The Texas Longhorns have already been in a pair of entertaining shootouts this season and could be headed for another. They are coming off a bye and ready to head to Stillwater for a Week 5 showdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Oklahoma State is a slight favorite, but based purely on the location. The oddsmakers believe the talent level is even between these two squads.
This matchup in Week 5 of the regular season will take place on Saturday, October 1, 2016, at 12 p.m. ET at Boone Pickens Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Texas +3
Oklahoma State -3
Over/Under 71
Odds Analysis
Texas is the more common choice to cover the spread currently, as 59 percent of the money is headed its way. The scoring total is high, but even so, the bettors like the “over”in this one. Both teams have shown an ability to put up points in a hurry.
Matchup to Watch
Oklahoma State passing game vs. Texas secondary -- The Cowboys are extremely explosive through the air. Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph is 98-of-159 this season for 1,296 yards with six touchdowns against two interceptions.
Oklahoma State has averaged 340 passing yards per game on the season and 39.3 points. The team’s top receiver is James Washington. He has 25 catches for 488 yards and three touchdowns in four games.
Washington had a huge game two weeks ago against Pittsburgh, hauling in nine catches for 296 yards and two scores. He must be corralled by Texas.
The Longhorns have given up 235.7 yards per game through the air this season. They faced a similarly prolific attack last time out and didn’t fare well, allowing California to throw for 396 yards and four touchdowns in a 50-43 loss.
Player to Watch
D’Onta Foreman -- The Texas running back is on pace for a big year. He has 45 carries for 288 yards in only two games this season. Foreman rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown in a double-overtime win over Notre Dame and then 157 yards and two scores in the loss to Cal.
Foreman averaged 7.2 yards per carry in limited touches last season and is getting more work this year. He has thus far taken advantage of it and his gaudy 6.4 yards-per-carry average makes him a player that Oklahoma State must slow down.
The Cowboys are allowing 143.3 yards per game this season on the ground, so it will be an interesting clash. This one figures to be a shootout, so any time Oklahoma State can get a stop on third-and-short it will be a boon.
Free ATS Pick
Texas moved into the national rankings after a strong start but then lost to Cal to take some shine off it. The Longhorns had an early bye week, and hope that they will be healthy and prepared for this showdown.
Quarterback Shane Buechele has thrown for 720 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions on the season and will aim to keep that rolling.
Oklahoma State hasn’t been great early on. The Cowboys lost to Central Michigan in Week 2 to drop to 1-1, and after a win against Pittsburgh, dropped back to .500 by falling to Baylor, 35-24.
Texas’ statistics are stronger, but the Cowboys do get this one at home. Both sides are aiming to stick around in the Big 12 race, so each could certainly use this win.
The Longhorns have played pretty well to begin the season and that should continue in this one with a road win. Texas will cover and could pay off nicely on the money line by pulling the upset.
Prepare for a lot of points, as the “over” is the right call.
College Football Odds: Texas 38, Oklahoma State 35
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the gol. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
