As the Oklahoma State Cowboys prepare to face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Friday evening, expectations are high as both teams look to break recent losing streaks. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys, who currently hold a 1-1 record, are heavy favorites in this matchup, having not lost to Tulsa in the last 10 meetings.
Game Overview
Oklahoma State enters this game after a humbling 69-3 defeat against Oregon. Meanwhile, Tulsa has struggled, falling 42-23 to Navy last week, which has left them with a 1-2 record overall and 0-1 on the road this season. The Cowboys have a recent history of success against Tulsa, leading their all-time series 44-27-5.
According to the latest odds, Oklahoma State is favored by 11.5 points, with an over/under set at 54.5 points. Betting sites like DraftKings have provided updated lines reflecting these trends as the game approaches.
Player Analysis
For Oklahoma State, the performance of redshirt freshman quarterback Zane Flores will be pivotal. In his first outing this season against Tennessee-Martin, Flores completed 13 of 20 passes for 136 yards, providing a glimpse of his potential. He is known for being a dual-threat quarterback, having excelled in high school with impressive stats that saw him throw for over 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns while also rushing effectively.
The Cowboys’ running game will also rely on redshirt sophomore Kalib Hicks, who has carried the ball 35 times for 119 yards this season. Though not explosive, Hicks represents a steady force in the ground game that Oklahoma State hopes can help move the chains effectively.
On the other hand, Tulsa’s Situation
The Golden Hurricane’s quarterback situation remains somewhat uncertain due to a concussion suffered by sophomore Kirk Francis. If he cannot go, freshman Baylor Hayes is expected to take the reins again, after a solid performance where he threw for 189 yards and one touchdown against Navy. This transition could prove crucial for Tulsa’s offensive strategy as they face the Cowboys’ defense.
Tulsa’s running back, Dominic Richardson, has emerged as a key player for the Golden Hurricane, particularly in the rushing attack. He boasts an average of 5.6 yards per carry thus far, with two touchdowns in three games. His ability to break through Oklahoma State’s defensive line could be necessary for Tulsa to control the game tempo.
Expert Predictions and Trends
College football expert Gene Menez, known for his 9-3 record in college football predictions, has made a sound analysis for this particular matchup. Menez leans towards betting the under on the total points, citing a critical X-factor that may significantly influence how the game unfolds. Historical performance trends and current form suggest that while Oklahoma State has struggled lately, they still maintain a talent advantage in this matchup.
On the betting front, with the spread at 11.5 points, it could be enticing for bettors who believe that Oklahoma State can exploit Tulsa’s weaknesses, especially if they can contain Richardson and pressure whoever starts at quarterback for Tulsa. The over/under of 54.5 points means that a strong defensive showing, combined with offensive inconsistency, could lead to a lower-scoring affair.
Conclusion
As the countdown to Friday’s game continues, both Oklahoma State and Tulsa have much at stake as they seek to resurrect their seasons in Week 4 of the college football schedule. Oklahoma State’s history against Tulsa provides them with confidence, but recent form adds an element of uncertainty to the prediction landscape.
Before making any final decisions on bets or predictions for this game, fans and bettors are advised to consult expert analyses and keep abreast of any last-minute injury updates or team news. With a compelling matchup on the line, this game could set the stage for each team’s trajectory as they move further into the 2025 college football season.
