Oklahoma State visits Texas in Big 12 Showdown
On Saturday, the Oklahoma State Cowboys start a three game conference stretch against three nationally ranked opponents.
If the Cowboys can win out, the Big 12 title is theirs with a BCS bowl game. However, it will not be easy as they first head to the Lone Star State to take on the Texas Longhorns who are currently tied for first in the conference with Baylor.
The Cowboys are ranked No. 12 in the nation and are 8-1 SU and 5-1 in the conference. Texas is ranked No. 24 and is 7-2 SU and 6-0 in the conference.
The Longhorns have owned the head-to-head matchup between the two schools, but the Cowboys are 2-1 over the past three games between the two, with both victories on the road in Austin.
Both teams have been playing excellent football with Texas enjoying a six-game winning streak after defeating West Virginia 47-40 in overtime in its last outing.
A key for Oklahoma State will be their running game. The Cowboys offense has been adequate, as they have had some success both running and passing the ball.
However, the offense this season has not had the success of recent years, as their running game has not churned up the yards the team has come accustomed to.
However, in this game it will be important for the Cowboys against a solid run defense for Texas. If Desmond Roland can pound the ball into the line and come away with big yardage on the ground, the game’s momentum will swing to the Cowboys.
Texas needs to hold onto the ball. The Oklahoma State defense is one of the best in the nation in forcing mistakes from opponents and causing turnovers.
Texas must not fumble the ball or throw interceptions against the Cowboys so the defensive impact will not be as big in the game. More than a pair of turnovers would be devastating for the Longhorns.
Texas quarterback Case McCoy has more interceptions (5-4) than touchdowns in his past three games, but he cannot afford to have those results against the Cowboys.
Shaun Lewis will be a key player to keep an eye on in this game. Lewis is a big playmaker on defense and when opposing teams throw too often his way, he makes them pay with key interceptions.
Lewis will team up with Justin Gilbert in the Oklahoma State secondary to give McCoy fits throughout the game. Lewis will make at least one and possibly two very important plays in the game.
Johnathan Gray the talented running back for Texas was lost to an Achilles Tendon injury, but his replacement Malcolm Brown will be one key to the Longhorns fortune in this game. Texas needs to establish a run first pass second offense game plan and with Malcolm Brown, they can accomplish that.
Oklahoma State has one of the conference’s best defenses, and if Brown can come through with yards on the ground, the game’s momentum swings their way.
I think the Cowboys defense will be too much for the Longhorns.
Pick: Oklahoma State 30-27
