The West Virginia Mountaineers will aim to keep their surprising undefeated season rolling in Week 9, but it won’t be easy. They will hit the road to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys. West Virginia has answered every question so far this year and has played extremely well in its past two games.
Oklahoma State isn’t too big of an underdog at home and can not only play spoiler but start positioning itself for a nice bowl game with a win. West Virginia is angling for a College Football Playoff berth but there are still two other undefeated teams in the Big 12, so the conference race is still rolling strong.
This matchup in Week 9 of the regular season will take place on Saturday, October 29, 2016, at 12 bp.m. ET at Boone Pickens Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
West Virginia -4.5
Oklahoma State +4.5
Over/Under 65
Odds Analysis
Even though West Virginia has been a surprising success this season, the bettors seem to be on board at this point. The Mountaineers have rolled past Texas Tech and TCU the past two weeks, and 72 percent of the action is on them to cover the spread.
The scoring total looks about right, but more than 62 percent of the money is choosing the “over.” If the total moves up as a correction, the “under” makes sense.
West Virginia is 6-0 straight up and 3-3 against the spread this season, including 2-3 trying to cover as the favorite. Oklahoma State is 5-2 straight up and 3-4 against the spread.
Player to Watch
Mason Rudolph - The Cowboys are averaging 336.4 passing yards a game, the 11th best in the nation, behind their star quarterback. Rudolph has thrown for 2,259 yards so far on the year with 14 touchdowns and two interceptions.
The junior has put up some huge games this year, highlighted by a 540-yard, two-touchdown performance against Pittsburgh early in the season.
Oklahoma State has won three straight games and Rudolph has been a big part of it. He has thrown for eight touchdowns and no interceptions as the Cowboys have scored 38 points or more in wins over Texas, Iowa State and Kansas.
Key stat
17.8. That’s the number of points West Virginia has given up on average per game this season.
Both teams have good offenses and Oklahoma State’s defense isn’t great, so this one might come down to West Virginia’s best unit. The Mountaineers have done a great job of slowing down opponents this season.
West Virginia is allowing 392.2 yards per game but hasn’t let it translate into too many points. Texas Tech and TCU both have explosive offenses and they were held to a total of 27 points the past two weeks.
Free ATS Pick
The Mountaineers were a bit of a paper tiger early, as they won some close games to remain undefeated, but are now really rolling.
West Virginia is scoring behind the standout play of quarterback Skyler Howard and running back Rushel Shell, while the defense has really improved as the season has moved forward. It still seems unlikely for West Virginia to finish the game without a loss, but this is a winnable game.
On the flip-side, Oklahoma State has the type of elite offense which can give West Virginia trouble. The Cowboys are at home and will certainly make this game a tough one.
In the end, West Virginia should win in a squeaker, but it is Oklahoma State which should be the team to pick against the spread. This one could have a thrilling finish, so expect the Cowboys to stay within a field goal.
Banging the “over” in the scoring total is a no-brainer. While West Virginia’s defense has been good, Oklahoma State will be able to solve it.
College Football Odds: West Virginia 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 go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
