It doesn’t get much bigger than Bedlam. And with the Big 12 championship title on the line, expect mayhem in Stillwater on Saturday night.
The Sooners took care of business last weekend with a 26-6 home win over Iowa State. They didn’t cover the college football lines as 29-point favorites and the contest went under the total of 56.5.
It was a windy day so we didn’t see the same type of offensive output we’re accustomed to from Oklahoma. But the difficult passing conditions might have jumpstarted the struggling running game.
OU’s offense displayed balance that has been lacking since DeMarco Murray left for the NFL. The runners totaled 253 yards while Landry Jones and his receivers had 256 yards. The Sooners rank in the top 10 in passing, scoring and total offense but the rush attack is 42nd.
A run-heavy approach Saturday night might be a good way to keep Oklahoma State’s offense off the field.
The OU defense was sharp in its tuneup against the Cyclones. ISU managed 245 total yards and the lone touchdown came off of a short field.
The two teams that got past Oklahoma’s staunch defense this year carried excellent quarterbacks and passing games. Brandon Weeden and his cohorts not only fit that mold, they will be the best the Sooners have seen.
While the OU offense is elite, the Cowboys are a level better as they rank in the top 3 in passing, scoring and total offense.
Oklahoma State has had two weeks to forget about its loss to ISU and prepare for Bedlam. Head coach Mike Gundy said he doesn’t think there will be lack of motivation even though his team’s national title hopes are nearly extinguished. After all, there is a Big 12 championship on the line.
“They’ve got great motivation, and more importantly, we have another game,” he said. “They should be motivated to come out and play hard and play the best that they can for themselves and as a team.”
The Cowboys uncharacteristically had more turnovers than takeaways against Iowa State and that’s why they lost. This squad ranks second nationally in turnover margin and has 38 takeaways in its last eight games.
Oklahoma turned the ball over four times against the Cyclones after OSU had five against them. The turnover battle Saturday could end up deciding this pivotal matchup.
The rivalry known as “Bedlam” originated in 1906. The series has been one-sided for most of its history with Oklahoma holding an 82-16-7 overall advantage against the Cowboys. The Sooners are 11-0 in the last 11 meetings and have covered the college lines spread in six straight. Last year’s 47-41 shootout went over the offered total of 68.
