Oklahoma State Cowboys at BYU Cougars Betting Analysis & Free Pick

Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-3 SU, 2-4 ATS) vs. No. 13 BYU Cougars (6-0 SU, 6-0 ATS)
NCAA Football Week 8
Date/Time: Friday, October 18th, 2024, 10:15 PM (EST)
Where: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
TV: ESPN

Betting Odds

Point Spread: OKST +9/BYU -9
Moneyline: OKST +270/BYU -350
Total: 55.5

Last week, the BYU Cougars improved to 6-0 SU on the season and 6-0 against the books with an impressive 41-19 victory over the Arizona Wildcats. The Cougars entered the contest as mere 3-point favorites but forced 4 turnovers on the defensive side of the football to keep their undefeated streak alive. To the surprise of many, the Cougars currently sit on top of the Big 12 standings and have vaulted to the No. 13 ranking in the country. This week, the Cougars will get the opportunity to take the primetime Friday night stage when they host the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Provo.

The Cowboys will enter this Friday’s game against the Cougars on the heels of an off week. Oklahoma State perhaps needed the “off” week considering they have dropped 3 straight games after starting the season 3-0 SU. In recent weeks, Oklahoma State’s offense has been unable to produce scoring opportunities and they have been held to 20 points or less in each of their last three games. Superstar running back Ollie Gordon II has been held to less than 80 yards rushing in the last three games, and senior QB Alan Bowman has tossed six interceptions in the last three games as well. Needless to say, Oklahoma State will be looking to turn things around on the offensive side of the ball this Friday against BYU.

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. BYU Cougars Betting Analysis

I will firmly admit that I was among those that expected Oklahoma State to be much better this season, but I think there are bigger problems than the overall final boxscore. QB Alan Bowman has made some poor decisions throwing the football. Bowman is being asked to do more due to the fact that the Cowboys have been unable to run the football effectively. The offensive line has played poorly, and we are starting to witness the trickle-down effect of Oklahoma State being unable to rely on the run game. Given what I have seen this season, this week’s road trip to BYU will likely be another difficult challenge because the Cougars have a very solid defense that plays disciplined football.

The Cougars’ defense has forced 14 turnovers on the season and currently ranks 11th in the FBS, averaging nearly 1.5 positive gains in turnovers per game. More importantly, the BYU defense plays physical football and is holding opponents to just 308 yards per game. Needless to say, this should be another difficult match-up for the Oklahoma State offense, which has struggled mightily in recent weeks. Offensively, the Cougars will also draw a positive match-up against an Oklahoma State defense that has not played well. The Cowboys’ biggest weakness is stopping the run, which will perhaps open up opportunities for QB Jake Retzlaff, who leads the BYU offense in rushing. With that said, BYU has produced most of their production through the air, so it may be interesting to see how they attack this Oklahoma State defense.

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. BYU Cougars Betting Trends

• Oklahoma State is 1-4 ATS in the last five games.
• Oklahoma State is 11-5 SU in the last 16 games.
• Oklahoma State has hit the “under” in 14 of the last 20 games on the road.
• Oklahoma State is 1-4 SU in the last five games against Big 12 opponents.
• BYU is 8-0 ATS in the last eight games.
• BYU is 6-1 ATS in the last seven games at home.
• BYU is 5-0 ATS in the last five games against Big 12 opponents.
• BYU has hit the “over” in five of the last seven games.

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. BYU Cougars Betting Prediction

Though I have been burned by Oklahoma State already this year, I don’t think this match-up is too daunting for the Cowboys. BYU does not have an offense that is quick striking or overpowering on the ground, where Oklahoma State’s defense struggles the most. Furthermore, if the Cowboys find some answers through the off week, I believe they can spread the ball around and frustrate the BYU defense. Simply put, I think this betting line is too wide. As a result, I am taking the points with Oklahoma State in a spot where they desperately need a strong performance!

Jay’s Pick: Take Oklahoma State +9

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