It was absolute chaos in college football last weekend, which will create a ton of parity for critical regular-season finales.
We had Arizona State fans storming the field too early, Iowa State needing a late game-winning drive to beat Utah, and Kansas blowing the doors off of Colorado.
The Colorado Buffaloes (8-3) season is ongoing, with roughly 250 combinations of possible Big 12 Championship matchups.
Before they can even think about that, they will host the Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-8) on Friday.
Oddsmakers have the Buffaloes as 16.5-point home favorites and the total set at 65.5.
Let's get into my Oklahoma State vs Colorado predictions and college football picks.
Oklahoma State vs Colorado Prediction
- Oklahoma State vs. Colorado Pick: Over 65
My Oklahoma State vs. Colorado best bet is on both teams to go over the total, with the best line currently available at bet365, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Oklahoma State vs Colorado Odds
Oklahoma State Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+16.5 -110 | 65 -110 / -110 | +525 |
Colorado Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-16.5 -110 | 65 -110 / -110 | -750 |
- Oklahoma State vs Colorado Point Spread: Oklahoma State +16.5 (-110) · Colorado -16.5 (-110)
- Oklahoma State vs Colorado Total: Over/Under 65
- Oklahoma State vs Colorado Moneyline: Oklahoma State +525 · Colorado -750
Oklahoma State vs Colorado Preview
Oklahoma State Cowboys Betting Preview: Not Dead Yet
It's been one of the worst seasons in Stillwater in the Mike Gundy Era, and I am sure many Pokes' fans are ready to fast-forward to the offseason.
The Pokes have three wins, but I would not say they have quit.
Last week, the Pokes lost a challenging game to Texas Tech, a matchup that resulted in a 98% Post-Game Win Probability — my condolences to any Oklahoma State +3.5 backers.
A key takeaway heading into Friday's game is that the team has not quit.
The offense, led by quarterback Maealiuaki Smith, made a valiant effort, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns.
The offense is more than competent, and seeing Smith under center has been refreshing. They average over 9 yards per play. The Colorado defense is banged up, so I would not be surprised to see the offense put up points here.
Last week, Kansas displayed a perfect blueprint for attacking the Buffalo's defense as they were gashed all afternoon on the ground. Running back Ollie Gordon has had an underwhelming season, but last week, he gashed the Red Raiders for 156 yards and 3 touchdowns on only 15 carries.
All of the pressure is on Colorado, so I would expect a similar free-and-easy approach from Gundy and Co. The Pokes could also be ultra-aggressive in fourth-down situations, significantly impacting the total.
The defense is a disaster. Still, just know that the Pokes have not quit yet, and I expect another solid offensive performance.
Colorado Buffaloes Betting Preview: Simple As This
For the Buffaloes, it's as simple as this:
Colorado, Iowa State, Arizona State Win and BYU loss= Colorado vs. Arizona State in the Big-12 Championship.
AND
Texas Tech, Cincinnati, and Baylor win Colorado vs. Iowa State in the Big-12 Championship.
There are many working pieces here, but the Buffalos need help to make it to the title game. All Colorado fans will be rooting against BYU, as they are the most significant factor in whether or not they have a shot at still making the title game.
There are some critical injuries to monitor against the Pokes, and unfortunately, offensive lineman Phillip Houston appears out for the year after suffering a knee injury. He has been excellent for the Buffs' protection, and their questionable offensive line has now been downgraded.
The Buffs offense may also be without WR Jimmy Horn, which is something to monitor closer to kickoff. Regardless, the offense has a terrific matchup against a terrible Pokes defense, so there should be a lot of opportunities to put up points on the board.
Deion Sanders realizes what is on the line for his team, and given how flat they looked at Arrowhead last weekend, I would expect a fired-up effort from his squad. The Buffs certainly have the motivational edge here, but there are many points to lay, even at home.
There are still questions about the defense's ability to stop the run, and given their injury situation, I fear they could be exposed once again.
Oklahoma State vs Colorado
Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Oklahoma State and Colorado match up statistically:
Oklahoma State Offense vs. Colorado Defense
Offense | Defense | Edge | |
Rush Success | 92 | 51 | |
Line Yards | 98 | 49 | |
Pass Success | 40 | 40 | |
Havoc | 25 | 25 | |
Finishing Drives | 37 | 35 | |
Quality Drives | 93 | 59 |
Colorado Offense vs. Oklahoma State Defense
Offense | Defense | Edge | |
Rush Success | 78 | 101 | |
Line Yards | 113 | 124 | |
Pass Success | 29 | 115 | |
Havoc | 96 | 108 | |
Finishing Drives | 32 | 76 | |
Quality Drives | 63 | 111 |
Pace of Play / Other
PFF Tackling | 127 | 63 |
PFF Coverage | 120 | 32 |
Special Teams SP+ | 85 | 104 |
Middle 8 | 89 | 6 |
Seconds per Play | 24.0 (12) | 25.8 (41) |
Rush Rate | 44% (117) | 41% (130) |
Oklahoma State vs Colorado Pick & Prediction
The Buffs' defense is a much superior unit, even with their injury situation, but last week gave me a lot of concern for the matchup. The Pokes' defense does nothing, so the Buffs' offense has a prime bounce-back opportunity, no pun intended.
I love the over at the current number of 65.5, and that is the best betting approach to the matchup. The Pokes' offense looked rejuvenated last week against the Red Raiders, and I love Gordon's matchup on the ground.
The Buffs' secondary has been stingy, and their defensive line has created consistent pressure most of the year. Still, given the injury situation, I am not sure they can replicate that similar success.
The Pokes passing attack ranks above the 83rd percentile in Explosiveness and EPA/Pass. Remember, those numbers are from a mixed bag of Alan Bowman and Garret Rangel.
Smith looked comfortable last week, and I like the offense's upside with him under center. Gordon should also expose the Colorado run defense, which showed last week that it is extremely prone to explosive plays on the ground.
Gundy and Co. have nothing to lose. The offense may show up to Boulder with a bag of tricks. The extra aggressiveness will help the total, especially if the Pokes turn the ball over on downs deep in their territory.
The Buffs realize they need to win, and I have faith in their offense to expose the horrific Pokes defense. The Buffs' offense should make many explosive plays, and I expect the Pokes to build on their performance from last week.
Pick: Over 65 (-110, bet365)
Oklahoma State vs Colorado Start Time, Channel, Streaming, How To Watch
Location: | Folsom Field, Boulder, CO |
Date: | Friday, Nov. 29 |
Kickoff Time: | 12 p.m. ET |
TV / Streaming: | ABC |
Oklahoma State vs Colorado State will be played at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, on Friday, Nov. 29 at 12 p.m. ET. You can stream the game live on ABC.