Oklahoma State heads to Fort Worth, Texas this weekend in a battle for first place in the BIG 12. What stands in front of the Cowboys is also a team looking to claim first place, the TCU Horned Frogs. This BIG 12 matchup will feature the remaining undefeated teams in the conference. Both are coming off hard fought conference wins, but when you are in conference play, anything can happen.
Oklahoma State Cowboys Preview
https://twitter.com/CowboyFB/status/1579200026038902784
You can say that QB Spencer Sanders is one of those collegiate players you have felt like you have seen for 10+ years and never graduated. Well, the RS Senior has the Cowboys once again heading in the right direction starting 5-0 in back-to-back seasons. So far, the Cowboys have an impressive road conference victory over Baylor back in week five 36-25.
Without a doubt, the offense has been lighting up the scoreboard every week. When the worst outing for an offense is only scoring 34 points, that is a good problem to have. Oklahoma State currently is averaging 15 more points on offense than last season (31ppg to 46ppg). As one side of the ball is improving, the other side has taken a little dip.
The defense is 2nd to last in the BIG 12 in yards allowed and worst in passing yards allowed. Two areas where Oklahoma State dominated in the conference last season ranked 1st. The Cowboys next opponent (TCU) will be licking their chops as they are a dominate offense.
TCU Horned Frogs Preview
https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1578827156352036864
By far the one of the biggest surprises in the BIG 12 are the Horned Frogs. After coming off a undefeated battle on the road against Kansas and winning, the Horned Frogs have another battle against the Cowboys, but at least at home.
You can say that TCU has been on another level the past three weeks defeating SMU, OU, and Kansas. That force being led by no other than QB Max Duggan. Duggan this season has made plays left and right with both his arm and legs. This past weekend, Duggan led TCU to a victory over Kansas with a little help from WR Quentin Johnson. The star wideout led the game with 14 catches, 206 yards, and the game-winning touchdown.
The offense has done their part this season, but what about the defense you may ask? Well, the toughest task this season has been SMU and Kansas. Both road games and allowing 30+ points, but the offense won both shootouts. What will happen if one day TCU’s offense is not hitting on all cylinders? Can the Horned Frogs rely on the defense? We would have to find out.
Oklahoma State Cowboys v. TCU Horned Frogs Odds (DraftKings)
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- ATS: TCU (-3.5)/OKST (+3.5)
- O/U: 69
- ML: TCU (-145)/OKST (+125)
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- FPI: TCU 57.6%
- TCU: 4-0-1 ATS, 3-2 O/U, 5-0 SU
- Oklahoma State: 4-1 ATS, 3-2 O/U, 5-0 SU
Prediction: Oklahoma State (+4)
What I dislike about this matchup is that it is not the ABC night game. This is a true shot to the BIG 12 and college fans not taking the BIG 12 as serious as the BIG 10 or ACC.
I like TCU to win this game, but NOT to cover the spread this Saturday for a multitude of reasons:
- Oklahoma State is 13-3-1 ATS in their L17 games.
- Oklahoma State is 7-0 ATS in their L7 games on the road.
- Oklahoma State is 5-1 ATS in their L6 games played in October.
- TCU is 2-6-1 ATS in their L9 games against the Big 12.
- TCU is 5-12-1 ATS in their L18 games played in October.
With the Cowboys clicking on offense, plenty of bettors will run to place a bet on the over. It is understandable, but I am leaning with the experience on the Oklahoma State side to not let the moment be too big.
This may be a safe pick, but I like this matchup either going 35-34 TCU or 38-31 OKST.