All Pokes Staff Score Predictions: Oklahoma State vs. Texas
The Oklahoma State Cowboys are taking on the Texas Longhorns on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Big 12 Championship game. After a long rollercoaster of a season, the Cowboys are in a position to compete against the Longhorns, a playoff-hopeful team, for a title.
Here is how the All Pokes staff predicted the game to go.
Nick Friesen (@nickfriesen_23)
The offensive line for Oklahoma State is going to be huge in this contest. Texas's defense gives up only 85 yards per game, which is good for fourth in the country.
Quinn Ewers is a more experienced quarterback than he was when he played at Stillwater last year. He will be the most efficient quarterback the Cowboys have faced this season.
With that and the defense that Texas has, the Longhorns will take this one.
Texas 31, OSU 20
Logan Jones (@loganjonescfb)
Texas is a bad matchup for Oklahoma State. They excel at stopping the run at the point of attack, and they usually don’t have to bring extra guys to the box to do it. The best way to beat them is with tempo and a mobile QB, and that’s not how the Pokes' offense operates.
I think the defense can force Texas to kick some field goals, as they struggle in the red zone. Still, that’s a dynamic offense that can create big plays. I think Texas scores an insurance touchdown late in the game to make the game look a little less close than it actually was.
Texas 30, OSU 21
Ivan White (@ivanbball13)
Oklahoma State will have opportunities to pull an upset against Texas this weekend but may not have enough. Ollie Gordon should have another 100+ yard day, but if Texas can successfully take him out of the game for long stretches, OSU’s offense may be in trouble.
Texas is also the best team OSU has played this season, and after playing all of its toughest opponents in Stillwater, OSU could run out of luck on a neutral field. Still, do not be surprised if OSU has a chance late to spoil the Longhorns’ College Football Playoff hopes.
Texas 34, OSU 23
Kade Kimble (@kadekimble)
The Cowboys' approach is no secret. They want to bring a balanced offense, something that will be difficult against a very, very solid run defense that the Longhorns have. Still, the Cowboys will give Ollie Gordon the ball, as any reasonable team would.
If the Cowboys can avoid being one-dimensional, either on the ground or in the air, they'll be able to put up a fight. The Longhorns, though, are the better team. Mike Gundy will be coaching with nothing to lose and the game will be close because of such.
Texas 32, OSU 27
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