Happy Halloween Match-Ups for Pokes-Horns and Scary Big 12 Predictions
STILLWATER -- Oklahoma State has won seven of the past ten meetings with Texas, but this game isn't about any of those. This is the 2020 meeting and Oklahoma State is better than they have been since 2011. I really belive that you combine this defense with the offense and the special teams and the Cowboys are the best unit-to-unit-to-unit three-phase football team since 2011.
It is going to take a really strong and unified team to beat this group of Cowboys and I don't think Texas is that team. The Longhorns have good talent, but a combination of issues on and off the field make me believe that Oklahoma State will handle the visitors from Austin. The biggest difference between great Texas teams and Oklahoma State is often at the point of attack and I don't see any tremendous mismatch between either the Oklahoma State offensive line and the Texas defensive line. I also see the Oklahoma State defensive line having an advantage against the Longhorns offensive front.
Oklahoma State left tackle Jake Springfield, 6-5, 310, RS-Fr. vs. Texas jack linebacker Joseph Ossai, 6-4, 253, Jr.
Springfield gets his toughest assignment since coming in during the Tulsa game and seeing a good dose of linebacker Zaven Collins coming off the edge. Ossai is an All-Big 12 caliber pass rusher, but the shoulder injury that he suffered last Saturday against Baylor will curtail him some. He is expected to play, but likely not at 100%. I'll be watching to see how Springfield has grown up.
Oklahoma State linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, 5-11, 220, Sr. vs. Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger, 6-3, 225, Sr.
Two of the best players in the Big 12 square off as Rodriguez, the quarterback or one of them for the Oklahoma State defense keeps his eye and his presence on the Longhorns star quarterback. Ehlinger is trying to will Texas to a successful season and it is gradually slipping through his grasp. Rodriguez isn't willing but he is pushing his team to a strong season with a defensive presence that Cowboy fans haven't seen the likes of since the 1980s. Two awesome football warriors going at it.
Oklahoma State defensive tackle Cameron Murray, 6-3, 300, RS-Sr. vs. Texas center Derek Kerstetter, 6-5, 310, Sr.
Kerstetter and Murray were almost teammates, but the San Antonio Reagan product committed to the Cowboys changed his commitment to Texas. Murray is as much a soul of this defense as any player out there and he is playing with great pride and dedication. Kerstetter has been guilty of some unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and it wouldn't be a surprise if he doesn't get frustrated some here since he easily could have been a part of what is going on with Cowboy football if he hadn't changed his mind in recruiting. This will be a tough and physical match-up.
Pokes Prediction
Texas (+3.5) 20
@#6-Oklahoma State 34
3 p.m. on FOX
Oklahoma State may not finish the season ranked this high and unbeaten, but I don't think it will be Texas that puts an end to it. This Oklahoma State defense is tough and they are playing together and for each other. The offense should pick up some more steam each week as Spencer Sanders gets more confidence and opposing defenses have to ponder the increase in weapons identified on the offense. I think Oklahoma State will win this one with an exclamation point included somewhere in the ball game.
12 Predictions
Season: Record vs. Spread - 15-12 Record Straight Up - 18-9
Last Week: Record vs. Spread - 4-1 Record Straight Up - 4-1
This Week - Oct. 31, 2020
#16-Kansas State (+3.5) 26
@West Virginia 28
11 a.m. on ESPN2 - Lots of people surprised that West Virginia is favored but Morgantown is tough and WVU will be looking to bounce back.
#23-Iowa State 49
@Kansas (+28.5) 13
11 a.m. on FS1 - Iowa State will be mad and that's bad news for the Jayhawks.
TCU (-2.5) 34
@Baylor 20
2:30 p.m. on ESPN2 - Baylor just isn't very good on top of all their COVID issues. TCU is better and is pressing for a win.
#24-Oklahoma 38
@Texas Tech (+10) 21
7 p.m. on ESPN2 - Sooners have all the tricks and will end up with more treats. Tech is competitive but not good enough for an upset here.
Last Week - Oct. 24, 2020
Oklahoma 34
@TCU (+6.5) 24
Actual Score: 33-14 Oklahoma
Kansas (+20) 10
@#20-Kansas State 36
Actual Score: 55-14 Kansas State
Baylor 19
@Texas (-9.5) 28
Actual Score: 27-16 Texas
#17-Iowa State (+3) 24
@#6-Oklahoma State 35
Actual Score: 24-21 Oklahoma State
West Virginia (-3) 31
@Texas Tech 27
Actual Score: 34-27 Texas Tech
