College Football Week 2 Preview: Arkansas at Oklahoma State
Game Time: Noon EST, Saturday, September 7th, 2024
Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma TV: ABC/ESPN+
Point Spread: Oklahoma State -8 Total: 60 (Betonline)
The Matchup
This Week 2 matchup between Arkansas and Oklahoma State is shaping up to be an intriguing contest between two teams with high expectations for the 2024 season. Oklahoma State, an 8-point favorite, boasts a seasoned squad with 19 returning starters and will be looking to protect their home turf. Arkansas, a live underdog, enters the game with a chip on their shoulder, eager to prove that last year’s close losses against top-tier competition were a sign of their potential.
Arkansas Razorbacks
- 2023 Record: 4-8
- Week 1 Result: Defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff 70-0
- Returning Starters: 9 offense, 8 defense
While last season’s record may not be impressive at first glance, a closer look reveals a team that was often inches away from pulling off upsets against some of the best teams in the nation. Narrow losses to Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M showcased the Razorbacks’ resilience and ability to compete at the highest level. The 70-0 blowout win in Week 1 over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, although not against a formidable opponent, allowed the team to iron out any pre-season wrinkles.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
- 2023 Record: 10-4
- Week 1 Result: Defeated South Dakota State 44-20
- Returning Starters: 10 offense, 9 defense
Oklahoma State is coming off a successful 2023 campaign that included statement wins over Oklahoma and Kansas and a berth in the Big 12 title game. Their Week 1 victory against South Dakota State, a top FCS team, was a solid start to the 2024 season. With 19 returning starters, the Cowboys are a well-oiled machine and will be a tough opponent for any team.
Key Factors
- Experience: Both teams return a significant number of starters, suggesting that they will be well-prepared and cohesive on both sides of the ball.
- Arkansas’ Potential: While last year’s record may not be eye-catching, the Razorbacks proved they could compete against top-tier competition. If they can translate those close losses into wins, they could be a dark horse in the SEC.
- Home Field Advantage: Oklahoma State will have the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, which could be a factor in a close game.
Prediction
While our model predicts a 34-21 Oklahoma State victory, we’re hesitant to dismiss Arkansas entirely. The Razorbacks showed flashes of brilliance last year, and with 17 returning starters, they have the potential to pull off an upset.
Our Pick: Arkansas +8
We believe Arkansas is a live underdog in this matchup. They have the experience and talent to challenge Oklahoma State, and their motivation to turn close losses into wins could be the difference-maker. We’re taking Arkansas to cover the spread and possibly even win outright.