Saturday night in Stillwater has all the ingredients for a loud one, and the chatter around Oklahoma State’s matchup with Texas Tech is already building.
The Red Raiders arrive ranked in the top 15, and the stakes are clear: a trip to the Big 12 title game is still hanging there for the Pokes. That’s the backdrop behind the buzz, and it’s why the conversation around the game has centered on how Oklahoma State can attack a Tech defense that has struggled against the pass.
“(Drew) Mestemaker has to be licking his chops. Tech ranks 136th nationally in passing yards allowed.
The Red Raiders have to wreak havoc with their defensive line to slow down the Pokes. Then consider the atmosphere in Stillwater.
Oklahoma State fans have endured two miserable seasons. Now a top-15 Texas Tech team comes to town under the lights, with a trip to the Big 12 title game still on the line for the Pokes.
I’ve been there for nights like this at Boone Pickens Stadium. It’s going to be electric.”
That game is one of the biggest items on the weekend slate, but it’s not the only thing drawing attention. Around the sports world, Tulsa pulled off an upset and did it in a way that made history for the program. ESPN noted that the Golden Hurricane “won their first matchup against an AP-ranked team in program history.”
Elsewhere, Cade Cunningham put together a night that landed in the record book. ESPN reported that he became “the first player to score 50 points, have ten assists, and no turnovers in a game.”
The rest of the conversation around the weekend included a few non-OSU topics as well, from an argument against raking leaves to a look at Gottman’s four negative horsemen of marriage.
In Other News...
Boise State Is Suddenly Facing A Very Different Oregon State Setup
Boise States trip against Oregon State has taken on a much different look in a hurry, and the betting market has reflected it. What opened as a relatively modest spread has ballooned into Boise State being favored by 16.5 points, a sharp shift driven by recent results and the changing health picture on both sidelines.
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
Boise spent Saturday morning wrapped in the kind of national spotlight that can turn a home game into a full-on event. ESPNs College GameDay was in town for the first time since 2010, and the pregame show leaned heavily toward the Broncos, with the entire panel backing Boise State over Oregon State. For the Beavers, it added another layer to a road test already carrying plenty of attention, with kickoff set for 4 p.m. Mountain time at Albertsons Stadium and the game slated to air on USA Network.
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 🡒]