One of the better rivalries in college football is set for this weekend, when the Oklahoma Sooners welcome the Oklahoma State Cowboys to town. Here is our Oklahoma State-Oklahoma prediction, odds and pick.
“The Bedlam Series” has lost some of its luster due to Oklahoma’s down year, but we must appreciate this rivalry before the Sooners leave the Big 12 for the SEC in the near future.
Be sure to check out our OddsShopper tool for the best college football odds.
College Football Odds: Oklahoma State-Oklahoma Odds
Oklahoma State: +7.5 (-110)
Oklahoma: -7.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 66
Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Spencer Sanders back for Oklahoma State
The Cowboys (7-3, 4-3 Big 12) are coming off a 20-14 win over the Iowa State Cyclones, which was their highest offensive output in quite some time. Oklahoma State scored 36 points over its past three games, including losses at the Kansas Jayhawks (37-16) and at the Kansas State Wildcats (48-0).
The obvious context to all this is starting quarterback Spencer Sanders, who missed the Kansas game due to injury but last week returned in the second half to spark the comeback win over Iowa State. He is expected to start Saturday.
With Sanders back in action, the Cowboys should have more confidence on offense. He has thrown for 2,261 yards with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions. His return couldn’t have come at a better time.
Oklahoma misses Lincoln Riley
Year One of the Brent Venables Era already has more losses (five) than any Oklahoma season since 2014. Lincoln Riley, who left for USC in the offseason, coached the Sooners for five years and never lost more than two games in any.
But it is more than the wins-losses for the team that entered the season as the favorite to win the Big 12. Oklahoma (5-5, 2-5 Big 12) is averaging 31.9 points per game, which ranks 43rd in the country. OU’s worst scoring rank was eighth under Riley.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel prepares for his Bedlam debut having thrown for 2,217 yards with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. But the Sooners likely will lean on a rushing attack that is averaging 221.4 yards per game and going against a soft run defense.
Final Oklahoma State-Oklahoma Prediction & Pick
It is tough to win a rivalry game, especially on the road. The Cowboys are 1-8 in their last nine trips to Norman, but they just need to stay within striking distance at the current spread.
The Cowboys are 6-4 against the spread (ATS) this season, and the Sooners are 3-7 ATS. The market has continued to have too much faith in Oklahoma, and it honestly wouldn’t be surprising if Oklahoma State secured a road win Saturday.
Best Oklahoma State-Oklahoma Bet: Oklahoma State +7.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
