Additional Information

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Oklahoma Sooners

by Kris Lazaro

11/23/07

It will be Bedlam again in the state of Oklahoma this Saturday, as the Oklahoma Sooners host the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Norman. The Sooners opened up as 12.5 point home favorites, but injuries and the potential sit-out of star running back DeMarco Murray and starting quarterback Sam Bradford has dropped the current line to 11.5.

OK State +13.5
Oklahoma -13.5

Oklahoma will need Bradford to start this Saturday, as the Sooners are in a very dangerous situation. With their upset loss to Texas Tech last Saturday (they lost 34-27), they now are in trouble of losing a bid to the Big 12 championship and perhaps a berth to a BCS game this year. They will need to rely on backup quarterback Joey Halzle to lead a Sooner offense that can be quite dangerous at times. The Sooners were primed to go to the national championship game, but the loss last Saturday have plummeted them down to the BCS #10 slot.

Oklahoma State will play the role of spoiler this Saturday as it looks to upset the Sooners in Norman, Oklahoma. As with all rivalry games, this one is no exception. As it is an instate rivalry game, everybody seems to step it up. No matter the state of either team (may it be a good or bad year), both teams seem to step up to the challenge. The Cowboys enter this game with a 6-5 record and 2-3 on the road, while being 5-5 against the number this year. The Sooners are 9-2 for the year and 6-0 at home, with a 5-6 ATS record for the year.

The author predicts that if Sam Bradford does not start for the Sooners, it will be a long day for the home fans. Oklahoma State usually plays the Sooners tough every time, and with the backup quarterback under center, anything can potentially happen. Although the Cowboys have one of the leagues worst pass defense, the upset is still very likely. But, if Bradford does start and is effective, then this game will relatively be comfortable for the Sooners. A backdoor cover could still be possible, but not likely if Bradford completes his passes and executes the game plan accordingly.

Game prediction: 49-21 Oklahoma (if Bradford plays).