Arkansas vs. Oklahoma State Week 2 CFB Picks & Predictions

Arkansas Razorbacks (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) vs. No. 17 Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS)

NCAA College Football Week 2

Date/Time: Saturday September 7th, 2024. 12:00 PM (EST)

Where: Boone Pickens Stadium Stillwater, OK

TV: ABC

Betting Odds:

Point Spread: ARK +8/OKST -8

Moneyline: Hogs +260/Cowboys -320

Total: 59.5

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The 17th ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys took care of business in their opening week contest against South Dakota State in a 44-20 victory that was highlighted by a strong showing from senior QB Alan Bowman who hit 25 of 34 passes for 267 yards with three touchdowns. After a somewhat inconsistent junior campaign that was marked by turnovers, Bowman’s opening performance seemed to be just what the Oklahoma State offense needed, and there is legitimate hope in Head Coach Mike Gundy’s 19th season that this team can make a run at the Big 12 title. On Saturday, the Cowboys’ will get a step up in competition when they host the Arkansas Razorbacks in an intriguing match-up at Boone Pickens Stadium.

The Razorbacks are hoping to turn things around this season after a disappointing 4-8 SU campaign in Head Coach Sam Pittman’s 4th season a year ago. Over the offseason, Pittman hired former Head Coach Bobby Petrino as the Offensive Coordinator 11 years after he was fired from Arkansas mostly due to off-field issues. Despite the troubles, Petrino has been thought of as one of the better offensive minds in the game, and the Razorbacks kicked off the season in blazing fashion with a 70-0 thumping over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. While the competition was inferior, the Razorbacks offense scored ten touchdowns on their first ten possessions, which has created a buzz for the Razorbacks going into Saturday’s visit to Stillwater!

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Oklahoma State Betting Analysis

Both of these offenses are focused on running the football. The Cowboys have one of the nation’s top talents in RB Ollie Gordon II. Gordon led the NCAA last year with 1,732 rushing yards, which included 21 touchdowns on the ground. While QB Alan Bowman played well in the opener against inferior competition, this offense still flows through Gordon. Additionally, I am still not convinced that Bowman’s inaccuracy issues will not resurface against better competition. Either way, the Cowboys still have a path to success when Gordon is on the field.

The problem that I see for Oklahoma State is going to be when they find difficulty moving the football on the ground, and perhaps this is the type of match-up that will deliver answers. Arkansas has some size and athleticism along the defensive front. If they can prevent big plays on Saturday, they can definitely force Oklahoma State out of their comfort zone and into more passing situations. Furthermore, I really like Arkansas’s chances on offense as well. QB Taylen Green is a seasoned dual-threat at the quarterback position. Combining Green’s athleticism with senior RB Ja’Quinden Jackson, the Razorbacks have plenty of ways to frustrate defenses on the ground. Most importantly, Oklahoma State has been weak against the run in recent years, opening the door for opportunities if Arkansas can establish the run. Despite all of the focus on the offenses in this game, it could be the defenses that decide how this game unfolds!

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Oklahoma State Betting Trends

• Arkansas is 2-4 ATS in the last six games.
• Arkansas is 3-8 SU in the last 11 games.
• Arkansas has hit the “over” in each of the last five games.
• Arkansas is 6-1 ATS in the last seven games on the road.
• Oklahoma State is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 games.
• Oklahoma State has hit the “over” in 4 of the last five games.
• Oklahoma State is 9-2 SU in the last 11 games.
• Oklahoma State has hit the “under” in 8 of the last nine games against SEC opponents.

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Oklahoma State Betting Prediction

I like Arkansas’s chances to keep this game competitive, especially if the defense plays well against the run. If that happens, I would not be surprised if the Razorbacks have a chance to win this game outright. The points are plenty of cushion here for a confident play!
Jay’s Pick: Take Arkansas +8