Kickoff: 11 AM CT
Location: Boone Pickens Stadium (Stillwater, Oklahoma)
Television: ABC
Radio: Cowboy Radio Network
Twitter: Follow @HeartlandPokes for live tweets during the game
The Oklahoma State Cowboys kicked off the 2024 season in style last Saturday with a 40-22 win over the South Dakota State Jack Rabbits. The Cowboy defense was of particularly high note early, but it was the offense that stole the show as Alan Bowman tallied 245 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air, and Ollie Gordon II racked up 126 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground.
Today’s matchup is expected to a bit more competitive as the Cowboys play host to the Arkansas Razorbacks, a rival from the Southwest Conference days of way back when. Oklahoma State is just 15-30-1 against Arkansas with the last win over the Razorbacks coming back in 1975 in Stillwater.
Arkansas came into this season with less than stellar expectations following a 4-8 season a year ago. Predicted to finish near the bottom of the SEC, the Razorback blasted Arkansas-Pine Bluff in their season opener 70-0 one week ago, perhaps putting some life back into the fanbase.
Today’s game should be a slugfest of the offenses, and it very could come down to whoever has the ball on the final possession. Oklahoma State has a big advantage playing at home, however, so fans should be ready for an electric afternoon of football.
How the Cowboys Win
Oklahoma State’s focus for the day should be taking care of the ball. Every possession counts, and giving a solid offense like Arkansas the chance to score more points could be catastrophic. The Cowboys are 11-0 in their last 11 games when winning or tying the turnover battle, and if they can keep from giving it away to Arkansas, they should be able to win just fine. Alan Bowman looked great in his season opener last week, particularly compared to last season, so as long as he keeps his efficiency up and mistakes down, he should have another great game.
How the Razorbacks Win
While Arkansas very likely is going to need a defensive or special teams touchdown to give them an edge, at the very least, they’re going to have to keep up with the high-powered Cowboy offense. If the Razorbacks are going to stand a chance at leaving Stillwater with a win against a top-20 team, they’re going to have to score early and perhaps often. Arkansas had a fairly balanced offense last week, but they scored primarily on short runs in the redzone. Their rushing attack will be a key feature of today’s matchup.
Odds & Predictions
Staff Score Predictions
| Staff | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Caleb | |
| Craig | 38-33 Oklahoma State |
| Matt | 35-24 Oklahoma State |
| Zack | 38-27 Oklahoma State |
An Oklahoma State Win Would…
- Give the Cowboys wins in 10 of the past 12 games.
- Improve Mike Gundy’s record in September games to 57-14.
- Mark Mike Gundy’s 26th career win against a current member of the SEC.
- Improve Mike Gundy’s record in non-conference games to 66-16.
- Make the Cowboys 27-5 in its past 32 non-conference games and 49-11 in its past 60 non-conference games.
Notable Streaks and Trends Entering the Game
- Ollie Gordon II has rushed for more than 100 yards in 10 of the past 12 games.
- OSU is 11-0 in the last 11 games when winning or tying the turnover battle.
- OSU’s offensive line has not allowed a sack in seven of its past 11 games.
- OSU has held 34 of its past 43 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 93 games.
- OSU has held its opponent scoreless on its game-opening drive in 41 of its past 59 games.
- OSU has held its opponent to less than a 50% third down conversion rate in 48 of its past 53 games.
- OSU is 39-16 in its past 55 games decided by fewer than 10 points.
- OSU is 50-8 in its past 58 games when leading at halftime, dating back to Sept. 17, 2016.
- Dating back to 2005, OSU is 49-4 when not committing a turnover.
- Dating back to 2008, OSU is 81-8 when winning the turnover battle.
- OSU has won four of its past six overtime games.
- Over the past 50 games, OSU has held opponents to 243-for-782 (31.1%) on third down.