Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State this week in a big rivalry Game with the Sooners favored by 8 with a total of 49.
Expectations were high for both instate Oklahoma schools before the season started, but both schools havent had the seasons they were expecting. Oklahoma had Heisman winner QB Sam Bradford coming back for another year and they were coming into the year off a loss in the BCS Title Game, so there was a lot to be excited about. Unfortunately for Oklahoma fans Bradford went down in the first Game of the year against BYU with a shoulder injury. He tried to come back and play in the Texas Game, but after he re-injured that shoulder he was knocked out for the season.
With QB LAndry Jones under center the Sooners find themselves in unfamiliar territory at 6-5 on the year and are coming into this Game off of a 41-13 beat down at the hands of the Texas Tech Red Raiders. There is not much to play for this season except for pride, and with Bob Stoops being the Coach of the Sooners we expect them to come out and play great football, because the last thing you want to do to top off a disappointing season is lose at home to your instate rival.
Oklahoma State has had their own troubles this season also. Their star WR Dez Bryant has been suspended for the year by the NCAA and their starting QB is coming into this Game less than 100%. Oklahoma State is still having a very good year, but an early loss to Houston and then a loss to Texas has ruined their BCS and Big 12 title dreams. They are riding a 3 Game win streak and need to keep that momentum if they are going to leave Norman, Oklahoma with a win.
PRIMETIME MATCHUP
Oklahoma runs a very balanced offense so when a defense makes them become one dimensional thats when they struggle. In Oklahomas last 3 losses they were held to under 80 yards of rushing which forced QB LAndry Jones to win the Game on his own and as we have seen when he has to do that his turnovers go way up. The Cowboys are ranked 2nd in the big 12 in rush defense allowing just 83 yards a Game on the ground which is the strength of their defense. Their pass defense is ranked 10th in the Big 12 in pass defense allowing 244 yards a Game, so their secondary really needs their front seven to stop the run and put QB LAndry Jones into bad situations. If Oklahoma States defense can stop the Sooners rushing attack and win the battle in the treNChes it will take a lot of pressure off the pass defense which will make their life a lot easier because they have really struggled all year.
THE FINAL VERDICT
The Sooners have really missed QB Sam Bradford this year. LAndry Jones has 23 TD on the year, but he has 13 INT also which tells the story about this Oklahoma team. They have shot themselves in the foot in key situations. In their 10-3 loss everytime Oklahoma would get something going they would turn the ball over. Jones ended that Game with 5 INTs. This Game will be won or lost in the treNChes. Oklahoma must get the running Game going and protect LAndry Jones or this Game could be over with early. Jones needs a solid running Game to take the pressure off of him, and open up the play action pass.
We’re losing some value here with the Oklahoma State side as this Game opened up at -10 and has been bet down to 8. We agree with the line move here. This one should come in under the number with a straight up Oklahoma State win not entirely out of the question. The may actually be the better team!
Oklahoma State +8