One of the biggest games on the Oklahoma State schedule is finally here, and the setup is simple: the Cowboys and Texas Tech kick off at 8:30 p.m. Saturday night in Boone Pickens Stadium.
That’s the matchup everyone had circled, and the staff at PFB laid out its picks across the board - from uniforms to yardage props to the final score.
The uniform guesses came first, with two of the three predictions landing on black-on-black-on-black looks. Marshall Scott went with black cursive helmets, black jerseys and black pants, while Kyle Cox also called for black across the board, just with a cursive helmet. Tyler Waldrep predicted black brand helmets with black jerseys and pants.
The Caleb Hawkins number drew the most agreement on the page, but not the same conclusion. Hawkins has been piling up production both on the ground and through the air, averaging 226.5 all-purpose yards per game over Oklahoma State’s past four games.
Still, Scott took the under, saying Hawkins’ impact would remain obvious but that someone would make it a point to slow him down. Cox and Waldrep both went over.
Texas Tech’s rushing total split the group as well. The Red Raiders are averaging 214.7 rushing yards per game, good for No. 4 in the Big 12, but Scott picked the under while Cox and Waldrep both expected the Raiders to clear 180. Scott pointed to Oklahoma State’s track record of limiting opponents below that mark, though when the Cowboys have been beaten on the ground, it’s been ugly - 335 yards allowed against West Virginia and 272 against Iowa State.
The touchdown parlays brought a mix of familiar names. Scott listed Caleb Hawkins, Justin Bowick and Drew Mestemaker, while Cox went with Hawkins, Bowick and Terrence Lewis. Waldrep also had Hawkins and Bowick, adding Wyatt Young.
Then came the scores, and nobody saw a low-scoring affair. Scott picked Oklahoma State 45, Texas Tech 42, expecting a back-and-forth game that never lets up.
Cox took Texas Tech 52, Oklahoma State 48, calling it a shootout and backing the Raiders. Waldrep sided with the Cowboys, 45-38, while noting he expects Oklahoma State to move the ball well but may have to settle for more kicks than touchdowns in the red zone.
There was also a note on the scoreboard from last week’s debate over Wyatt Young. Young didn’t score a touchdown himself but did throw for one, and after discussion, half-points were awarded to the two predictors - Tyler and Nathan - who had Young in their parlays.
As the staff framed it, this is the one everyone had been waiting on. Now it gets played under the lights in Stillwater.
In Other News...
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The biggest swing for the Beavers comes at quarterback, where Braden Atkinson is sidelined with a hand injury and Maalik Murphy is expected to make the start. Boise State, meanwhile, is still projected to have Maddux Madsen available, which only adds to the challenge Oregon State faces as it tries to steady itself and keep the game competitive against a team that now looks far more imposing than it did just a short time ago. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon State Walks Into A Boise Atmosphere Built Against Them
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Boise State coach Spencer Danielson talked about what it meant for the program to host College GameDay, a sign of how far the Broncos have climbed back into the national conversation. Oregon State, meanwhile, walked into an atmosphere built to celebrate the other sideline, with the crowd, the broadcast and the buildup all pointing in one direction before the first snap. [Read more 🡒]
Boise State Gets A Timely Boost Before A Huge Oregon State Test
Boise State got a welcome dose of stability heading into a pivotal Pac-12 matchup with Oregon State, with quarterback Maddux Madsen, running back Sire Gaines and safety Travis Anderson all expected to be available. For a Broncos team staring at a major test, having key pieces on offense and defense in the mix matters, especially with head coach Spencer Danielson sounding confident in Madsens recovery and readiness.
Oregon State, meanwhile, is dealing with a significant change under center after losing starter Braden Atkinson to a hand injury. Maalik Murphy is expected to take over in his place, adding another layer of intrigue to a game that already carried real weight for both sides and now features one team getting healthier at just the right time. [Read more 🡒]