Free Pick: Oklahoma State (5-0) at Texas (4-2) 10/16/21

This is a very important game in the Big-12 Conference. The Cowboys have had 2 weeks to get healthier and prepare for the Longhorns. On the other hand, Texas is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Oklahoma, in a game that they had won. They usually bounce back from losses to the Sooners but this one has got to sting much worse than usual. Here are the matchups.

QUARTERBACK: Spencer Sanders has completed 56 out of 96 passes for 781 yards and has 5 touchdowns and four interceptions as the Oklahoma State signal-caller.. He is also a dangerous runner and has 46 carries for 196 yards and 2 rushing TD’s. He has to play well, but he can be inconsistent. Texas quarterback, Casey Thompson has completed 74 out of 110 passes for 1095 yards and 14 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions. Like Sanders, he can hurt you with his feet as he has 29 carries for 147 yards and three rushing TD’s. Since being inserted as the starter in game 3, the Longhorns’ offense has taken off and has become one of the nation’s best. Advantage: Texas

RUNNING BACKS: The Cowboys are led in rushing by Jaylen Warren who has 115 carries for 512 yards and 6 touchdowns. He is improving week-to-week and is becoming an integral part of the offense. Texas has an All-American candidate in Bijan Robinson. He has 125 carries for 806 yards and 8 touchdowns. He is also a threat on passes coming out of the backfield. Advantage: Texas

RECEIVERS: Oklahoma State is led by Tay Martin (21 catches for 317 yards and 2 touchdowns), and Brennan Presley (12 for 188 and a touchdown). Texas will counter with Xavier Worthy (24 for 514 yards and 6 touchdowns), and Joshua Moore who has 14 for 146 yards. They will miss Jordan Whittington who got hurt in the Oklahoma game. Advantage: Texas

DEFENSE: The Cowboys’ defense has been the strength of their team in 2021. They are giving up only 305 yards per game and are limiting opponents to 91 yards rushing. Linebackers, Malcolm Rodriguez and Devin Harper have combined 83 tackles and Oklahoma State has 16 sacks in 5 games. On the other hand, Texas is struggling on defense. They are giving up 200 rushing yards per game and 441 total. Oklahoma gashed them for 662 yards last Saturday. The one bright spot has been DeMarvion Overshown who has 52 tackles and has been a whirlwind all over the field. Advantage: Oklahoma State

This game is pretty simple. Can the dynamic Texas offense have success against an excellent Oklahoma defense? And can Oklahoma State take advantage of a very leaky Texas rush defense? The Cowboys are going to run the ball until Texas can prove they can stop them and the Longhorns will counter with a balanced offense that will be the biggest test the Oklahoma State defense has faced. Texas is a 5.5-point favorite.

AARON’S PICK: Texas -5.5

PAPA DUDE’S PICK: Oklahoma State +5.5