#21 Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. BYU Cougars | How to Watch, Storylines, Odds, & Predictions

Zachary Low

2 years ago

How the Cowboys Win

Oklahoma State is a heavy favorite in this matchup and with good reason. Statistically speaking, BYU has the worst offense in the conference, and the Cougars also have been one of the worst at stopping the run. As long as the Cowboys take care of the ball and move the ball carefully down the field, they should be able to find end zone early and often. With Ollie Gordon in the backfield, it shouldn’t be too difficult.

How the Cougars Win

BYU’s offense is not good. They have the worst rushing attack in the conference by quite a bit, and their pass game is the second-worst. Since they’re not likely to win this one by putting up a ton of points, the Cougars are going to need to figure out a way to keep the Cowboys out of the end zone and perhaps even score some points via the defense and/or special teams.

Odds & Predictions

Staff Score Predictions

Craig	38-30 Oklahoma State
Matt	33-22 Oklahoma State
Zack	37-24 Oklahoma State

An Oklahoma State Win Would…

Secure at least a tie for second in the final Big 12 standings, earning a Big 12 Championship game berth for the second time in the past three seasons.
Give the Cowboys at least nine wins for the 10th time in Mike Gundy’s tenure as head coach.
Give the Cowboys wins in seven of its past eight games.
Improve Mike Gundy’s record in Big 12 games to 102-63, moving him closer to matching Bill Snyder’s 104 wins for the second most in the history of the conference.
Make the Cowboys 30-11 in its past 41 games overall, dating back to the 2020 season.
Wrap up the 2023 home season with a 6-1 record, giving the Cowboys at least six home wins for a third consecutive season.
Give the Cowboys wins in 20 of its past 22 and 23 of its past 26 games played at Boone Pickens Stadium.
Make the Cowboys 156-73 in its history when playing as an AP-ranked team.
Make the Cowboys 143-44 in its history when playing as a higher AP-ranked team than its opponent.
Make the Cowboys 93-24 in its past 117 games vs. opponents outside of the AP Top 25, dating to 2010.

Notable Streaks and Trends Entering the Game

Ollie Gordon II has rushed for more than 100 yards in seven of the past eight games.
Ollie Gordon II has rushed for more than 270 yards in two of the past five games.
OSU has forced 16 turnovers and surrendered 10 turnovers in the past six games.
OSU’s offensive line has not allowed a sack in five of its past seven games.
OSU has held 34 of its past 41 Big 12 opponents under their season scoring average entering the game.
OSU has won 85 consecutive games when holding its opponent to fewer than 20 points, dating back to Sept. 13, 2003 – the longest active stretch of time in the FBS and longest since at least 1980. Including games when opponents have scored 20 points or fewer, the streak begins at the same date and includes 92 games.
The Cowboy defense has produced a shutout half in two games this season.
OSU has held its opponent scoreless on its game-opening drive in 38 of its past 55 games.
OSU has held its opponent to less than a 50% third down conversion rate in 45 of its past 49 games.
OSU is 37-16 in its past 53 games decided by fewer than 10 points.
OSU is 48-8 in its past 56 games when leading at halftime, dating back to Sept. 17, 2016.
Dating back to 2005, OSU is 48-4 when not committing a turnover.
Dating back to 2008, OSU is 80-8 when winning the turnover battle.
OSU has won three of its past five overtime games.
Over the past 47 games, OSU has held opponents to 221-for-727 (30.4%) on third down.
OSU has held its opponents to just 3-of-22 on fourth down attempts this season – the No. 2 percentage in the nation.