2012 College Football Odds and Picks: Oklahoma State @ Oklahoma Vegas Odds and Predictions – Free College Football Picks 11/24/2012: With last weekend’s loss by Kansas State, the Big 12 title is suddenly up for grabs again. Two of the potential players for the conference crown will meet Saturday in Norman when the 21st-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-3, 5-2 Big 12) face the 13th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners (8-2, 6-1 Big 12). As if the in-state rivalry wasn’t motivation enough for both sides, the potential for a Big 12 title and BCS bowl bid should provide enough reasons to bring out the best in both teams. Playing at home, Oklahoma is a seven-point favorite.
As is the case with many Big 12 teams, the Sooners and Cowboys are both offensive juggernauts, and both sides can throw the ball with the best of them. Oklahoma currently ranks ninth in the country in points per game (40.8), and senior quarterback Landry Jones leads the eighth-best passing attack and has already surpassed 3,000 yards on the year. The Cowboys have actually been even better. Oklahoma State enters the matchup with the third-best scoring offense (45.4) and the third-best passing attack. More impressively, the offense hasn’t missed a beat despite injuries forcing third-string QB Clint Chelf under center. Meanwhile, running back Joseph Randle leads a top-20 ground attack, making the Cowboys one of the most balanced offenses in the country.
Neither team has been great defensively since conference play began. The Sooners are better on paper, ranking just inside the top 30 in points allowed at 22.5 per game. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are outside the top 50 in scoring defense, allowing more than 26 points per contest. Overall all, both units can be described as inconsistent at best.
The Cowboys Win If:
Despite being able to score points as well as any team in the country, the Cowboys’ biggest advantage in this game is their rushing attack. Trying to match Oklahoma blow for blow in the passing game would be playing to the strength of the Sooners. Instead, Oklahoma State needs to utilize Randle and the ground game to control the tempo of the game. If the Cowboys’ defense needs a rest or if Jones is starting to click for Oklahoma, an extended drive that eats up clock is the perfect momentum killer. If Oklahoma State takes advantage of their balance on offense, they can knock off the Sooners.
The Sooners Win If:
When Oklahoma struggles, it has been because opponents have controlled the clock and the line of scrimmage. Jones and the Sooners’ offense can take that out of the equation with a hot start. If Oklahoma can get on the board early and turn this game into a high-scoring shootout, they will have the edge. The Sooners have one of the most experienced, productive QBs in the country under center while the Cowboys have their third different QB of the season. If Oklahoma makes sure this game comes down to which passing attack can put more points on the board, the Sooners should emerge with the win.
Bottom Line:
As evidenced by their 50-49 win last weekend against West Virginia, the Sooners can go toe to toe with any offense and come out on top in a shootout. However, their two losses have come against teams that can run the ball effectively, as well. Although known for his high-powered passing game, Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy quietly builds strong ground games. The balance that Randle provides to the Cowboys’ offense will allow them to control the pace of the game and slow things down if need be. Meanwhile, the Sooners’ own ground has become less and less effective as the year has gone on. In the end, Oklahoma State might not be able to pull off the upset of their rival on the road. However, the do have the weapons on offense hang within a touchdown and take this game down to the wire.
Prediction: Oklahoma State Cowboys (+7) Cover the Spread
Oklahoma St @ Oklahoma Vegas Odds and Total
Line: Oklahoma -6.5
Total: Over/Under 71
Television: 3:30 PM EST on ESPN
Stop by NSAwins.com daily throughout the NCAA Football season for daily Hesiman Trophy Vegas Odds and College Football Odds plus daily updated BCS National Championship Betting Odds and 2012 College Bowl Odds.
| 2 EASY STEPS to BET on the 2012 College Football Odds! STEP 1: CLICK HERE to OPEN BOVADA Account STEP 2: Deposit with Credit Card or Deposit by Check and get a 20% BONUS instantly FREE. |