Pokes hope to recover from brutal loss vs. Pitt
After being on the losing end of one of the nuttiest finishes in college football history, how will Oklahoma State respond in today’s nonconference test vs. Pittsburgh?
The two schools collide at 3:30 p.m. ET in Stillwater. According to oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI, Mike Gundy’s group represents a 3.5-point favorite to rebound. The over/under is 59.5.
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By now, not a single sports fan on the planet is unware of the grueling manner in which the Cowboys fell to Central Michigan last weekend. The Chippewas scored the winning touchdown on an untimed down at the back end of the fourth quarter. Of course, the program never would’ve been in such a perilous position if it had managed more production in the ground game earlier. Neither Barry Sanders Jr. nor Justice Hill managed to generate even 35 rushing yards.
The Panthers have no such issues. Second-year coach Pat Narduzzi just saw his tailbacks scamper for 341 yards vs. Penn State. Preseason all-ACC guard Dorian Johnson sets the tone up front, opening massive holes for James Conner and Qadree Ollison.
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Pitt also boasts an impressive defensive corps. In the three-point victory over the Nittany Lions, the Panthers forced four turnovers. Their four fumble recoveries on the campaign are also tied with Florida State for tops in the ACC. If OSU quarterback Mason Rudolph has a hangover effect from a week ago, Josh Conkin’s unit will likely make him pay.
Still, we can’t envision the Pokes dropping two straight tilts in their own backyard. Look for dynamic wideout James Washington to finally get untracked and create havoc for Pittsburgh. After 60 high-scoring minutes of action, Oklahoma State will have improved to 2-1.
SATURDAY NCAA FREE PICK: PITTSBURGH/OKLAHOMA STATE OVER 59.5