A fun non-conference game is set for Saturday, September 19, 2020, when the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (0-0) visit the #11 Oklahoma State Cowboys (0-0). This game was originally scheduled for last weekend but was pushed back one week due to COVID complications. These two schools, separated by just 70 miles, used to have a bitter rivalry, but have not played regularly since 2000. This game will air live on ESPN at 12:00 p.m. EST.
Tulsa suffered a disappointing 2019 season that saw them finish 4-8 overall and 2-6 in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The 2-6 conference record put them tied for fifth, with Houston, in the AAC – West division, which is where Tulsa was picked to finish in the preseason. Tulsa had a surprising win over UCF and did not really have any unexpected losses throughout the season.
Oklahoma State had an average season last year as the Cowboys finished 8-5 overall and 5-4 in the Big 12. The 5-4 conference record tied the Cowboys with three other teams for third place in the Big 12, which is two spots above where they were picked in the preseason poll. Oklahoma State had two wins over ranked opponents, #24 Kansas State and #23 Iowa State, and they did have a bad loss at Texas Tech.
Below is my pick for the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes at Oklahoma State Cowboys. All odds are from PointsBet Sportsbook.
Betting Odds: Tulsa Golden Hurricanes at Oklahoma State Cowboys (-22.5): O/U 65.5 (-110/-110)
Tulsa could have an electric offense this season and they will bed by workhorse running back Shamari Brooks. The senior will be joined by QB Zach Smith, fellow backfield mate Corey Taylor, and wide receiver’s Keylon Stokes and Sam Crawford. Tulsa has a big question mark with their defense and will hope for a massive jump from line backer Zaven Collins this season. Collins will be joined in the middle of the defense by Yohance Burnett and secondary players Allie Green and Kendarin Ray.
This Oklahoma State offense is going to score a lot of points and are led by two potential first round draft picks in RB Chuba Hubbard and WR Tylan Wallace. Getting the ball to these two studs will be QB Spencer Sanders. WR Dillon Stoner should also be a big part of the Cowboys 2020 offense. The linebacking duo of Amen Ogbongbemiga and Malcolm Rodriguez will look to lead an improved Cowboys defense. The defensive line also has a nice duo in the form of DT Israel Antwine and DE Tracy Ford.
Series History: Oklahoma State has won seven games in a row and leads the all-time series 42-28-5.
Free Football Picks: I am going to back Oklahoma State -22.5 Saturday afternoon.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 4-1