Like the two teams in the 2009 World Series odds, No.3 Texas was a preseason favorite to head to the BCS version of the World Series. The Longhorns will head to Stillwater to face No.14 Oklahoma State, who haven’t beaten the Longhorns since 1997, but have a great chance to play spoiler, as well as grab pole position in the Big 12 South.
Texas vs Oklahoma State Odds - Saturday, October 31, 8:00 PM ET
The Longhorns (7-0, 4-0) had their best performance of the year, by far, in a 41-7 rout of Missouri on the road, as Colt McCoy completed his first 11 pass attempts en route to a 26-of-31 performance, throwing for 269 yards, three touchdowns and a pick. The Texas defense, which is now second in the country behind Florida, held the Tigers to 173 yards and they also forced two turnovers. The Longhorns finally showed why they were the pick of many online sports betting players before the season, and if they’re just starting to hit their stride, Texas will be a tough team to overcome in January.
The Cowboys (6-1, 3-0) rolled to a 34-7 win at Baylor, and Zac Robinson was 23-of-27 for 250 yards and three touchdowns to lead the way. Many thought that Robinson would suffer without All-American receiver Dez Bryant, who was suspended by the NCAA after three games, but he’s averaged 236.2 yards since losing Bryant, tossing seven touchdowns against two picks. The defense has improved since they gave up 45 points against Houston in the second game of the season, and they held the Bears to 284 yards.
The Longhorns are favored by 8.5 points in your offshore sportsbook on the road, as they’ve won 11 in a row over the Cowboys and 21 of 23 overall in the series. Defense will be the name of the game on Saturday night under the lights in Stillwater, as both are much improved on that side of the ball. But McCoy has more dependable weapons than Robinson, and the Texas defense can get a lot of pressure on the quarterback. Everyone has been talking about Florida and Alabama this year, but this could be the week Texas steps into the picture more clearly.
NCAA football predictions: Texas -8.5
