How Did ESPN's College GameDay Pick Oklahoma State vs. Texas?
The Oklahoma State Cowboys take on the Texas Longhorns for the Big 12 title to kick off a day full of conference championships on Saturday. The Cowboys have a chance to spoil two things for the Longhorns.
First, the Longhorns are still in the running to make the College Football Playoffs. Still, they need help. They need to jump a few spots, but they've already received help from Oregon, who lost to Washington on Friday night. The Cowboys, with a win, eliminate the Longhorns from that conversation.
Another thing Oklahoma State can spoil is the Longhorns' last chance at a Big 12 title. They haven't won one since 2009, and they're tied with Baylor for the second-most Big 12 titles in conference history with three wins. They're leaving the Big 12 after this season as they, along with Oklahoma, are on their way to the SEC.
The Cowboys are 14.5-point underdogs. Mike Gundy will be coaching his squad with nothing to lose, and that's the correct approach to this game for them. They last won a Big 12 Championship in 2011, where they routed Oklahoma. Their last chance came in 2021, when they lost to Baylor by mere inches, eliminating them from the College Football Playoff race.
Here is how the College Gameday crew picked Oklahoma State vs. Texas.
Demond Howard: Texas
Pat McAfee: Texas
Theo Von: Texas
Lee Corso: Texas
Kirk Herbstreit: Texas
For the Cowboys, a big portion of this game will rely on their ability to play a balanced offense without allowing the Longhorns' defensive line to disrupt things entirely. It'll be a tough task, but Ollie Gordon can't win this game alone.
Defensively, making the Longhorns earn their points and long drives will be important. Busted coverages or big plays will be exactly what will allow Texas to blow the Cowboys out if the defense isn't sound.
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