Longhorns Favored At Home vs Rival Cowboys

Oklahoma State (5-0 SU, 3-2 ATS) is coming off a bye and is undefeated and up to 12th in the latest AP poll. On the other side, Texas (4-2, 4-2) is coming off a brutal loss to its biggest rival, blowing a 21-point lead at home. Despite that, the Longhorns have shown an ability to run the ball at will and that makes them giving 5 points very intriguing.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

After Texas blew a huge lead in the Red River Rivalry game, it was surprising to see the Longhorns sneak into the AP Top 25 this week. Both of these teams are a little overrated, which isn’t surprising given the huge histories of the schools. Texas giving 5 points feels about right, but the total of 60.5 is extremely attractive given the struggles of the Longhorns defense and their propensity to score in bunches.

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Oklahoma State News & Notes

Unlike past years, this Cowboys team has won with defense and not a juggernaut offense. Oklahoma State has yet to allow 25 points to an opponent, with Tulsa’s 23 points in Week 2 representing the most points they have allowed in a game this season.

“We are getting great leadership,” head coach Mike Gundy said of his defense, which is currently third in the Big 12 in points allowed per game and in the top four in all the major categories.

Leading the way for that defense is linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, who currently leads the Big 12 with 54 tackles. He will no doubt be a very important part in trying to stop a really solid Texas run game.

Texas News & Notes

Few games were as much of a roller-coaster as the Red River Rivalry on Saturday. At one point, it felt like Oklahoma’s run of close calls would catch up with them, but now Texas needs a bounce-back.

 As usual, the Texas offense has been on fire, scoring over 30 points in five of six games this season and topping 45 three times. The Longhorns rank fifth in the country at 44.5 points per game.

The offense is led by halfback Bijan Robinson, who is third in the nation and leads the Big 12 with 789 rushing yards. Robinson has had over 100 yards on the ground in five of six games this season.

When Robinson averages five or more yards per carry, the Longhorns are 4-1; when he doesn’t, they are 0-1.

How Oklahoma State Will Cover

Mike Gundy doesn’t want his team to get caught up in a track meet and score 50 points. If the Cowboys can keep this game total in the 50s or low 60s, they will have an excellent chance to win.

How Texas Will Cover

One thing every good Steve Sarkisian offense has is a good run game. If Robinson and the offense can get to that mark of five yards per carry, that will open the floodgates to something the Cowboys can’t match.

Computer Pick: Texas -5

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