TCU vs. Oklahoma State Preview

No. 8 Oklahoma State Cowboys

It's a battle of the unbeaten Big 12 teams in Texas during the Week 7 NCAA football slate. Oklahoma State has been lighting up scoreboards behind the play of senior quarterback Spencer Sanders, who has been electric so far this year for the Cowboys. Not only that, but he's a true dual-threat playmaker, posting a 6-to-1 touchdown to interception ratio with an additional six rushing touchdowns. It hasn't all been Sanders that has contributed to this dynamic offense. RB Dominic Richardson is a quality player that is leading the Cowboys' backfield rushing attack, while a deep wide receiving corps has allowed the offense to rank inside the top five in the nation.

While the offense is impressive, the defense may be the most important group to evaluate when betting this game. Oklahoma State held a very good Texas Tech passing offense somewhat in check in Week 6, but they still allowed 379 passing yards and two touchdowns. The Cowboys lost their defensive coordinator to Ohio State in the offseason, so they are still trying to get used to playing in a new defensive system, but we have seen some progress. They are the definition of a bend don't break defense.

Oklahoma State plays in a lot of high scoring affairs, but really, that's most of the Big 12. Defense has long been optional in this conference, but the Cowboys may have one of the better units. One thing we know for sure is that the offense is going to score points, and that shouldn't be threatened when they travel to take on TCU in Week 7.

No. 13 TCU Horned Frogs

Oklahoma State and TCU are very similar teams in a lot of ways. Each offense is averaging 46.4 points per game while holding opposing offenses under 25 points per game. Both teams are the only remaining undefeated programs in the Big 12 after six weeks, so this should be a very even matchup. TCU opened up its season with a soft schedule and only beat SMU by eight points in their third game. There was some doubt about how legitimate they were after that, but a 55-24 rout of Oklahoma was the first signature win for first-year head coach Sonny Dykes. He helped turn SMU around during his five seasons with the Mustangs, and now he looks to do the same thing with the Horned Frogs. They followed that win up with a 38-31 win over a ranked Kansas team, who has developed into a serious football program after being known as just a basketball school.

QB Max Duggan has been clutch for TCU, and his late game-winning TD against the Jayhawks in Week 6 was a perfect example of how he continues to get the job done for a high-flying offense that can go stride for stride with the Cowboys. The defense also profiles very similar to Oklahoma State's. TCU's defense had actually been very solid in the passing game until Kansas ripped them up with 351 passing yards and four touchdowns through the air. They are good against the rushing attack, allowing 3.7 YPC on the season and limiting opposing offenses to under 360 total yards of offense in three of their games. There is no doubt that Oklahoma State will give them their greatest challenge yet, and they will need to find their way again before they meet up with this offense.

Overall, TCU has been right on par with Oklahoma State, and the point spread reflects that.

My Prediction

With a total as high as 68.5 at most sportsbooks, the 3.5 point spread is a very dangerous proposition to take. However, I am willing to take it here and lay the points with TCU. I think the Horned Frogs are the better team overall, and I haven't liked what I've seen from the Cowboys as of late. This is an insanely high total, and I'm almost tempted to take the under on principle, but I think I'll pass the total in the game.

I'll take TCU -3.5, or see if you can get a -3 at some point.