Free Pick: Fiesta Bowl at Glendale, AZ 1/1/22

No.5 NOTRE DAME 11-1 vs. No.9 OKLAHOMA STATE 11-2

This looks like a very evenly matched between two teams meeting for the first time in their history. The Irish had a very good season losing only to undefeated Cincinnati. They will be playing their first game under new head coach Marcus Freeman, who succeeded Brian Kelly. Oklahoma State had a chance at making the playoffs before losing to Baylor in the Big 12 Championship game. As it turned out, with Alabama’s upset of Georgia, the Cowboys wouldn’t have made it anyway. Let’s check out the lines.

TOTAL TEAM POINTS:

Notre Dame: 23.5 Total Team Points The Irish are averaging 35 points and 415 yards of total offense per game. Quarterback, Jack Roan has thrown for 2,641 yards and 20 touchdowns and has been reliable and efficient. Kyren Williams has rushed for 1,043 yards and added 14 TD’s. They will be going up against and Oklahoma State defense that is one of the best defenses in the country. They are holding opponents to 17 points and only 278 yards of total offense per game. I like Notre Dame OVER 23.5 team points.

Oklahoma State: 21.5 Total Team Points The Cowboys‘ offense is much different than in the past, as they are a run-first, pass-second team. They are balanced and average about as many yards rushing as they do throwing. They are averaging 31 points a game which is low for them, but their philosophy has changed and they are controlling the clock and playing at a slower pace. The key for the Cowboys is quarterback, Spencer Sanders. If he can stay away from turnovers and if they incorporate him in the run game they are hard to beat. I would take Oklahoma State OVER 21.5 points.

OVER/UNDER: 45 Total Combined Team Points I think this game might be a tad more high scoring than this line. I’ll take the OVER.

POINT SPREAD: Notre Dame is a 2-point favorite This game features a blueblood of college football (Notre Dame) against an Oklahoma State team that isn’t accustomed to playing in this type of game. It comes down to whether Notre Dame cares anything about playing. We think the Cowboys have the motivational edge, but if Notre Dame is interested we think they will win because they are Notre Dame and Oklahoma State is Oklahoma State.

DUDES WHO BET SPORTS PICK: Notre Dame -2