Oklahoma St. Win Total Prediction
After three straight 10-win seasons, Oklahoma State had a disappointing 7-6 year in 2018. Will the Cowboys be able to bounce back in 2019?
Odds
Mike Gundy is entering his 15th season as head coach of Oklahoma State. He has a 121-59 record with the Cowboys and has earned at least seven wins in the last 13 years. According to oddsmakers, the Cowboys are listed with an over/under of 6.5 wins for the 2019 regular season. The over is listed with -145 odds, while the under is set at +125.
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Offense
Offense wasn’t the problem for Oklahoma State last season, as the Cowboys were averaging 38.4 points and 499.4 yards per game, both of which ranked in the top 15 of the country. Oklahoma State threw for 309.1 yards per game, but has to replace QB Taylor Cornelius. The new QB is likely to be either Spencer Sanders or transfer Dru Brown. Whomever is the new starter, they will have some talented options at receiver. Tylan Wallace returns for his junior year. He caught 79 passes for 1,408 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. Dillon Stoner also returns after catching 42 passes in 2018. In the backfield, Oklahoma State lost leading rusher Justice Hills, but brings back second-leading rusher Chuba Hubbard, who had 595 yards. Up front, the Cowboys return three starters on the line.
Defense
Oklahoma State’s defense was a mess last year, allowing 32.5 points and 452.8 yards per game. Their passing defense allowed 267.1 yards per game, which ranked 118th nationally. The defense had just five interceptions on the year, but does return four starters in the secondary. Rodarius Williams had a team-high two interceptions and is back this season. In the front seven, Oklahoma State has just one starter back. Calvin Budage is that starter. He had 62 tackles and 1.5 sacks at linebacker. The entire defensive line will have new starters, which makes you question who will be able to apply pressure up front.
Schedule
Oklahoma State opens the season at Oregon State on Aug. 30 and then will host McNeese State before traveling to Tulsa to complete non-conference play. In Big 12 play, the Cowboys will host Kansas State, Baylor, TCU, Kansas and Oklahoma. On the road, Oklahoma State will visit Texas, Texas Tech, Iowa State and West Virginia.
Prediction
I like the non-conference schedule for the Cowboys even though two of the games are on the road. I think Oklahoma State will be able to outscore all three and start off 3-0. Big 12 play is always a challenge, but the Cowboys get to host K-State, Baylor and Kansas. I think those are wins for them to get to 6 wins. From there, they just need one upset or coin-flip win, which I think they can get. The offense should remain strong, while their pass defense should improve and allow them to be more competitive. I expect Oklahoma State to get to 7 wins.
College Football Prediction: Texas A&M Under 6.5 wins -145